Tag: Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey responds to Becky Lynch’s comments about pursuing MMA career 

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Former WWE star Ronda Rousey responded to a social media post highlighting Becky Lynch’s comments considering a transition to MMA during their rivalry.

Lynch made the statement during an appearance on Stephanie McMahon’s What’s Your Story? Podcast. Rousey responded to an Instagram post highlighting Lynch’s admission after a beatdown during their rivalry. Lynch had added that the thought only lasted for a week. 

“Lmao what she doesn’t realize is that I was very very nice to her,” Rousey wrote. 

The two were engaged in an intense rivalry featuring Charlotte Flair in 2019 which led to their historic first-ever women’s main event at WrestleMania 35. 

Rousey arrived in WWE in 2018 at the height of Lynch’s meteoric rise as ‘The Man’. The two emerged as the company’s top stars and became prominent names across the roster. However, they never feuded in a singles match despite the tension between them in the ring.

They were anticipated to clash in a non-title champion vs. champion match at Survivor Series in 2018. The bout was scrapped after Lynch suffered a severe concussion and broken nose on the final Raw before the Premium Live Event that year. Although their rivalry continued in the following months, WWE never revisited the initial planned one-on-one encounter. 

Ronda Rousey explains why pro wrestling ‘just not doable’ for her anymore

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Though open to the idea of another one-off appearance, Ronda Rousey is pretty much done with professional wrestling.

Rousey told Up & Adams this week that, despite having an open invite from Tony Khan, she does not have any plans for a pro wrestling return. She expanded on those comments during a new interview with Fox News Digital, saying that even a part-time pro wrestling schedule is “just not doable” for her anymore. Being on the road is not something Rousey is willing to do while she and husband Travis Browne raise multiple children.

“I think, just, we’re trying to have another kid now and all this stuff. That lifestyle, being on the road and wrestling, it’s just not conducive at all to having multiple kids,” she said.

“We were able to make it work for a little while. It’s just not doable anymore. I could be open to doing some things if it works out and it’s local. We’re looking to move to Hawaii, and it would be kinda cool to open a little school.”

Ronda Rousey’s AEW Revolution appearance —

Rousey had fun while making a surprise appearance at AEW Revolution in Los Angeles back in March, where she took part in an angle with her friend Marina Shafir and Toni Storm. Showing up at the pay-per-view gave Rousey the chance to promote her MMA return, but there were never any plans for her to have a match for AEW.

 “I didn’t get to do anything at all because I was in training camp and all these people were like, ‘Oh, is Ronda gonna do a match?’ I’m like, I’m in training camp. You guys are crazy,” she told Fox News Digital. “I’m not going to be doing any matches while in training camp… I love Toni Storm, I love Marina, and it was fun to be there for Marina’s first pay-per-view match as well. I didn’t want to take away from their moment but maybe put a little bit of a spotlight on it and a little bit of a nudge to my upcoming fight.”

Her May 16 fight against Gina Carano was a successful one, but Rousey says she is once again retired from MMA and won’t be coming back for another bout.

Ronda Rousey addresses Tony Khan’s AEW open-door invitation

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Though the door is open for an AEW return if she wants it, Ronda Rousey doesn’t have any plans to get back into professional wrestling.

Rousey, in the middle of promoting her MMA comeback fight, showed up at AEW Revolution in Los Angeles this March for an angle where she helped out her friend Marina Shafir. On a media call last week, Khan was asked about Rousey’s AEW status and said he would welcome her back any time. Rousey addressed that open-door invitation during an appearance on Up & Adams, saying she had a great time at Revolution but isn’t intending for wrestling to be part of her future.

“No, that life of being on the road is probably more time consuming than doing training camp at home,” Rousey said. “I had a great time, but it just happened to be in town and my best friend was there, you know what I mean?”

Rousey had two separate in-ring runs with WWE before stepping away from the company in August 2023. She did work a few tag team matches with Shafir outside of WWE after that, including a November 2023 bout for Khan in Ring of Honor. Shafir, who was one of the Four Horsewomen of MMA with Rousey, is a member of the AEW women’s division and part of the Death Riders.

For Rousey, the appearance at Revolution was an opportunity to hype up her MMA return, give a “f*** you” to TKO, and have fun with Shafir. Rousey described the AEW environment as being like a “less restrictive, more adult version of WWE.”

No plans for another MMA return either —

Rousey’s quick victory over Gina Carano headlined Netflix’s first-ever live MMA card on May 16. With this always intended to be a one-off comeback, Rousey reiterated in the Up & Adams interview that she is retired, even with Holly Holm open to a rematch of their 2015 fight. Rousey did tell Up & Adams that she is a different fighter now and would “clean [Holm’s] clock” if they matched up again.

MMA fighter who beat Ronda Rousey would be ‘open’ to rematch

Posted on by Jake Skudder

Ronda Rousey recently defeated Gina Carano on the first ever MVP MMA card on Netflix. Despite Rousey saying that she is now retired from combat sports, there are still offers out there for her to get back into the cage at some point.

Speaking to MMA Fighting ahead of her boxing match against Stephanie Han this Saturday, Holm discussed her win over Rousey and Rowdy’s 17-second defeat of Carano at the Netflix MVP event:

“Yes, a lot of talk with the Ronda fight. I highly doubt she’ll ever want a rematch. I always have said since the minute the last fight was over, I’ll always rematch her. That’s always been available. But she wanted to come back and have this win and go back and enjoy and have a win like that. No hate from me. I hope she does well. I hope she does whatever she wants with her life. That’s her life. I’d always be open to fight her again.”

Ronda Rousey vs Holly Holm Rematch

Holm also noted that her win over Rousey was so big just because of how dominant Rousey was in the division up to that point:

“The whole reason why me beating her was such a big deal is because she was so dominant. You have to have a dominant champion in order to have a big upset. So I have all the respect for her and to her. I’ll never say anything negative. But then there’s like the fighter pride of things and a win is great but also to try to win that good or put that much of a stamp on something, anybody would be lying if they said they weren’t proud of it.”

FAQ and Context

Is Rousey really retired now?

Rousey told Ariel Helwani before the fight that the Carano bout would be her last and that she’s done with competition, saying she wants to have babies and grow her family.

Will there be a Rousey vs Holly Holm rematch?

Holm says the door has been open on her side since the night of their first fight, she’d “always rematch her,” in her words, but she doubts Rousey wants the return.

What happened in the original Rousey vs Holm fight?

Holm knocked Rousey out at UFC 193 in November 2015, ending Rousey’s run as the dominant champion of the women’s bantamweight division. It’s still considered one of the biggest upsets in MMA history.

When is Holly Holm’s next fight?

This Saturday, in a boxing match against Stephanie Han. Holm built her combat career in boxing before her switch to MMA.

Nikki Bella impressed by Ronda Rousey’s appearance and performance in MMA return fight 

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Nikki Bella had nothing but praise for Ronda Rousey’s physique going into her bout against Gina Carano on May 16. She admitted that Rousey’s MMA appearance left her wanting to see more from her former WWE rival. 

In an interview with USA Today Sports, Bella praised Rousey’s MMA return and performance. She marveled at Rousey’s sharp and impressive physique. The Hall of Famer noted that she looks forward to more from Rousey. 

“I think, you know, my initial response was like, wait, it’s done. But the one thing I will say is it left me wanting a lot more from Ronda. She looked incredible. I mean, she looked so amazing that I want to see her now on more fights. You know, I’m all about nostalgia. So no matter what it was, I love that those two women got into that octagon and did what they did. But I will say the shape that Ronda Rousey’s in, I mean, she’s a year postpartum. That’s incredible. I want to see more from her. I know, you know, as now she’s saying she’s going to have more babies and that was it. But she, even in those 17 seconds, Ronda looked like she didn’t miss a beat.” 

Bella remarked on Logan Paul’s WWE efforts as well, especially after his back and forth with Tom Brady ahead of WrestleMania 42. 

“I know everyone else got whatever by it, but I like Logan Paul a lot, and I think what he does for our industry is great, and so when I see stuff like that, I’m like, this is great. This is amazing. Like, you know, and it made me laugh because, you know, I am a diehard Eagles fan.”

Bella is currently out of in-ring action due to an ankle injury in March. Paige replaced her in the Women’s Tag Team Title match at WrestleMania. She is hopeful to make a return in June and possibly participate at Night of Champions. 

Tony Khan would love to have Ronda Rousey back in AEW

Posted on by Josh Nason

Ronda Rousey famously made a surprise appearance at March’s AEW Revolution to confront Toni Storm which resulted in a pullapart confrontation — one that was never followed up on.

AEW head Tony Khan has made it clear he would still love to have the MMA and one-time pro wrestling star back anytime, answering a question about Rousey’s AEW future on a media call this week.

“I’ve enjoyed working with her in Ring of Honor and having her at AEW Revolution. Anytime she wants to come back to AEW, she’s welcome,” Khan said, acknowledging that Rousey is focused on her family.

Rousey returned to MMA last weekend for the first time in a decade, defeating fellow veteran Gina Carano in 17 seconds as part of Netflix’s first-ever MMA event.

In an interview to hype the fight, she was asked about the AEW appearance, saying it was a “little bit of a f*ck you to TKO” of which she is not a fan of current leadership. She wrestled for WWE for two different runs with the first more well received than the second.

It’s unclear, and was not asked, if there were plans for a Rousey vs. Storm match. Storm is currently on a leave from the company for an undisclosed reason.

After the Carano fight, Rousey said she was done fighting and wanted to have more kids. If she is to return to AEW or ROH, where she had one tag team match, Khan is ready for her.

“I would love to have her anytime when she’s available to fight in AEW. She’s one of the great names in combat sports and someone who is great presence anytime she is here in AEW,” he said.

WOR: Dynamite, Collision, SNME, Double or Nothing, more!

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Dave Meltzer is in Hawaii but that does not stop this man! We’re back to talk all the wrestling news including Dynamite and Collision this week, the AEW PPV on Sunday, SNME, everything you ever wanted to know about Ronda vs. Gina ratings, the Mexico update, and tons more! A packed show as always so check it out~!

Timestamps:
Start: Phil Hickerson passes away
6:25: Ludwig Kaiser/El Grande Americano arrested on battery charges, Dave’s thoughts on Brock Lesnar’s return
10:46: Enzo Amore possibly coming back to NXT & Big Cass rumors, WWE town hall notes
13:39: Dave’s extensive thoughts on the Ronda Rousey/Gina Carano fight & numbers
37:41: CMLL notes
45:11: AEW Dynamite & Collision recap, Double or Nothing lineup
1:10:57: WWE NXT notes

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Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano was ‘most watched MMA event ever in the U.S.’

Posted on by Josh Nason

This past Saturday’s first-ever MMA event on Netflix featuring the return of Ronda Rousey after nearly a decade drew substantial viewership.

The streaming giant and MVP Promotions issued a dual statement Tuesday, announcing that “over 12.4 million viewers around the world tuned in live on Netflix with viewership peaking at almost 17 million during Rousey vs. Carano, making it one of the most-watched MMA events of all time.”

They also claimed that in the U.S., the main card averaged 9.3 million viewers with a peak of 11.6 million for the main event. That would exceed the UFC on Fox one hour debut show that peaked at 8.8 million with a 5.7 million average for Cain Velasquez vs. Junior dos Santos.

The main card saw an average per minute audience of 12.4 million for Live+1 globally, attributed to VideoAmp, G&C and Netflix. The other stats were not directly attributed to the same sources.

MVP also stated their live gate at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles was $2.2 million.

“We’ve received an overwhelming amount of interest from investors, strategic partners, and fighters who want to be involved with MVP and the future of MVP MMA. We are currently reviewing all strategic options to do something very meaningful within MMA on a go-forward basis with a distribution partner like Netflix that shares our vision to create lasting impact,” MVP co-founders Jake Paula and Nakisa Bidarian said in the release.

Rousey defeated Carano in 17 seconds in the main event, headlining a show that also featured former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou and fan favorites Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry.

WOL: Ronda vs. Gina, Baron Corbin, Smackdown, more!

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Filthy Tom Lawlor is back with tons to talk about including the potential return of Baron Corbin and how he could be used, the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano show, Smackdown from Friday night, plus all the frivolity you expect. A fun show as always so check it out~!

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TKO exec addresses UFC passing on Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano: ‘More of a stunt than a meaningful MMA event’

Posted on by Josh Nason

TKO head Mark Shapiro is now on the record regarding why the UFC passed on the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano fight that aired on Netflix this past Saturday.

Speaking at the JP Morgan Global Technology, Media and Communications Conference Monday, Shapiro said the reason UFC passed on Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano was it “more of a stunt than a meaningful MMA event” and one he thought wasn’t good for the sport after how it played out.

“(Netflix) wants big spectacle events and they saw this as a big spectacle event. We’re in the true MMA business on a meaningful, consistent basis. When we looked at this potential matchup, keep in mind there’s a real art and skill to matchmaking….The answers (he & Ari Emanuel) got back (from Dana White & Hunter Campbell) were that fight will be over in 20 seconds,” he said.

“I don’t believe a fight like that, just the way it played out, is really good for MMA especially because it’s Netflix and such an incredible global audience…that is going to sample, depending on what comes up on the front page, to go to that fight and think that’s what MMA is, I don’t believe is good for the sport long term. “We saw it that way and decided to pass on it,” while adding he didn’t want to take anything away from Rousey, her win, or the viewers the broadcast got.

There wasn’t much in the way of WWE news coming out of the 30-minute conversation other than Shapiro putting over ESPN in how they are promoting PLEs and that they are looking forward to when YouTubeTV finishes their authentication process with ESPN Unlimited. That was reported as hopefully being completed in August or September.

He did say that “We’ve added some cards for NXT because we we think have a couple stars that are about to pop and we want to give them more stage time, if you will.” Based on last week’s announcement about WWE house shows returning this summer, it appears more than likely he meant young talent called up from NXT that need more in-ring work on the main roster, hence the house shows.

TKO remains bullish on the Middle East for events, saying their partners want more events and “want to show the world they are still open for business.”

He talked about how title fights on UFC numbered events make them distinct from Fight Nights, signaling to consumers that it’s “something different” and that Paramount’s ad spends reflect that as well. When it comes to the PPV era, he said, “We’re past that” and want to be accessible to the broadest audience possible.

They are continuing to plan for UFC Freedom 250 and how it will be a big week for them with corporate partners and such. Attendance is going to be at 4000 people: 2900 White House and TKO guests and 1100 military members and their families. He did point out that U.S. president Donald Trump is a WWE Hall of Famer.

Overall, they are looking to get to $400 million in TKO site fees (what they call financial incentive packages”) due to a “pretty clear-cut strategy” in that they have premium content that is in demand and that “there needs to be government and private financial incentives that reflect the economic and cultural impact we bring to these cities and regions.”

B&V: Smackdown, Collision and Rousey vs. Carano!

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

The Bryan & Vinny Show is back with tons to talk about including thoughts on three big shows, the Smackdown with Royce Keys vs. Gunther in the main event number-one contender’s match, Collision with Darby defending against versus Sammy Guevara, and Ronda Rousey’s fight with Gina Carano! A fun show as always so check it out~!

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WOL: You’re wrong about Rousey vs. Carano & I was wrong about Darby Allin

Posted on by Josh Nason

For the first time in nearly three months, Josh Nason has returned to the microphone for the Sunday Wrestling Observer Live, filling in for Andrew Zarian.

And what a fitting time to fill in as Josh returned to his MMA writing & talking roots following Saturday’s inaugural (?) MMA show on Netflix featuring Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano after a combined 27 years of inactivity.

Josh debunks some of the bad faith narratives that emerged after the show and gave his thoughts on the highs and lows.

He then delves into the latest with AEW including the Double or Nothing card a week away from the show, this Wednesday’s killer card for the combo Dynamite/Collision show in his old hometown, and why he admits he was wrong about the Darby Allin AEW World title run.

All that and a bit more awaits at no charge.

You can listen (no sub needed) on our site, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

WOR: Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano recap, AEW & WWE weekend news

Posted on by Garrett Gonzales

Dave Meltzer and I are back with Wrestling Observer Radio.

Paul Fontaine joined us to discuss the first MVP MMA show on Netflix featuring Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano in the main event.

Dave and I also talked about:

  • AEW Collision & Dave’s thoughts on Darby Allin vs. Sammy Guevara
  • Double or Nothing ticket sales
  • Mick Foley and Barry Blaustein
  • Royce Keys vs. Gunther
  • Lawsuit updates
  • WWE house shows
  • Randy Orton and Baron Corbin

Click here to listen (sub needed) or watch on YouTube (video sub needed)

Ronda Rousey scores fast finish over Gina Carano in MMA return

Posted on by Josh Nason

With a combined 27 years of MMA inactivity, former UFC crossover star and champion Ronda Rousey and former Strikeforce champion/actor Gina Carano turned back time for the first ever MMA card on Netflix Saturday.

And on a main card full of quick finishes, the main event was the quickest with Rousey defeating Carano in just 17 seconds after hitting a double leg takedown and then transitioning to her signature armbar for the quick tap.

It was the third fastest finish of Rousey’s pro career (14 seconds vs. Cat Zingano, 16 seconds over Alexis Davis).

Before any bonuses or other arrangements, Rousey earned $2.2 million while Carano earned $1.05 million per the California State Athletic Commission.

Afterward, Rousey continued to put over Carano strongly for influencing her but still has no interest in returning to fight again as she wants to have more kids. Carano said she felt good and wanted the fight to go longer. She didn’t close the door on a potential return, joking she should have been matched up with a striker.

The event took place at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles with the visually sparse attendance a subject on social media throughout the night, something that some attributed to the lights in the seats.

For an in-depth report on the entire card, please read Paul Fontaine’s full recap.

Rousey vs. Carano main card results & notes

  • In the co-main event, Mike Perry defeated Nate Diaz by second round TKO when Diaz’s corner, led by legendary cutman Jacob “Stitch” Duran, called it off between rounds due to several big cuts on Diaz’s head that saw him bleed profusely as the fight went on.
  • Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou made quick work on a main card full of quick fights, dispatching Philipe Lins by first round knockout. He was asked about fighting Jon Jones someday as Jones was in attendance and both he and Jones seemed to admit that will likely never happen. A fight with Jake Paul was teased, but Ngannou didn’t seem super interested in it. The Conor McGregor/Max Holloway UFC fight was announced as Ngannou was heading to the cage.
  • Salahdine Parnasse defeated Kenneth Cross by first round TKO in a great performance for Parnasse.
  • Robelis Despaigne defeated former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos via first round knockout to open up the main card.

Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano on Netflix live results: Two legends return to the MMA cage

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

For the first time ever, Netflix will hold an MMA event as they continue their relationship with Jake Paul’s MVP promotion.

The headliner features former UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey returning to action for the first time in nearly a decade against former Strikeforce lightweight champion Gina Carano, fighting for the first time in 17 years. It will likely be the final bout for both women.

The co-main event will see former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou battle former UFC fighter Philipe Lins.

In a high-profile fight between two fan favorites, Nate Diaz returns to the MMA cage against Mike Perry who transitioned from MMA to bare knuckle fighting to raise his profile.

The rest of the main card features Salahdine Parnasse vs. Kenneth Cross at lightweight and former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos against Robelis Despaigne.

Our live coverage kicks off with the main card at 9 pm Eastern.

**********

Former UFC Welterweight champion Tyron Woodley is on the analyst desk along with Ariel Helwani. Cain Velasquez is interviewed cageside before the first fight featuring his long time rival Junior Dos Santos and he doesn’t think it will go long. 

Mauro Ranallo and Kenny Florian are the play by play team for this card. 

Junior Dos Santos (21-10) vs Robelis Despaigne (5-2) – Heavyweights

JDS out to “Gonna Fly Now” from Rocky. Gets a nice response from the late arriving crowd. JDS comes in on a 5 fight losing streak, having lost won in 2019. Despaigne lost his last two UFC fights before being cut in 2024 and this is his first fight back. Frank Trigg is the referee. 

Despaigne rocks JDS with his first few shots. JDS makes an impact with a hard leg kick. JDS drops him with a leg kick. Despaigne lands a nice punch combo to the head and follows up with an uppercut. Great punch combo and a head kick by Despaigne and JDS is reeling. He’s busted open and bleeding from the mouth. Despaigne knocks him out cold with a beautiful combo. 

Winner – Robelis Despaigne (6-2) by KO at 2:59

Ariel Helwani interviews Despaigne after the fight. Asks if he will stay in MMA now after leaving in 2024 or go back to karate. Calls out Francis N’Gannou but says he’d like to do both. He also wants a bonus for the knockout and Ariel tells him to talk to “Jake” (Paul). 

Salahdine Parnasse (22-2) vs Kenneth Cross (17-4) – Lightweights

Cross is training partners with Gina Carano, who fights later tonight in the main event. Parnasse is a 2 division champion of KSW in Poland and comes in on a 4 fight win streak. Cross has also won 4 straight but lost his only fight for a major promotion, in Bellator, in 2023. Jason Herzog is the official for this fight. 

Parnasse immediately catches a kick and takes Cross down but he gets right up. They fight for control on the cage before Parnasse takes him down again. Cross up fairly easily. Both guys landing wild strikes after they separate. Cross stuffed on a takedown attempt. Parnasse takes him down again and lands some ground and pound. Takes the back and working for a rear naked choke. Parnasse flattens him out with punches. Cross is turtling and the ref warns him to fight back. Cross to his feet but still eating a lot of punches. Parnasse mixing in strikes to the head and body and Cross goes down clutching his liver and the ref stops it. 

WInner – Salahdine Parnasse (23-2) by TKO at 4:18

That was the first knockout loss of Cross’ career. Parnasse interviewed after the fight and talks in both English and French. Says he’d be willing to box or fight MMA and just wants another fight in this company. Was asked if he felt pressure for this fight and he said he didn’t because he feels he’s the best fighter in the world. Is asked who he’d like to fight next and says “anyone, anytime”. Then says Diaz or Perry. 

One of the promoters was interviewed by Helwani. Says he’s pleased with the show so far. Will not commit to doing another show. Asked if he’ll try to convince Ronda to fight again and he says she’ll always have a place with MVP either as a fighter or promoter. 

Francis Ngannou (18-3) vs Philipe Lins (18-5) – Heavyweights

Lins comes in on a 4 fight win streak in UFC, but hasn’t fought since March 2024. Ngannou is being billed as the linneal heavyweight champion, having left UFC as champion in a contract dispute. He is on a 6 fight win streak in MMA. Herb Dean is the referee. 

Ngannou throwing a lot of kicks early. Lins with a takedown attempt and Ngannou takes his neck. Gives the choke up quickly. Both guys having good success with leg kciks. Ngannou sprawls out of a takedown attempt and gets Lins on his back. Lands some ground and pound before Lins ties him up. Lins up but Ngannou stalking him with punches. Lins lands a nice hope shot. Ngannou up 22-3 in strikes landed 3 minutes in. Seems to be tiring already. Ngannou starting to work the body in the clinch. They separate with 45 seconds left. Ngannou knocks him out cold. 

Winner – Francis Ngannou (19-3) by KO at 4:31

Ariel interview Ngannou after the fight. Says he respects Lins, who was tougher than he thought. Says this was a reminder of just who he is. Says he wasn’t worried about cage rust. It’s an instinct that’s always in him. Ariel asks about Robelis Despaigne. Said he had a good knockout. They are both in the running for performance of the night and they are on a collision course. Jon Jones was watching and Ariel points him out at the analyst desk. Says Joes is a great fighter but he has something to learn about business. Said this fight needs to happen before they retire. But it has to be here. Said that Jake Paul is just a blah blah guy and he doesn’t respect him. He’s glad he found someone to run the business side. Says Jones is tied up but Paul isn’t and if he wants him next. Says if he’s grown up, then maybe. Asks Jake about it. Crowd gives him the loudest boos of the night. Says he’ll fight him. They’re here to get fighters paid more and to get them watched more than people in the UFC. Says he’ll box him, doesn’t seem to want to fight him. Ngannou closes saying he’s the best heavyweight in the world, period while Jon Jones smiles from the desk. 

Woodley and Jones talk on the desk. Jones says he’s trying to get out of his UFC contract. Wants to fight Francis and since Dana won’t make the fight it’s got to happen here. Jones says Francis fought a light heavyweight tonight but he looked good. Woodley says that he should get Netflix to pick up the legal tab to get him out of his UFC contract. Jones is asked about the main event. Says that Ronda is the main reason he’s here. He’s close friends with her and think she’ll do amazing tonight. Also says that Gina is the reason Rousey was able to do what she did and puts her over as the most important woman in the history of MMA. Jones closes by saying he’s officially retired. He’s asked about Ronda and Gina coming back after being retired and he says “well they don’t have arthritis and I do”. 

Mike Perry (14-8) vs Nate Diaz (21-13) – Welterweights 

Perry is fighting MMA for the first time since 2021 where he lost his last two fights in UFC. He last won over Mickey Gall in June 2020. Diaz won his last UFC fight in September 2022 over Tony Ferguson and has gone 1-1 in boxing matches since then. He gets the loudest pop of the night so far for his walkout. Mike Beltran is the ref.

Perry all over Diaz early. Diaz trying to clinch up. Diaz takes him down but Perry takes top position. Perry landing ground and pound. Diaz working a sub from his back. He’s got Perry’s legs all tied up. Loud DIAZ chants from the crowd. Perry gets up and forces Nate to follow. Perry starting to work the body. both guys looking tired. Perry lands a knee to the body and Diaz seems to be in real trouble. Diaz covering up his body which opens up the head.  Diaz starting to fight back with 2 minutes left. Diaz is busted open with a cut over his right eye. Diaz firing back with hard jabs. Perry cut open now beside his nose. More DIAZ chants. Diaz takes the back standing but Perry quickly takes control> Elbows to the head to close the round. 10-9 Perry

Mauro brings up that Diaz would like a rubber match with Conor McGregor which is interesting since his return fight for UFC was just announced for July 11. Perry looking really good early in the 2nd, landing a lot of punches standing. Perry mixing in elbows to the head and punches to the body. Diaz still firing back. Perry is definitely looking most tired although Diaz’ face is covered with blood. Perry takes his back standing. Tries for a choke and that allows Diaz to escape. The blood is dripping into Diaz’ eyes, which is bothering him. Perry throws Diaz to the matt and then follows up with punches to the head. Diaz throws up an armbar but Perry escapes easily. Perry backs off, forcing Diaz up. He gets up very slowly. He’s now bleeding from the back of his head as well. The blood is really getting bad and this could be stopped after the round. Diaz needs the cage to hold him up at points. Perry continuing to stalk him. Perry drops him to close the round. 10-8 Perry but this could be over. 

The fight is indeed stopped between rounds. 

Winner – Mike Perry (15-8) via corner stoppage at 5:00 of Round 2

Ariel Helwani interviews Mike Perry. Says he got tired from hitting Diaz so much. Puts him over as being tough and has no quit in him. Says they did their job. Crowd cheered Diaz and booed him. He’s thankful for the opportunity given by Netflix and MVP. Ariel asks him if he’s disappointed for not winning emphatically, which was kind of a dumb question and Perry says it was emphatic. Couldn’t have been more definitive than that. He calls out Conor McGregor and the fans cheer that. He asks for an MMA fight with Jake Paul and Jake is up for that. Paul beat him in a boxing match. Says cardio wasn’t an issue tonight because he didn’t get to the championship rounds. He’s asked if he’ll stick with MMA now. Says he’s an all around fighter and great in the clinch so seems up to another fight. 

He talks to Diaz as well. Congratulates him on a valiant effort. Says Perry did everything he was expecting. Broke his finger two minutes in. Says he’ll come back and get Perry and even says he’ll take out Paul and Helwani. He congratulates Perry on a good fight and says the stoppage was warranted. Perry seems up for another fight. 

CM Punk was interviewed at cageside. He’s picking Ronda Rousey to win by armbar. Celebrities shown at ringside include James Cameron, David Spade, Tommy Lee and Michael Irvin. 

Main Event – Gina Carano (7-1) vs Ronda Rousey (12-2) – Featherweights

Rousey out to “Bad Reputation” and gets a mixed reaction from the crowd. This is Gina’s first fight since losing to Cris Cyborg in Strikeforce in August 2009. Ronda is fighting for the first time since December 2016, having lost her last two UFC fights. Big John McCarthy is the referee. 

Ronda takes her down immediately. Gina with a guillotine attempt. Ronda with an armbar and it’s over. 

Winner – Ronda Rousey 13-2) via armbar submission in 17 seconds

Ariel interviews both ladies in the cage. Compares it to Cat Zingano in this same city. Ronda says Gina brought her in and is the only person who could’ve brought her back. She’s in tears. “You changed my world and we changed the world”. Ronda thanks MVP and Netflix and says the fans in the building and at home give this show value. They’re here to fight for the fans. She says she was hoping it would go like it did. She didn’t want to hurt Gina. Ariel asks if she wanted more time and Ronda says “hell no!”. Thanks her family and coaches and training partners for getting her here. Says that Gina is her hero and thanked her for bringing her home. Ariel asks if we could see more of Ronda in a cage. Ronda says this was the perfect ending and she wants to go have babies now. 

Gina says she wanted it to last longer. She’s never felt that good in the cage. Says that just getting back in the cage was a victory. She is disappointed because she wanted a fight and didn’t really get it. Says she lost 100 lbs and probably added years to her life because of it. Ariel asks if she wants to keep doing this. Being away 17 years and being 44 years old is a lot. She’ll talk about it with her family. Says you never know. Maybe she should’ve matched up against a striker.

Jake Paul says we will definitely see more MVP MMA. Says they’re taking over MMA and Dana White better be prepared.