INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — When Ronda Rousey finally returned to the mixed martial arts cage after 9 1/2 years, she wasted no time in securing another victory, stopping Gina Carano with an armbar just 17 seconds into their highly anticipated double comeback bout Saturday night.
After defeating the 44-year-old Carano with a performance reminiscent of her prime, the 39-year-old Rousey confirmed that this match serves as the final chapter in her illustrious MMA career, stating her intention to retire following this dominant win.
Rousey showcased her signature finishing move with a speed and ferocity that harkened back to her earlier days in the sport. She expressed her desire to avoid causing harm to her opponent, stating, “I was hoping to come out as unscathed as possible. I didn’t really want to hurt her. Luckily it was beautiful martial arts, that’s what I think that was. It was art.”
Rousey (13-2) charged at Carano immediately after the opening bell, quickly transitioning into her renowned armbar. Carano, who had not competed in 17 years, was taken aback by the speed of the finish, but both fighters shared a moment of camaraderie afterward, raising each other's arms in a gesture of mutual respect.
Despite the quick conclusion of the fight, Carano remained positive, saying, “I wanted that to last longer. I felt so ready. I’ve never felt that good. But I haven’t been here for 17 years ... and I wanted to hit her.” This bout brought together two icons of MMA history, highlighting their significant contributions to the sport.
Rousey gained international fame as the first women's champion in the UFC, a title that helped elevate women's MMA. Her interest in the sport was initially sparked by Carano, who was instrumental in bringing attention to female fighters during the sport's formative years in the late 2000s.
Rousey stepped away from MMA following two consecutive losses, while Carano transitioned into acting after her first defeat. After having two children and contemplating a return to competition, Rousey set her sights on a match with Carano, whose acting career faced challenges due to controversial social media posts in 2021.
Carano expressed her excitement about the opportunity to return to the cage, utilizing her training to overcome various health issues she faced in recent years. “Getting in here after 17 years was a victory,” she remarked. “Fighting a legend was a victory. I feel great. But she trained. She had her game plan. I have so much love and respect for her.”
The event, held at Intuit Dome, marked Netflix's first live MMA broadcast, as the platform continues to expand its footprint in combat sports. While Rousey reiterated that this would be her final fight, Carano indicated that she remains open to future bouts, and promoter Nakisa Bidarian expressed interest in featuring her again.
“I think 17 years (off) was a lot,” Carano noted. “(Being) 44 is a lot. But I’m going to go look at this. I didn’t get anything out I expected to get in this fight.”
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