Ronda Rousey’s dominant reign as UFC women’s bantamweight champion abruptly concluded at UFC 193. After holding the title for over three years, a decisive head kick from Holly Holm knocked her unconscious in Melbourne, Australia.
It was announced on February 17, 2026, that Rousey would make her highly anticipated return to mixed martial arts, facing Gina Carano on May 16, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Rousey, now 39, last competed in December 2016, while Carano, 43, hasn’t fought since August 2009.
When asked about the intriguing matchup, Holm offered her expert analysis without definitively picking a winner. “I believe the fighter who best adheres to their strategy will emerge victorious,” Holm stated. “Gina hasn’t competed in a significant period, yet she is no stranger to high-profile events. She pioneered female main events on cable television, so she has experience with the spotlight. The same can be said for Ronda.”
“Ronda has been a champion and an Olympian for a reason; she’s invested immense effort. Her primary skillset makes her incredibly formidable. Gina will need to prevent Rousey from executing her best game plan, and she is certainly putting in the work. We’ll also see Ronda’s form upon her return. I think we’ll get a clear indication of where each fighter stands as soon as the first punches are thrown.”
Holm herself is scheduled to challenge Stephanie Han for her WBA boxing lightweight title in a rematch set for May 30 in El Paso, TX. Following this bout, Holm expressed openness to an MMA contest against the victor of the Rousey-Carano showdown.
