Jake Paul’s Bold Move
Jake Paul isn’t one to let former fighters fade away quietly, and he truly embodies the spirit of “old age battling at the end of its time.” With his Most Valuable Promotions, he surprised the MMA community by announcing a major fight between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, set for May 16, 2026, in Los Angeles. This announcement has certainly stirred envy among fans of 2014 MMA, as it marks a significant event a full decade after it would have been considered the biggest women’s fight in MMA history.
The Significance of the Match
Even if your immediate reaction was to type “WTF?” seeing these two names together carries a weight that transcends the years. This match, scheduled for five rounds, has the potential to reshape women’s MMA. If Gina Carano hadn’t paved the way in the early 2000s, Ronda Rousey might not have emerged in the 2010s, and without Rousey, the UFC’s current landscape could be drastically different.
A Special Legacy
The impact of these fighters has provided thousands of women with opportunities in the sport. They have helped transform MMA, showcasing the potential for women’s fighting, and Rousey’s reign equaled the cultural weight of Conor McGregor. Together, they elevated the sport’s value, which contributed to Zuffa’s $4.2 billion sale to WME-IMG in 2016.
Questions of Relevance
Despite the years between their prime performances, a Rousey-Carano fight remains a high-profile event. However, it raises questions about whether such bookings of past legends can lead to disappointing spectacles. Interestingly, this fight falls under Jake Paul’s promotion rather than the UFC’s, demonstrating the latter’s role in elevating both fighters’ careers.
The State of the Fighters
While Carano hasn’t fought since 2009 and Rousey last competed in 2016, their legacies are undeniable. Rousey’s last fight ended with a quick defeat against Amanda Nunes, leading her to retreat from competitive fighting. Fans are left questioning her motivations for this comeback, especially with concerns surrounding her previous injuries and skill limitations.
Past Controversies Resurface
It’s important to note the controversies surrounding both fighters. Carano faced backlash for social media comments, while Rousey has a mixed reputation stemming from how she exited the sport. However, as with many things in fighting, past grievances can often be overlooked for the sake of spectacle.
Conclusion: A Fight a Decade in the Making
Rousey-Carano represents a match we never anticipated, occurring a decade late. The question remains: is it better late than never? Most Valuable Promotions seems to think it knows the answer, even if fans are skeptics about the appropriateness of this long-anticipated showdown.
