Ronda Rousey Retires After Quick Victory Over Gina Carano
Ronda Rousey has officially retired from MMA after submitting Gina Carano in just 17 seconds with an armbar at MVP MMA 1 held on Saturday at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. Rousey, the former UFC bantamweight champion with a record of 13-2, announced this would be her final fight following her swift victory.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better ending,” Rousey stated in her post-fight interview. “I want to have more children, and it’s time to get started.”
The rapid outcome surprised many, as Rousey, after a decade away from MMA, executed a double-leg takedown within three seconds, mounted Carano, and secured the armbar effortlessly, almost like it was 2013. The dynamic nature of the fight left spectators astonished, as Carano tapped almost instantly, concluding the bout before many fans were even comfortably seated.
Rousey Celebrates Carano’s Impact
Another unexpected moment followed the match—Travis Browne, Rousey’s husband, jumped into the cage for an emotional embrace with her. Rousey then directed her focus to Carano, expressing heartfelt gratitude. “Gina is the reason I got into MMA,” Rousey shared. “She brought me back to this sport when no one else could. You changed my life, and I will always remember that.”
This moment exemplified the rare camaraderie between two athletes who played pivotal roles in shaping women’s MMA. Carano made history in 2009 by headlining the first major women’s MMA event against Cris Cyborg, while Rousey took that foundation and transformed it into a global phenomenon. This match marked their first face-off in the octagon, symbolizing a reunion of two trailblazers.
A Decade Away
Rousey’s last MMA fight occurred on December 30, 2016, when Amanda Nunes defeated her in just 48 seconds at UFC 207. After this match, Rousey vanished from the sport, transitioning to WWE and focusing on family life. Many fans, particularly those who followed her from her Strikeforce days, were left disappointed by the abrupt end to her career.
However, this fight provided a chance at redemption, as Rousey secured her iconic armbar finish on her own terms, outside of the UFC, under the banner of Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions. Rousey’s extraordinary career includes nine armbar victories across Strikeforce and the UFC, six consecutive title defenses, and an Olympic bronze medal in judo, marking her impact on a generation of female fighters.
Carano’s Reaction and Future
Despite the loss, Carano, who had missed over a decade of competition, expressed her desire to fight again. She conveyed her disappointment at the quick outcome, as she had prepared extensively over the past year. Carano had undergone a significant body transformation to compete at the 145-pound featherweight limit. Rousey acknowledged the effort, stating, “I told her, ‘I respect you and I’m breaking your arm.’ It felt magical.” Both women’s legacies continue to shine brightly within MMA.
