Ronda Rousey to Face Gina Carano: Financial Terms Drive New Deal with Netflix and MVP

Ronda Rousey is making a highly anticipated return to fighting after nearly a decade away. This comeback, however, will not be under the UFC banner.

The former women’s bantamweight champion has officially partnered with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix. She is set to fight Gina Carano on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

This event marks Netflix’s first-ever MMA card, managed by Most Valuable Promotions.

UFC Negotiations: A Missed Opportunity

Rousey revealed that she initially approached UFC CEO Dana White about staging the fight with Carano within the octagon. However, these discussions ultimately failed to reach an agreement.

At UFC Houston, White addressed Rousey’s decision to return outside the promotion. He confirmed that he and Rousey had been discussing a potential fight since last year, but it "didn't work out." White conveyed positive sentiments towards both Rousey and Carano despite the outcome.

The Financial Sticking Point

Rousey later clarified that financial terms were the pivotal reason for the breakdown in UFC negotiations. She stated that discussions began as early as 2025, prior to the UFC's significant transition from ESPN to Paramount. This shift also included the elimination of the traditional pay-per-view model.

Rousey initially believed an agreement with White would have secured her highest-ever earnings.

However, once the pay-per-view model was removed at the start of 2026, the UFC reportedly declined to guarantee her purse. This led Rousey to explore and secure alternative opportunities for the fight.