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Gina Carano admits she longed to face Ronda Rousey in the UFC following calls with Dana White
TL;DR
Gina Carano expressed her desire to fight Ronda Rousey in the UFC after discussions with Dana White. Both fighters are set to headline an upcoming MVP MMA event on Netflix.
Key points
- Gina Carano wanted to fight Ronda Rousey in the UFC.
- MVP MMA's first event will launch on Netflix.
- The event is scheduled for May 16.
- Francis Ngannou and Nate Diaz will also fight.
Mentioned in this story
MVP MMA
Gina CaranoRonda RouseyFrancis NgannouNate Diaz
Photo by Hans Gutknecht/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images
Gina Carano had hoped to make her UFC debut as part of her return to MMA.
On May 16, MVP MMA will launch their first event on Netflix, with Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano set to headline the card.
Francis Ngannou and Nate Diaz are also scheduled to fight, marking their own comebacks to the sport in a co-main event slot.
Recently, Rousey has been outspoken against the UFC, criticising both their upcoming White House event and their approach to fighter pay.
Photo by Hans Gutknecht/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images
Carano wanted to make her MMA comeback with the UFC
Carano never fought in the UFC during her career, even though there were early discussions with Dana White about a potential matchup with Rousey.
And as she prepares to step back into the cage, Carano admitted she had hoped her return would happen inside the Octagon. However, Rousey wasnât interested in going that route, and Carano was happy to follow her lead.
âYeah, I really wanted to do the UFC and make that walk,â Carano told The Ariel Helwani Show. âBut I think that Ronda led the way. I donât know (how close it got), that would be between Ronda and Dana. She led the way 1000%, I just said yes.â
Carano spoke with UFC officials several times last year about a possible fight against Rousey after the former bantamweight champion made it clear Carano was the only opponent sheâd consider.
White and Carano discussed holding the fight in December 2025, and Carano was on board. But it didnât come together because Rousey had other plans.
Q&A
Why did Gina Carano want to fight Ronda Rousey in the UFC?
Gina Carano longed to face Ronda Rousey in the UFC as part of her return to MMA, indicating a strong competitive interest.
When is the MVP MMA event featuring Carano and Rousey scheduled?
The MVP MMA event featuring Gina Carano and Ronda Rousey is scheduled for May 16.
Who else is fighting at the MVP MMA event alongside Carano and Rousey?
Francis Ngannou and Nate Diaz are also scheduled to fight at the MVP MMA event, marking their comebacks to the sport.
