Ronda Rousey Dominates Gina Carano in 17-Second Comeback Victory

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Mixed martial arts icon Ronda Rousey emphatically marked her return to the cage on Saturday night, defeating fellow pioneer Gina Carano via armbar submission a mere 17 seconds into their high-profile double comeback fight. The bout, held in Inglewood, California, saw Rousey, 39, deliver a performance reminiscent of her dominant prime before confirming her intention to retire from the sport on a high note.

The contest pitted two of women's MMA's most significant figures against each other after extended absences. Rousey had been away from active competition for 9.5 years, while Carano, 44, was stepping back into the octagon after a remarkable 17-year layoff. The swift finish provided a definitive conclusion to a highly anticipated event that brought together two athletes whose careers deeply influenced the sport's growth.

A Rapid Return to Form

From the opening bell, Rousey showed no signs of ring rust, immediately charging Carano and initiating a takedown. She quickly transitioned to secure her notorious armbar, forcing the stoppage just moments into the first round. The ferocity and efficiency of the finish echoed the "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey who dominated the bantamweight division during her initial UFC run, often winning fights in under a minute.

Post-fight, Rousey expressed satisfaction with the outcome. “I was hoping to come out as unscathed as possible,” she stated. “I didn’t really want to hurt her. Luckily it was beautiful martial arts, that’s what I think that was. It was art.” When asked if she considered prolonging the fight, given the years of anticipation, Rousey laughed, responding, “Hell no. My husband and my kids are watching me. I don’t want to put them through anything more than I have to.”

Carano's Long-Awaited Return

Despite the quick defeat, Gina Carano appeared in good spirits, embracing Rousey and sharing warm words after the fight. Carano, whose career as an actress was disrupted in 2021, had used her training for the comeback as a means to overcome recent health challenges. “I wanted that to last longer," Carano admitted. "I felt so ready. I’ve never felt that good. But I haven’t been here for 17 years … and I wanted to hit her.”

Carano acknowledged the significance of her return, regardless of the result. “Getting in here after 17 years was a victory,” she said. “Fighting a legend was a victory. I feel great. But she trained. She had her game plan. I have so much love and respect for her.” Her participation marked one of the longest layoffs ever seen in professional sports, making her willingness to compete notable in itself.

Pioneers of Women's MMA

The double comeback bout was a historic moment, uniting two fighters who individually paved the way for women in mixed martial arts. Carano's athleticism and star power in the late 2000s helped legitimize the nascent sport, drawing significant television audiences. Rousey, in turn, became a global superstar and the UFC's first women's champion, directly leading to the promotion's decision to embrace female fighters. Rousey herself cited Carano as her initial inspiration to pursue MMA.

Both fighters had moved on from the sport – Rousey after consecutive losses and Carano to an acting career. Rousey’s decision to return was motivated by a desire to end her career on her own terms, specifically targeting a fight with Carano. The event was also notable as the first live MMA show streamed on Netflix, signaling the platform's increasing foray into combat sports.

Key facts

The Future for Both Fighters

Ronda Rousey reiterated that this fight would be her final professional MMA appearance, allowing her to conclude her storied career with a dominant victory. Her legacy as a trailblazer and one of the sport’s most recognizable figures is firmly cemented.

For Gina Carano, the future remains less certain. While she hasn't closed the door on further competition, she acknowledged the challenges of her age and extensive layoff. Promoter Nakisa Bidarian expressed interest in having Carano fight again, suggesting that her return, despite the result, still holds interest for the MMA community. The impact of this fight extends beyond the cage, showcasing the enduring appeal of these two groundbreaking athletes and their contributions to the sport.

Fuente: Sportsnet, https://www.sportsnet.ca/mma/article/ronda-rousey-stops-gina-carano-with-an-armbar-17-seconds-into-their-double-comeback-bout/