TLDR
- Sean Strickland called the Rousey vs. Carano fight ‘pathetic’ and dismissed it as a bout between ‘two washed up ladies’
- Ronda Rousey will return to MMA after nearly 10 years to face Gina Carano on May 16 at Intuit Dome
- The fight headlines Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions’ first event, streaming live on Netflix
- Rousey last fought in 2016, while Carano has been retired from MMA since 2009
- The matchup has divided fans and media on whether the comeback fight is legitimate or just spectacle
Sources: MMA Junkie | Sherdog | MMA Fighting | Yahoo Sports
UFC middleweight Sean Strickland has blasted the upcoming fight between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, calling it irrelevant and unworthy of attention. The outspoken fighter took to social media to mock the matchup after the official announcement.
Strickland questioned who would care about watching two women fight after long retirements from the sport. He referred to the bout as a fight between “two washed up ladies” and labeled it a “circus act” unfit for serious MMA fans.
The harsh criticism comes as Rousey prepares to return to mixed martial arts for the first time in nearly 10 years. She will face Carano on May 16 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
The fight will headline the first professional MMA event promoted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions. Netflix will stream the event live worldwide, marking a major crossover moment for MMA broadcasting.
Two Pioneers Return to the Cage
Rousey, 39, last fought in December 2016 when she lost to Amanda Nunes by first-round knockout. Before that devastating loss, she had been one of the sport’s biggest stars.
She became the first woman signed by the UFC in 2013 and dominated as the bantamweight champion. Rousey successfully defended her title six times and won 11 of her first 12 professional fights in the first round.
After leaving MMA, Rousey joined WWE in 2018 and became a three-time world champion. She was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame the same year.
Carano, 43, has been away from MMA even longer than Rousey. Her last fight was in 2009 when she lost to Cris Cyborg in a Strikeforce title bout.
She left the sport with a 7-1 record and built a successful acting career. Carano appeared in films like Haywire, Fast & Furious 6, and Deadpool, and starred in The Mandalorian TV series.
Fans and Media Divided on Fight
The bout will take place at 145 pounds under the full Unified Rules of MMA. Both fighters will compete in a five-round fight wearing standard 4-ounce gloves inside a hexagon-shaped cage.
Rousey expressed excitement about the matchup in a statement to ESPN. “Me and Gina Carano are gonna throw down in the biggest super fight in women’s combat sport history,” she said.
She praised the partnership with Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix. “This is for all MMA fans past, present and future,” Rousey added.
Despite Strickland’s harsh words, many fans view the fight as a dream matchup between two pioneers. Both women helped bring mainstream attention to female fighters at a time when few people watched women’s MMA.
The fight has sparked debate about whether comeback bouts from retired fighters serve the sport. Some fans are excited to see two legends return, while others share Strickland’s skepticism.
Strickland’s comments have added controversy to an already talked-about event. The UFC fighter is preparing for his own upcoming bout while continuing to voice his opinions on social media.
The May 16 event will test whether nostalgia and star power can draw massive viewership on Netflix. Both Rousey and Carano have been away from competitive fighting for years, with Carano ending a 17-year retirement.
