“Striking Still Not Good” – Ronda Rousey Open Workout Ahead of Gina Carano Showdown Sparks Negative Reactions

“Striking Still Not Good” – Ronda Rousey Open Workout Ahead of Gina Carano Showdown Sparks Negative Reactions

Ronda Rousey at open workouts (via Bleacher Report, Yahoo Sports)

In Short
  • Ronda Rousey is set to return to MMA after a 10-year absence, facing Gina Carano on May 16.
  • Critics have highlighted Rousey's ongoing struggles with striking and boxing techniques during her recent open workout.
  • The upcoming fight is viewed as a significant event in women's MMA, marking a potential closing chapter in Rousey's influential career.

Ronda Rousey is often termed one of the biggest pioneers in mixed martial arts, especially for shaping women’s MMA. UFC CEO Dana White has credited her as a trailblazer behind the globalization of the UFC and its rise to global audiences. She is now preparing to return under the MVP banner after a 10-year absence from competition. Rousey also recently showcased her training at the inaugural open workouts.

Rousey last competed in MMA at UFC 207 in 2016, where she was knocked out by Amanda Nunes in a bantamweight title fight. Following that loss, she retired from professional MMA. Her return was later confirmed as she prepares to face Gina Carano under Most Valuable Promotions. The bout is scheduled for May 16 at the Intuit Dome and has been positioned as one of the biggest MMA cards in recent times.

Rousey and Carano have both remained active participants in all events leading up to fight night, including press conferences and media interviews. The Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano open workouts were held at the outdoor basketball courts in Venice Beach, California, during fight week. Rousey was also seen sharpening her boxing skills under head coach Ricky Lundell during the session.

Rumors around Rousey’s comeback circulated widely before the Carano fight was officially announced, with many believing she was being lined up for a boxing bout against Katie Taylor, which ultimately did not materialize. Once the Carano fight was confirmed under Most Valuable Promotions, ‘Rowdy’ quickly returned to MMA training, focusing on her striking through sharp bag drills and pad work sessions.

There were also rumors linking Rousey to a potential return at the UFC White House card, but she dismissed any involvement when asked. She later criticized the UFC Freedom Fights 250 lineup, suggesting it lacked scale and major star power. She instead backed the MVP MMA card as a stronger, more globally scalable event with better overall presentation and promotional structure.

While Ronda Rousey is not known for strong boxing or striking fundamentals, her base remains elite-level grappling and world-class experience. She is an Olympic bronze medalist in judo, a rare achievement that helped establish her as one of the most influential pioneers in women’s MMA. Her comeback narrative continues to be shaped by that elite judo pedigree, which remains the foundation of her fighting identity.

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Fans react to Ronda Rousey’s open workout footage ahead of Gina Carano showdown

Ronda Rousey’s striking and boxing has often been criticized within the MMA community, with many pointing to clear technical gaps in her stand-up game. However, she made her name through elite grappling, finishing 9 of her 13 MMA fights via armbar and building a dominant submission-based career. That ground game defined her championship rise and early UFC success.

Ronda Rousey returns to training
Ronda Rousey returns to training (via MMA Fighting)

Fan reactions to her recent open workout have largely focused on those same limitations, often highlighting struggles in striking exchanges and defensive exchanges on the feet. Many discussions contrast her early dominance, built on judo entries and grappling pressure, with how those tools became less effective at higher levels. This has remained a consistent talking point around her comeback.

Ronda Rousey is now 39 years old and approaching what is expected to be the final fight of her MMA career. The bout is being viewed as the closing chapter of a highly influential career in women’s MMA. Her legacy remains anchored in her submission dominance and her long-term impact on the sport’s growth.

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