Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano Lasts 17 Seconds; Both Pioneers Earn Seven Figures in Disclosed Payouts

Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano makes good money despite the short-lived nature of their bout at MVP's first MMA card on Netflix.

Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano Lasts 17 Seconds; Both Pioneers Earn Seven Figures in Disclosed Payouts

Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano after their fight (via Netflix)

In Short
  • Ronda Rousey defeated Gina Carano in just 17 seconds with an armbar submission.
  • Rousey earned $2.2 million for the fight, while Carano received $1.05 million.
  • Both fighters shared an emotional moment post-fight, highlighting their mutual respect and history.

It looks like Ronda Rousey is still in good form despite spending nearly ten years away from professional MMA competition. The former UFC champion made short work of Gina Carano during their MVP MMA headliner bout on Saturday night. Rousey secured another rapid submission armbar victory before announcing her second and potentially final retirement from mixed martial arts competition.

The fight ended almost immediately after Rousey aggressively closed the distance and forced Carano backward following the opening bell. Rousey quickly secured a takedown before transitioning directly into her trademark armbar submission attempt against the former Strikeforce star. Carano briefly resisted the hold before the referee officially stopped the contest, only 17 seconds into the opening round.

As soon as Rousey secured the armbar, it was clear Carano had tapped out, and the fight was over. Carano quickly got back to her feet as both women shared a long embrace in the cage afterwards. Rousey later said she wanted an early finish because her children and husband, Travis Browne, were watching cageside. Carano also embraced coach John Wood and husband Kevin Ross after the emotional moment.

Gina is the person who brought me into MMA. She’s the only person who could’ve brought me back into MMA. She’s my hero, man. You brought me back home when nobody else could. You showed me where home was when nobody else could. You changed my world, and we changed the world, and I will never be able to pay you back enough. I’m so glad we finally got to share this moment.

Ronda Rousey via MVP MMA Hexagon interview

Carano returned to MMA almost 17 years after her previous professional bout. She last fought in 2009, suffering a knockout loss to Cris Cyborg in Strikeforce. That defeat ended her early elite run and marked her exit from top-level competition. After MMA, Carano transitioned into acting and became a Hollywood figure. She popularly appeared in The Mandalorian and the Fast & Furious franchise.

Rousey’s return came after a long absence from MMA following her 2016 knockout loss to Amanda Nunes. That defeat marked her final UFC appearance before stepping away from competition and entering a long hiatus from the sport. Her comeback ended years of speculation about a possible return to fighting. She has also dismissed any plans of competing at the upcoming UFC White House event.

Ronda Rousey earned the highest payout on the MVP MMA 1 card, taking $2.2 million for her win over Carano, who earned $1.05 million. Francis Ngannou received $1.5 million after knocking out Philipe Lins, who earned $100,000. Mike Perry collected $400,000 for his TKO win over Nate Diaz, who earned $500,000. The event used flat purses with no win bonuses and $40,000 minimum payouts per fighter.

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Ronda Rousey reveals UFC CEO’s heartwarming gesture ahead of Gina Carano fight

Ahead of her return under the MVP MMA banner, Ronda Rousey has criticized the UFC over fighter pay and restrictive contracts, claiming athletes are underpaid relative to event revenues and limited by contract terms that reduce negotiating freedom. She also called out UFC CBO Hunter Campbell, accusing him of having major influence over fighter negotiations and contract structures within the promotion.

Dana White talks about Ronda Rousey's return
Dana White talks about Ronda Rousey’s return (via MMA Mania)

However, White has continued to receive positive remarks from ‘Rowdy’. She said she initially wanted to return under the UFC banner, but claimed negotiations fell short. Rousey suggested this made her believe control over key contract decisions had shifted away from White. She also revealed White texted her on the morning of her return fight against Gina Carano with a supportive message.

He texted me this morning wishing me luck and saying he hopes Gina and I kill it. I told him how much it meant to hear that from him. He’s been an incredible friend to me, and honestly, I’m here because of him. I’ll always be grateful, and I really appreciate him giving me his blessing to go out and do this on my own.

Ronda Rousey via MVP MMA press conference

In past discussions, Dana White has always spoken highly of Ronda Rousey and her impact on the sport. He has often credited her as a key factor in the UFC’s global growth and the rise of women’s MMA. Rousey’s success helped bring new audiences to the promotion and elevate women’s divisions worldwide. Overall, her legacy remains closely tied to the UFC’s expansion and the growth of women’s MMA.

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