(Video) Ronda Rousey’s Sharp Striking Ahead of Historic Comeback Against Gina Carano Goes Viral

UFC legend Ronda Rousey shakes off the rust while hitting pads ahead of upcoming MMA return against Gina Carano.

(Video) Ronda Rousey’s Sharp Striking Ahead of Historic Comeback Against Gina Carano Goes Viral

Ronda Rousey returns to training (via MMA Fighting)

In Short
  • Ronda Rousey is set to make her comeback against Gina Carano on May 16 under Most Valuable Promotions.
  • She has released new training footage showcasing her sharp striking and focused preparation.
  • Rousey previously retired in 2016 due to concussion-related issues but has since sought treatment and support for her condition.

Ronda Rousey became the first woman signed to the UFC at a time when many fans were barely aware women’s MMA existed on a major stage. She quickly transformed into a global icon through dominant title defenses before stepping away in 2016. Now preparing for a return against Gina Carano, ‘Rowdy’ has released new training footage that appears sharp and focused ahead of the scheduled bout.

Rousey last competed in the UFC in 2016, suffering the second loss of her MMA career when she was knocked out in the first round by Amanda Nunes. That decisive defeat ended her active run and led to an extended absence from professional competition. In the years that followed, doubts surrounded a potential return to active competition, but concrete comeback plans did not materialize until now.

Now 39 years old, Rousey is officially set to return against Gina Carano on May 16 under the banner of Most Valuable Promotions at the Intuit Dome. As preparations intensify, she has released new footage of herself hitting the pads and sharpening her combinations inside the gym. The session includes work alongside former Strikeforce and Bellator fighter AJ Matthews as she trains for the upcoming bout.

Carano built her reputation during the early days of women’s MMA, competing in high-profile bouts that brought visibility to the division. She last fought in 2009, when she was stopped by Cris Cyborg in a Strikeforce title fight, and she never competed inside the UFC Octagon. After her fighting career, Carano transitioned into acting, taking roles in major film franchises such as Star Wars and Fast and Furious.

Rousey is widely recognized as a key figure in the rise of women’s MMA. She became the inaugural UFC women’s bantamweight champion in 2013 and defended the title six times, defeating the likes of Miesha Tate, Cat Zingano, and Sara McMann. Before joining the UFC, she held the Strikeforce bantamweight championship. Rousey also won a bronze medal in judo at the 2008 Beijing Olympics before transitioning to MMA.

When the fight was first announced, speculation arose about a perceived divide between Ronda Rousey and the UFC, fueled by her long absence from competition. However, UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed his full support for Rousey and wished her luck. The training footage demonstrates a former champion shaking off the rust impeccably and provides a clear glimpse of her readiness for a return.

Ronda Rousey reveals how she overcame concussion issues ahead of return

Ronda Rousey has faced a history of concussion-related issues that affected her MMA career and contributed to her 2016 retirement. During her active years, she experienced symptoms including headaches, visual disturbances, and disorientation following heavy strikes in competition. These neurological reactions intensified after consecutive fights and raised concerns about brain health.

Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey (via Los Angeles Times)

Rousey’s concussion-related issues played a major role in her decision to retire from MMA in 2016, as the symptoms began affecting her daily life and training. Dana White was among the first to notice the severity of her condition and recommended she seek professional evaluation. She underwent a comprehensive checkup at a Cleveland clinic, where specialists conducted neurological assessments.

What he thinks is happening is that I’m not actually getting a concussion every single time that this is happening. He thinks it’s setting off what’s called ‘Migraine Aura,’ where you just lose big chunks of your vision, and it’s called cortical spreading depression… Just recently, we’ve been able to find something that I can take that’s preventative that will hopefully be able to resolve this issue for me. It’s life-changing.

Ronda Rousey via The Jim Rome Show

Rousey admitted she entered UFC 193 against Holly Holm already affected by a concussion, which contributed to her first-round loss. She confirmed the issue publicly, explaining the neurological symptoms she experienced before and during the fight. Medical evaluations since then have clarified her condition and guided treatment. This acknowledgment shows how past injuries influenced her career.

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