WATCH: Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano share emotional hug as they fight back tears inside cage after MMA return; check viral video

Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano MMA Fight: Ronda Rousey made a thunderous return to mixed martial arts on Saturday (May 16), dismantling fellow trailblazer Gina Carano in their long-anticipated non-title clash in Los Angeles. The former UFC champion needed only 17 seconds to secure victory, locking in her trademark armbar to end the bout in emphatic fashion.

Rousey, in her first mixed martial arts fight in nearly a decade, secured her trademark armbar submission within seconds to defeat Carano. The 39-year-old wasted no time when the fight began at the Intuit Dome in the first MMA card ‌staged by Jake ⁠Paul's ⁠Most Valuable Promotions.

Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano fight back tears

After the fight, Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano shared an emotional moment inside the cage, embracing in a show of mutual respect. The two exchanged a warm hug as they fought back tears, underscoring the significance of their long-awaited clash.

Rousey credits Carano for her MMA return

"Gina is the person who ⁠brought me ‌into MMA, she's the only person who could have brought me back into MMA," a delighted Rousey said in her post-fight interview before addressing her ⁠opponent, as quoted by news agency Reuters. "You brought me back home ... you changed my world, and we changed the world. And I will never ever forget, and I will never be able to pay you back enough. I'm so glad we finally got to share this moment."

Carano was disappointed that the bout ended so quickly, but after more than a decade and a half out of the cage as she built an acting career, she said that just making it to the fight was an achievement. "I ‌wanted that to last longer. I felt like I was so ready. I felt so good. I've never felt that good, but I haven't been here for 17 years, so I ⁠mean, I wanted to. I wanted to hit her," she said.

"You feel a little unfulfilled, just because you didn't get a chance to at least show the world what you've been working on, you know. I'll probably feel that later. Right now, getting in the cage was a victory. Getting here after 17 years is a victory."

Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano: Match Highlights

Rousey wasted no time against the 44‑year‑old Carano, swiftly transitioning into position for her trademark armbar. The submission forced Carano to tap almost immediately, with the alternative being a serious injury to her arm.




The move, long synonymous with Rousey’s dominance as UFC bantamweight champion, proved unstoppable, even for Carano, who was returning to competition after a 17‑year absence and knew exactly what was coming.

ALSO READ: Watch how Ronda Rousey demolished Gina Carano in under 20 seconds as she returns to MMA after almost a decade; viral video inside