Ronda Rousey defeated Gina Carano with her signature armbar just 17 seconds into their comeback fight, marking Rousey’s emphatic return to the ring and her retirement from MMA after a celebrated career. Rousey, 39, emphasized her desire to leave unscathed, stating, “I didn’t want to hurt her,” and described the match as a beautiful display of martial arts.
The fight began with Rousey immediately tackling Carano, leading to a swift finish. Rousey, with a 13-2 record, noted the outrageousness of such a quick finish, especially after nearly a decade away from the sport, due to her family’s presence. Carano, who hadn’t fought in 17 years, expressed joy despite the rapid end, acknowledging Rousey’s skill and strategy.
This match reunited two influential figures in MMA; Rousey was a pioneer for women in the UFC, while Carano helped bring legitimacy to the sport as a headliner in the late 2000s. After the bout, both fighters celebrated together, with Carano reflecting on the unique experience and expressing respect for Rousey.
The event, held at the Intuit Dome, was Netflix’s first live MMA broadcast. Rousey insists this will be her final fight, while Carano remains open to future matches, with her promoter expressing interest in more opportunities for her. Carano acknowledged the challenge of returning after such a long hiatus but was pleased to participate in a significant fight.
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