Additional Coverage:
Gina Carano is set to headline Jake Paul’s inaugural MMA event with Most Valuable Promotions this weekend, taking on former UFC star Ronda Rousey in the main event.
Carano’s MMA career includes eight professional fights, all before the UFC established a women’s division. She retired in 2009 following her only defeat-a loss to Cris Cyborg in Strikeforce-after an impressive 7-0 run across Strikeforce and Elite XC.
Since stepping away from fighting, Carano has built a successful acting career, appearing in major franchises like Marvel’s Deadpool, Fast & Furious, and Star Wars, including a notable role alongside Pedro Pascal in The Mandalorian. She portrayed Cara Dune in the first two seasons but did not return for the third season or the upcoming film.
Before Rousey’s rise, Carano was widely regarded as the face of women’s MMA. Now 44, she is poised to face Rousey, who last fought professionally in 2016.
Rousey, a dominant UFC champion, retired early after losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, then spent six years in WWE. Reports suggest Rousey had talks with UFC president Dana White about a return to MMA to face Carano, with discussions about a possible bout at a planned White House event falling through.
Jake Paul’s promotion stepped in to make the fight the weekend’s headline attraction.
In addition to the Carano-Rousey clash, the event will feature former boxing rivals Nate Diaz and Mike Perry facing off, along with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou taking on Philipe Lins. The card will also include Robelis Despaigne, once seen as a future UFC champion, making his return after being released following two losses.
Carano’s net worth is estimated at around $4 million, though her earnings from this fight have yet to be disclosed. The event marks a significant moment in MMA, bringing together two of the sport’s most recognizable female fighters for a highly anticipated showdown.