Ronda Rousey & Gina Carano Face Extensive Medical Testing for MMA Return

Extensive Medical Testing Planned for Rousey-Carano MMA Comeback

Inglewood, California – Former UFC champion Ronda Rousey and Strikeforce standout Gina Carano are set to undergo a rigorous battery of medical and neurological tests ahead of their highly anticipated mixed martial arts (MMA) bout on May 16th at the Intuit Dome. The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) announced the enhanced testing protocols, citing the extended period of inactivity for both fighters and concerns surrounding potential long-term health risks, particularly regarding concussions. This fight, streaming live globally on Netflix, marks a significant foray into the sport for Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP).

The matchup, billed as a “superfight” by Rousey herself, represents a return to the cage for both athletes after considerable time away from competition. Rousey, 39, hasn’t fought professionally since her loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207 in December 2016. Carano, who will be 44 at the time of the fight, last competed in August 2009 in a Strikeforce bout against Cristiane “Cris” Justino. The extended layoff has prompted the CSAC to implement more stringent medical evaluations than typically required for combat sports athletes.

The decision to mandate comprehensive testing stems, in part, from Rousey’s own public disclosure of a history of concussions. During an Instagram Live appearance two years ago while promoting her memoir, “Our Fight,” Rousey revealed she had concealed previous concussions sustained during her judo career and early MMA fights, fearing it would jeopardize her ability to continue competing. She expressed concern that acknowledging these injuries could have led to her being sidelined. This revelation has understandably heightened scrutiny regarding her neurological well-being prior to her return to the sport.

Heightened Scrutiny and Neurological Assessments

According to CSAC executive director Andy Foster, the testing will be extensive. “We’re going to put her through neurological and concussion battery testing and make sure she’s OK,” Foster stated. “We’re going to have our doctors take a look. The fighters are going to have to do a lot of medicals, both of ‘em.” The CSAC’s approach aligns with recommendations from the Association of Ringside Physicians, particularly for fighters over the age of 40. These recommendations include a magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, alongside a comprehensive suite of cardiac and neurological assessments.

For Carano, the additional testing is particularly crucial given her age and the length of her absence from competition. The protocols for fighters over 40, as outlined by the Association of Ringside Physicians, are designed to identify potential pre-existing conditions that could be exacerbated by the physical demands of an MMA fight. These tests extend beyond neurological assessments to include an electrocardiogram (EKG), cardiac testing, an exercise stress echocardiogram, neurocognitive testing, blood work, a metabolic panel, and an ophthalmologic eye exam. The goal is to ensure both fighters are medically cleared and capable of safely participating in the bout.

The Significance of the Fight and the Role of Netflix

The Rousey-Carano fight has generated considerable buzz within the MMA community, largely due to the historical significance of both fighters. Rousey was a dominant force in the UFC’s women’s bantamweight division, pioneering the sport’s growth and captivating a broad audience with her aggressive fighting style. Carano, meanwhile, was a trailblazer in women’s MMA, competing in Strikeforce and becoming one of the first female fighters to gain mainstream recognition. Their potential clash was discussed for years before finally being realized.

The event also marks a significant shift in how MMA events are distributed. The fight will stream live globally on Netflix, representing the platform’s first venture into live MMA programming. This partnership with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) signals a potential new era for the sport, bringing it to a wider audience through a major streaming service. MVP, founded in August 2021, has previously focused on boxing events, including a high-profile bout between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson that streamed on Netflix in November 2024. Luke Thomas of Substack noted the unusual nature of this crossover event, highlighting that it won’t take place within the UFC framework.

Rousey and Carano’s Paths Back to the Cage

Following her departure from the UFC, Ronda Rousey transitioned to professional wrestling, signing a full-time contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). She also continued to pursue acting roles, appearing in the action film “Mile 22.” Her return to MMA represents a shift back to her roots in the sport, albeit after a seven-year absence. The extensive medical testing underscores the seriousness with which both the CSAC and Rousey’s team are approaching her comeback.

Gina Carano’s path back to fighting is even more remarkable, given her 17-year hiatus from the sport. After her final Strikeforce fight in 2009, Carano pursued a career in acting, appearing in films such as “Haywire” and “Deadpool.” Her decision to return to MMA at age 44 is a testament to her enduring passion for the sport and her willingness to challenge herself. The comprehensive medical evaluations are essential to assess her physical condition and ensure she is prepared for the rigors of competition.

What’s Next for Rousey and Carano?

The immediate next step for both fighters is to complete the required medical and neurological testing. The CSAC will carefully review the results to determine whether both athletes are medically cleared to compete on May 16th. Foster indicated that the commission has the authority to deny clearance if concerns arise, but expressed confidence that the fight would proceed if both fighters meet the necessary medical standards. The results of these tests are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.

Beyond the medical evaluations, both fighters will undoubtedly be focused on their training camps, preparing for a bout that has captured the imagination of MMA fans worldwide. The fight promises to be a compelling clash of styles and a showcase of the enduring appeal of two of the sport’s most iconic figures. The featherweight contest will be contested at 145lbs, under the Unified Rules of MMA, in a hexagon cage using 4oz gloves.

The May 16th event at the Intuit Dome is poised to be a landmark moment for women’s MMA, attracting a global audience through its Netflix streaming platform. The outcome of the fight remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the return of Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano has reignited interest in the sport and set the stage for a captivating showdown.

Stay tuned to World Today Journal for further updates on the Rousey-Carano fight, including training camp reports, pre-fight analysis, and live coverage of the event. We encourage you to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.