Most Valuable Promotions held the first press conference for Rousey vs. Carano on Tuesday in Inglewood, California, with all four currently scheduled fighters getting the opportunity to speak.
Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano will make their return to combat sports this May as the main event of the first MMA card broadcast on Netflix. Similarly, this is also the first MMA event promoted by Jake Paul and MVP.
The bout between the two female legends of the sport, who are both returning after long periods of retirement, will headline the card. As a recent addition, Francis Ngannou was scheduled for the co-main event following his PFL exit against former PFL champion and UFC competitor Philipe Lins. Lins has not fought since 2024, but is currently on a four-fight win streak, with all of those victories occurring in the heavyweight ranks of the UFC.
RONDA ROUSEY AND GINA CARANO’S FIRST-EVER FACE OFF #RouseyCarano
—
Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano
Saturday May 16
LIVE only on Netflix pic.twitter.com/ZAIjWIGeWB— Netflix (@netflix) March 10, 2026
During Rousey’s portion of the press conference, she took the opportunity to explain how the fight with Carano came to fruition with MVP and Netflix. ‘Rowdy’ confirmed that the fight was originally being negotiated with the UFC, but they could not come to an agreement.
Rousey also took aim at the UFC, stating that even Dana White knows the UFC White House card “sucks”, and the company is not what it once was. Despite her comments toward the UFC, she maintained that she and White still have an excellent relationship and there are no hard feelings through any of these business dealings.
Ronda Rousey takes aim at the UFC before #RouseyCarano
“They need to be saved from themselves. And I’m here to be the hero.”
“(Dana White) knows The White House card sucks.” pic.twitter.com/J4VgHJw8Nr
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) March 10, 2026
During his designated time on the mic, Francis Ngannou also took the time to speak negatively about the UFC ahead of his MVP debut. Ngannou parted ways with the UFC back in 2023, relinquishing his heavyweight title in the process.
Since then, many details have been revealed surrounding his dealings with UFC CEO Dana White, but it ultimately came down to Ngannou feeling disrespected through contractual restrictions, as he alluded to during the press conference.
Francis Ngannou explains why he spoke out in support of Jon Jones.
“I’m happy I’m out of (UFC).” pic.twitter.com/6tmbDl5A0O
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) March 10, 2026
Rousey vs. Carano will go down inside the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. The only fights on the card at this time are the headliner and co-main event, but several more are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. The action will take place on May 16th, beginning at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT on Netflix.