Ric Flair Predicts Ronda Rousey To Win In MMA Return vs. Gina Carano
As the wider MMA world prepares for the long-awaited return of Ronda Rousey in a big fight against fellow women's MMA pioneer Gina Carano, the former WWE champion is getting some encouragement from one of the greatest WWE champions of all-time.
Taking to X on Saturday, "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair offered his support and declared that Rousey's "dedication and hard work is going to pay off" against Carano tonight. He said that he'll be rooting for her and can't wait for the fight.
"Can't Wait To Watch @RondaRousey Make Her MMA Comeback Against @ginacarano Tonight On @netflix ! Your Dedication And Hard Work Is Going To Pay Off! I'm So Proud Of Everything You Have Accomplished! Much Respect! I'll Be Cheering You On From Tampa! LFG! WOOOOO!" the Nature Boy wrote on X.
Rousey vs. Carano
Rousey and Carano face off in a battle of two women's MMA legends.
From 2011 to 2015, Rousey wasn't just the most dominant woman in MMA, she was considered one of the top athletes in the entire world. She was named the inaugural UFC women's bantamweight champion in 2012 and won all her first 12 fights by finish, all but one of which came in the first round.
But after dropping the title to Holly Holm in an iconic loss at UFC 193 followed by a loss to Amanda Nunes the following year, Rousey left MMA to pursue other interests. A longtime WWE fan, she joined the company in 2017 and stayed there until 2023. After some time on the independent circuit, she accepted an offer from Most Valuable Promotions to fight Carano, another legend in the sport.
Carano went 7-0 from 2006 to 2008 before losing to Cris Cyborg in 2009 in what would be her final bout before going into TV and film. Over the next decade she appeared in over a dozen movies and shows, with her most notable roles coming in hits like Fast & Furious 6, Deadpool and The Mandalorian.
The event will also feature a number of other big names in MMA that are making long-awaited returns. Heavyweight legend Francis Ngannou returns for a fight against Philipe Lins while Nate Diaz takes on Mike Perry before Rousey and Carano square off.
The MVP MMA: Rousey vs. Carano event will air on Netflix.
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This story was originally published May 16, 2026 at 2:48 PM.