MMA veteran Gina Carano has revealed that her long-anticipated fight with Ronda Rousey is now finalized for Netflix. She also shared that UFC CEO Dana White recently offered her a private apology and even extended a fight offer, preceding her historic main event on the streaming platform.
Carano on How the Ronda Rousey Fight Materialized
Carano, who holds a 7-1 MMA record and has been inactive since 2009, is gearing up to face former UFC Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey. This monumental event will be Netflix’s first live MMA card, scheduled for May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. Co-promoted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, the featherweight (145 pounds) bout will be accessible to Netflix subscribers at no additional cost.
According to Carano, Rousey was the primary catalyst in bringing this long-speculated matchup to fruition. Carano explained that “the ball was basically in Ronda’s court” regarding the fight’s direction, and it ultimately unfolded as Rousey desired. She had previously noted that Rousey herself approached her, expressing that Carano was the “only person” she wished to return to fighting against.
Dana White’s December 2024 Call and Unexpected Offer
Carano also disclosed a recent phone conversation with UFC CEO Dana White in December 2024. She noted this call came during a challenging phase in her career, following her dismissal from Disney. White, whom Carano describes as “very cool” with her, was among the first to send supportive text messages, assuring her that things “would be okay.”
During this December call, White reportedly apologized and even proposed a fight. Despite Carano’s clear stance against returning to the traditional fight scene, she indicated that their relationship has significantly improved. This marks a shift from past tensions stemming from a failed Rousey bout and what Carano referred to as “disgusting” messages exchanged during earlier negotiations, evolving into a more respectful connection.
The Personal Apology: White “Knelt Down”
Carano recounted an earlier, pivotal encounter that profoundly changed her perception of White. At an event, while she was seated with her family, White approached her. She clarified that he “knelt down” to apologize. Carano found this gesture deeply respectful, stating, “He got down on his knees… That’s respectful. It was very nice.”
The original friction between Carano and White dates back to 2014 during stalled negotiations for a UFC fight against Rousey. Carano claimed White mistakenly sent her a message that read, “This b***h is effing us around.” When she questioned him, White allegedly confirmed the message was intentional. This incident, combined with White publicizing their discussions despite Carano requesting six months to prepare, shattered her trust and effectively sabotaged the UFC version of the Carano vs. Rousey fight for a decade.
White’s subsequent personal apology at a family event, where he knelt to express regret for his words and the ensuing fallout, was a gesture Carano described as respectful and indicative of his character. This significant history now contrasts with his recent supportive outreach in December 2024, where he offered encouragement and extended a fight proposal ahead of her Netflix comeback.
