Rousey ends career in 17-second submission at MVP MMA debut
Ronda Rousey defeated Gina Carano via armbar in the main event of the inaugural Most Valuable Promotions card, marking the end of her professional fighting career and the start of a new era for mixed martial arts broadcasting.
Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey has ended her professional mixed martial arts career with a swift victory over fellow pioneer Gina Carano. The bout, which served as the main event for the inaugural MVP MMA 1 card, concluded in just 17 seconds at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles on Saturday.
Rousey, aged 39, returned to competition after a hiatus of nearly a decade, while Carano, who turned 44 last month, last fought 17 years prior. Despite the significant gap in recent activity, both fighters entered the bout described as being in incredible shape. The event was promoted by Most Valuable Promotions, led by Jake Paul and associates, and streamed live on Netflix, aiming to establish the new organisation as a credible contender in the global market.
The fight began with Rousey immediately taking Carano down. Carano attempted a guillotine choke, but Rousey successfully escaped the hold. She then transitioned to an armbar, extending the submission until Carano tapped out. The rapid conclusion highlighted Rousey’s trademark finishing ability, even after years away from the octagon.
Prior to the bout, Rousey stated that this contest would be her final professional fight. The result confirms the end of an era for one of the sport’s most recognisable figures, while simultaneously launching the MVP promotion’s debut on a major streaming platform.
The card also featured other notable results, including a first-round knockout by Robelis Despaigne over former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos and a doctor stoppage victory for Mike Perry over Nate Diaz in the co-main event. Perry, a prominent figure in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, asserted control from the opening exchanges before the bout was halted.
