Gina Carano waited 17 years to compete in MMA again, but her return lasted only 17 seconds.
The former women’s MMA star stepped back into the cage Saturday night against Ronda Rousey in the main event of MVP MMA’s debut show on Netflix. Rousey quickly secured an armbar submission at Intuit Dome, ending the fight before Carano could establish any offense.
Even with the disappointing result, Carano left the cage focused more on the personal achievement than the loss itself.
Carano Says Return Was Bigger Than The Result
Carano admitted she hoped for a longer fight after spending months preparing for her comeback. However, it seemed that for her, just making it to fight night was a victory in itself.
Carano said during her post-fight interview
“I wanted that to last longer, I felt like I was so ready. I felt so good. I’ve never felt that good, but I haven’t been here for 17 years. I wanted to hit her.”
“Getting here after 17 years was a victory. Fighting a legend was a victory, and I feel great. I feel like I just wanted to fight, and I didn’t get that.”
Carano praised Rousey afterward and acknowledged the former UFC champion executed her strategy perfectly from the opening exchange.
“She trained, she had her game plan, and I have so much love and respect for her.”
Physical Transformation Became Biggest Win
Although the fight itself ended almost instantly, Carano explained that the training camp changed her life in ways far beyond MMA competition.
The 44-year-old revealed she lost a significant amount of weight while preparing for the bout and rediscovered her love for mixed martial arts during the process.
“I took 100 pounds off of my body, which is going to give me a longer life. I fell back in love with mixed martial arts. … It’s just (that) the fight didn’t go my way.”
Future Still Uncertain After Comeback
Carano stopped short of announcing another fight after the loss. She admitted the road back to MMA was difficult, especially after nearly two decades away from the sport.
At the same time, she did not completely shut down the possibility of competing again.
I think 17 years was a lot. I think being 44 was a lot. I don’t think I can put my family back through that.”
“You just never know with me. I should’ve got matched up with a striker. I wanted to get some of that out.”