Credited from: CBSNEWS
Ronda Rousey made an explosive return to mixed martial arts (MMA) by defeating Gina Carano with a swift armbar submission, achieved just 17 seconds into their fight. Rousey, who had not competed for 9.5 years, executed her trademark move immediately after the bell, showcasing her characteristic ferocity and skill to the excitement of fans in attendance at the Intuit Dome, Los Angeles, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and CBS News.
Rousey expressed her fulfillment in achieving this victory, stating, "I was hoping to come out as unscathed as possible... it was beautiful martial arts." Despite the promise of a more drawn-out contest, the reality was a brief fight that left fans astonished, reflecting Rousey's dominance during her previous career, during which she often finished opponents in under a minute. This match marked her return to the cage since her retirement following two losses in 2016, and she emphasized that this would be her last fight, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.
Carano, who had been inactive for 17 years and transitioned to an acting career, acknowledged that while she was prepared, the swift ending left her wanting more. "I wanted that to last longer... I felt so ready," she remarked post-fight, conveying her satisfaction in simply participating in the match despite its brief duration. She had previously considered returning to fight, largely motivated by Rousey, and viewed getting back in the cage after so long as a personal victory, according to CBS News and Al Jazeera.
The event, which served as a significant moment not only for Rousey and Carano but for the women's MMA landscape, was also notable as Netflix's inaugural live MMA broadcast. This platform's expansion into combat sports promises greater visibility for the sport and its athletes moving forward. Both fighters were compensated handsomely, reportedly earning several million dollars for their efforts, according to Reuters and CBS News.