Ronda Rousey to undergo neurological testing before Gina Carano return

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Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano will have to undergo thorough medical checks before stepping into the cage.

The fight between the two MMA legends was confirmed this week, with the bout set for May 16 in California.

Rousey walked away from the sport after a 48-second knockout loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207, and it’s now been nearly a decade since that fight.

In 2024, Rousey said she wasn’t “neurologically fit” to compete again due to long-term concussion issues and brain trauma.

Medical precautions ahead of Rousey vs Carano

Fans have voiced concerns over Rousey’s return, especially given her past neurological issues.

There’s also been apprehension about Carano, who hasn’t fought since her 2009 loss to Cris Cyborg.

To address these worries, CSAC executive director Andy Foster confirmed both fighters will go through more rigorous medical and neurological exams than usual.

Speaking to ESPN, Foster said: “We’re going to put [Rousey] through neurological and concussion battery testing and make sure she’s OK.”

“We’re going to have our doctors take a look. The fighters are going to have to do a lot of medicals, both of ’em.”

“As long as these women pass their medicals and pass all their neurological batteries and do the things they need to do, there’s nothing wrong with this fight.”

Is Ronda Rousey’s return financially motivated?

Ronda Rousey began dropping hints about a comeback shortly after Mike Tyson made $20 million for his fight with Jake Paul in November 2024.

She’s now teamed up with the YouTuber-turned-boxer and his company, Most Valuable Promotions.

While Gina Carano’s coach says this isn’t a “cash grab” for the MMA pioneer, it feels pretty clear that money is the main driver behind this fight.

Neither Rousey nor Carano seem interested in climbing back into title contention or taking on top-tier opponents at this stage of their careers.

This bout is designed to pull in viewers and generate revenue, especially with Netflix looking to establish itself in combat sports. While it might be an entertaining watch, it’s far from elite competition, and the motivation seems firmly rooted in financial gain.