In a surprising turn of events, Gina Carano is stepping back into the professional fighting arena after an absence of nearly 17 years. Now 44, she will square off against former UFC champion Ronda Rousey as the highlight of Netflix’s inaugural major MMA event this weekend in California.

This much-anticipated showdown has generated immense buzz among fans of combat sports. Many analysts speculate that it has the potential to be one of the highest-rated MMA events of the year, uniting two iconic figures in women's mixed martial arts.

Carano hasn’t entered the ring since 2009, having transitioned into a successful acting career in Hollywood. A pioneer in women's MMA, she carved the path for future female fighters and contributed significantly to the establishment of women’s divisions in modern UFC.

Post-retirement, Carano took on various roles in films and television, although her career faced setbacks amid controversy surrounding her online activities. During this challenging period, she battled personal and health issues but ultimately rediscovered her passion for training.

Ronda Rousey played a crucial role in persuading Carano to make a comeback, often citing Carano as a major source of inspiration in her career. What once seemed like a fan fantasy is now set to become a reality after years of anticipation.

Carano shared that resuming training after such a long hiatus posed physical challenges, yet it was emotionally fulfilling. She feels her maturity and evolved mindset give her a refreshed perspective on the sport compared to her earlier experiences. Moreover, she claims to be mentally sharper and more determined than she ever was before.

The fight will unfold at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. While Rousey has hinted at this potentially being her last bout, Carano has yet to announce her future fighting plans following this comeback.

Gina Carano’s return is one of the most remarkable comebacks in contemporary MMA, underscoring the rising interest in women’s combat sports globally.