Tearful exit: Ronda Rousey walks away from fighting after 17‑second submission

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for Netflix

Tearful exit: Ronda Rousey walks away from fighting after 17‑second submission

Originally posted on HITC | By Donagh Corby | Last updated May 17, 2026 4:47 PM ET

Ronda Rousey wrapped up her fighting career in quick fashion, submitting Gina Carano in just 17 seconds.

Years after her UFC run ended with losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, Rousey stepped back into the cage to remind everyone why she was once such a huge name.

The bout also gave Carano a chance to revisit her own fighting days, all set against the backdrop of a major Netflix event.

From the start, it was clear this fight was about more than just who won or lost. Both fighters were chasing something bigger, and they certainly made headlines with their paydays.

The fight didn’t drag on, and neither took any serious damage. Both announced their retirements afterwards, though Carano seemed open to another return someday.

Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Netflix

Ronda Rousey repeats claim that win over Gina Carano was her final fight

Even though Rousey said all week this would be her only fight, there were still questions about whether she’d consider another if things went well. She wasted no time answering that by submitting Gina Carano in just 17 seconds with an armbar.

So when Ariel Helwani asked the question after the fight, it was a fair one to put to the former champion. But Rousey didn’t waver, saying her focus is now on family and growing her family with husband Travis Browne.

“There’s no way I could have ended it better than this,” Rousey said during an emotional post-fight speech. ”I want to have some more babies, and I got to get cooking.”

The couple already has two children together, and with Rousey’s 40th birthday approaching next year, she seems more interested in expanding their family than stepping back into competition.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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