With their long-anticipated showdown set for May 16, Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano will first have to clear an extensive round of medical testing before stepping back into the cage.
Given the years both former stars have spent away from active MMA competition, the additional evaluations underscore the magnitude of the event, and the precautions being taken ahead of one of the sport’s most high-profile returns.
California State Athletic Commission Executive Director Andy Foster told ESPN that both fighters will undergo comprehensive concussion testing, prompted in part by comments Rousey made during an Instagram Live appearance two years ago. While promoting her book Our Fight, the former UFC bantamweight champion revealed a long history of concussions dating back to her judo career, admitting she kept that information from the UFC and regulators out of concern it might have prevented her from competing.
“We’re going to put her 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,” said Foster.
“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.”
The additional testing will also be required for Carano due to both her age and extended period of inactivity. While Rousey last competed in 2016, Carano has not fought since 2009. California adheres to the Association of Ringside Physicians’ recommendations for licensing fighters over the age of 40, and Carano will be 44 on fight night.
Rousey vs Carano will take place on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, CA. It will be broadcast on Netflix under the MVP Promotions banner.
