Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano to Fight in First Most Valuable Promotions Event on Netflix

May 13, 2026, 20:58
USSports

Introduction

Former mixed martial arts (MMA) stars Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano are set to fight on May 16, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. This event is significant because it is the first MMA broadcast on Netflix and the first event organized by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP).

Main Body

Ronda Rousey is returning to professional fighting after a break of more than nine years. She originally left the sport in 2016 after losing two fights and facing health issues. While she previously feared she had permanent brain damage (CTE), medical tests later showed she actually suffered from severe migraines. Furthermore, Rousey has described her past training environment as psychologically unhealthy. Rousey chose to work with MVP instead of the UFC due to professional disagreements. She asserted that the UFC focuses more on profits for shareholders than on the well-being and fair pay of its athletes. Consequently, MVP is demonstrating a different approach by guaranteeing a minimum payment of $40,000 for all 22 fighters. The event will also feature other famous fighters, such as Francis Ngannou and Nate Diaz, with Jon Jones acting as an analyst. Additionally, the event highlights how training in combat sports has changed. Gina Carano and other veterans emphasized that the sport has moved away from the old, exhausting training methods of the 2000s. Instead, they now use a more scientific approach that focuses on recovery and specific strategies, as modern sports science has proven that extreme physical suffering is not necessary for success.

Conclusion

The event on May 16 will be the final fight of Rousey's career, allowing her to move from being a competitor to a potential promoter or teacher in the martial arts world.

Learning

⚑ The 'Logic Bridge': Moving Beyond "And" & "Because"

At the A2 level, most students connect ideas with basic words. To reach B2, you need Connectors of Consequence and Contrast. These words act like road signs, telling the reader exactly how two ideas relate.

🧩 The Upgrade Map

Instead of using 'so' or 'but', look at how the article uses high-level transitions:

  • "Consequently" β†’\rightarrow Use this instead of 'so'. It sounds professional and shows a direct result.

    • A2: The UFC pays less, so she joined MVP.
    • B2: The UFC focuses on profits; consequently, MVP is demonstrating a different approach.

  • "Furthermore" β†’\rightarrow Use this instead of 'also'. It adds a new, important point to an argument.

    • A2: She had health issues and her training was bad.
    • B2: She faced health issues. Furthermore, Rousey described her training environment as unhealthy.

  • "Instead" β†’\rightarrow Use this to replace an old idea with a new one.

    • A2: They don't train hard now, they use science.
    • B2: They moved away from exhausting methods. Instead, they now use a scientific approach.

πŸ› οΈ Practical Application: The 'B2 Shift'

Notice the movement in the text: it doesn't just list facts; it builds a case.

The Pattern: Fact A β†’\rightarrow Connector β†’\rightarrow Result/Additional Fact B

Try observing this flow:

  • The Cause: "Professional disagreements" β†’\rightarrow The Action: "Rousey chose to work with MVP."
  • The Old Way: "Exhausting training" β†’\rightarrow The New Way: "Scientific approach."

By swapping 'and/but/so' for 'furthermore/instead/consequently', you stop speaking in simple sentences and start constructing complex academic arguments.

Vocabulary Learning

broadcast (n.)
An event or program transmitted over television or radio.
Example:The fight was broadcast on Netflix, reaching millions of viewers.
professional (adj.)
Relating to a paid occupation or a person who has specialized training.
Example:He works as a professional photographer.
disagreements (n.)
Differences of opinion that prevent agreement.
Example:The negotiations were stalled due to disagreements over the contract.
profits (n.)
Financial gains made after expenses are deducted.
Example:The company increased its profits last quarter.
shareholders (n.)
People who own shares in a company.
Example:Shareholders voted to approve the merger.
well-being (n.)
The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.
Example:The company launched a program to improve employee well-being.
guaranteeing (v.)
Ensuring or promising that something will happen.
Example:The contract guarantees a minimum payment for all participants.
minimum payment (n.)
The smallest amount of money that must be paid.
Example:The agreement includes a minimum payment for each fighter.
famous (adj.)
Well known by many people.
Example:She met a famous actor at the premiere.
analyst (n.)
A person who studies data and gives opinions or predictions.
Example:The analyst provided insights during the game.
combat (n.)
Physical fighting or military engagement.
Example:Combat training is intense.
exhausting (adj.)
Very tiring or draining.
Example:The marathon was exhausting but rewarding.
scientific (adj.)
Based on or relating to science, systematic study.
Example:The research used a scientific method.
recovery (n.)
The process of returning to a normal state after illness or injury.
Example:Recovery is essential after a workout.
strategies (n.)
Planned ways of doing something to achieve a goal.
Example:The team developed new strategies for the match.
extreme (adj.)
Very great or intense.
Example:He endured extreme heat during the hike.
suffering (n.)
The state of experiencing pain or distress.
Example:The documentary highlighted the suffering of refugees.
necessary (adj.)
Required or essential.
Example:Hard work is necessary for success.
promoter (n.)
A person who organizes or promotes an event.
Example:The promoter organized the concert.
teacher (n.)
Someone who instructs or educates others.
Example:She plans to become a teacher of yoga.
veteran (n.)
A person who has long experience or has served in the military.
Example:The veteran shared his experience.
athletes (n.)
People who compete in sports.
Example:Athletes train daily.
fighters (n.)
Individuals who fight, especially in sports or armed conflict.
Example:The fighters prepared for the championship.
event (n.)
A planned public or private activity.
Example:The event attracted large crowds.
significant (adj.)
Important or notable.
Example:The discovery was significant for science.
organized (v.)
Arranged or set up in a systematic way.
Example:The committee organized the conference.
returning (v.)
Going back to a previous state or location.
Example:She is returning to the stage after a break.
brain damage (n.)
Physical injury to the brain that affects function.
Example:He suffered brain damage after the accident.
medical tests (n.)
Procedures performed by doctors to check health.
Example:Medical tests confirmed the diagnosis.
training environment (n.)
The setting or conditions where training takes place.
Example:The training environment was supportive.
martial arts world (n.)
The community and industry of martial arts.
Example:The martial arts world celebrated his victory.