While Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano is still set for May 16th, the blockbuster MMA card has already taken an early hit.
Former UFC and Bellator veteran Lorenz Larkin withdrew from his scheduled welterweight bout against Jason Jackson due to a knee injury, removing one of the more notable fights from the undercard just weeks before the event.
Larkin announced the news on social media this week, confirming the injury and apologizing for the late change. His bout is one of 11 fights on the books before the main event at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
However, despite the setback, the spotlight remains firmly on women’s MMA stars Rousey and Carano.
The two MMA pioneers made their first public appearance together last month to promote the Netflix event. This marked a historic return for both fighters.
“There are no two people in this sport with more international name recognition than me and Gina. Except Conor [McGregor], but no one is going to sanction that,” Rousey said.
Rousey, 39, last fought in 2016 before stepping away from MMA and starting a family. She said she proposed the matchup more than a year ago while pregnant, pinning her comeback on this specific matchup.
“This is the only fight I wanted to come back for, the only fight that can inspire me like that,” Rousey said.
Carano, who turns 44 next month, has not competed since 2009. She was the first major women’s MMA crossover star before transitioning into film and television, helping lay the foundation for the sport’s growth.
Even with Larkin out, the card still carries major names. Francis Ngannou will face Philipe Lins, while Nate Diaz and Mike Perry will also square off. MVP and Netflix will move forward as planned, with a replacement for Jackson reportedly being explored.
How to Watch the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Netflix MMA Fight
Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions is behind the fight, running in five five-minute rounds on May 16th on Netflix.
