Rumors have been floating about a potential Ronda Rousey-Gina Carano fight ever since UFC commentator Joe Rogan went on the radio and teased a big announcement involving Rousey.
While we have no idea if Carano, who last fought in 2009 before pursuing an acting career, would have any interest in returning to the fight game, we do know that Rousey would be willing to make a special weight concession for Carano that she would not make for anyone else.
“To fight her would be a real honor and I think that’d be a milestone for the sport. But, I mean, you can’t fight for anyone but yourself. I wouldn’t want her to fight for any other reason than if she wants to fight. It’s a personal decision for everyone,” Rousey said Friday in Dallas via MMA Fighting.com.
“There are exceptions that I would make for Gina that I wouldn’t make for anyone else,” Rousey said.
The implication is that she would move up to 145 to fight Carano. Rousey normally fights at 135 and has said that she would not go to 145 even to fight Cristiane Justos, who is coming off a steroids suspension and considered to be the top other women’s fighter.
If Rousey does not end up fighting Carano, a possible match with Cyborg looms. Cyborg has been dying for the fight and even cut ties with former manager Tito Ortiz in order to increase the likelihood of a match happening; UFC boss Dana White does not get along with Ortiz, so his involvement with Cyborg was an impediment.
The other strong possibility for Rousey’s next fight would be Cat Zingano. Rousey was originally slated to face Zingano, but Cat injured her knee and had to pull out of their fight. Instead, a rematch between Rousey and Miesha Tate was arranged. Zingano had previously beaten Tate to earn the shot at Rousey, so most believe she would give Rousey more of a challenge.
White has recently said that Rousey will not be fighting again until the fall.
