Former champion Ronda Rousey defeated Gina Carano via an armbar submission just 17 seconds into the first round of their bout at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The fight headlined Netflix’s first-ever live mixed martial arts broadcast.
Rousey, 39, secured her 10th career submission victory to push her professional record to 13-2. She maintained a 100 percent finish rate with the win. Following the fast victory, Rousey announced her permanent retirement from the sport to focus on her family, according to the Associated Press. Carano, 44, stepped into the cage after a 17-year absence from professional competition. She remained positive after the loss and has not ruled out future fights.
Co-promoter Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), backed by Jake Paul, used the event to push for an overhaul of the MMA fighter compensation model. They guaranteed all 22 fighters on the card a minimum payout of $40,000, a sharp contrast to entry-level pay scales at established promotions like the UFC.
The hype surrounding Netflix’s streaming of the event and the live audience atmosphere sparked industry speculation. Rumors circulated leading up to the opening bell that the UFC deliberately planned to drop a promotional announcement for Conor McGregor’s return during the broadcast to hijack social media attention.