One of the biggest fights in the world of MMA, Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano, had a press conference in Los Angeles, California, on May 15, 2026. I was on-site to cover the massive event that saw the entire card on display as they all spoke ahead of the big fight. From Rousey addressing the criticism to Francis Ngannou talking Jon Jones to Namo Fazil using the biggest moment of his career to shine in front of a massive audience. We recap some of the biggest moments of the press conference.
Since the fight was announced, there have been many people doubting what Rousey, Carano, and MVP Productions are doing. That said, the crowd was electric outside the Inuit Dome as the fighters shared their thoughts ahead of the fight on Saturday, May 16. The fight will kick off at 6 PM ET on Netflix with the preliminary card, and the main card starts at 9 PM ET.
I was quite impressed with what I witnessed, because the world may be sold on Rousey vs. Carano, but the press conference delivered a giant moment for the undercard. The Main Event of the preliminary card is Namo Fazil vs. Jake Babian. If you know anything about promoting, being good on the mic is part of the process. Fazil talked his way into the spotlight, making me excited to see him and Babian square off. Of course we had Nate Diaz on hand to provide some comic relief in the moment as he struggled with his chair. Quotes provided by MVP Productions.
Rousey vs. Carano | Final Press Conference Quotes:
Ronda Rousey Quotes:
On her relationship with Gina Carano going into their fight: I feel like however this goes, if she takes me out and puts me down on the canvas, I think that she’s going to be the first person to help me up. And if I take her down and tap her out, I’ll be the first person to help her up. You know, we don’t need to hate each other to be able to give each other our best.
On MVP putting fighters first: I think it’s incredible that Jake and Nakisa made it a priority to to put the fighters first and to to give them more of the profit share. And, you know, I actually get to see some of those numbers now and it’s it’s incredible how giving they’ve been and how they really want to showcase the fighters first before anything else.
On her impact on MMA: So now me and Gina are smashing the record for the most women have ever been paid in combat sports. And who’s to say we can’t parlay the success of this to me and her making a genre shattering martial arts film with Netflix after this? Who says the success of this fight can’t create the rival that UFC needs and give fighters the bargaining power that they’ve never had? Hell, if we knock this out of the park, I could become the face of MMA or the face of MVP in MMA and the most powerful figure in the sport since Dana. I am not chasing greatness, motherf****r I am greatness.
Gina Carano Quotes:
On if she will be aggressive during her fight vs. Ronda Rousey: There’s just not going to be a problem with the aggression at all.
On how she feels now that it’s almost fight night: I’m just trying to relish every moment and not rush through it. I mean, I’m going to miss this so much, but it’s been so incredible to be back in the next martial arts community. I never thought I would be doing this after … Five years ago I gave up the dream, and then a turn of events and I’m so grateful to Ronda for bringing me back into this and just the people.
On her preparation for the fight: I’ve worked so hard. My camp has been grueling on my body and my mind. I mean, I would have stopped probably 30 pounds ago if I didn’t have this goal. And having Ronda as the goal has gotten me out of bed every single morning.
On being inspired by Ronda Rousey: I said in an interview a long time ago that one day the women that I inspire are going to inspire me right back. I just had no idea it was going to be Ronda Rousey.
Nate Diaz Quotes:
On his thoughts before facing Mike Perry: He looks good, man. He’s all ready to rock. Me, too.
On Mike Perry saying their fight will be a “car crash”: Drive safely.
On his goals for facing Mike Perry: I’m just trying to not f**k up and get the job done.
Mike Perry Quotes:
On his thoughts before facing Nate Diaz: I’m very confident in all the work I’ve done and my fighting abilities. He looks like he’s in great shape from photos and videos I’ve seen. So, I’m ready to have a freaking battle for five rounds or 5 seconds. It don’t matter.
On his preparation for the fight: I’m really looking forward to it. I put a ton of work in. I’m in the best shape of my life, and I’m ready to show that to everybody.
Francis Ngannou Quote:
On his plans to solidify his status as a heavyweight great by defeating Philipe Lins: I think all the stars are aligned for me to prove that on Saturday night.
Philipe Lin Quote:
On his thoughts on public predictions for his fight vs. Francis Ngannou: I think 99% of the people think that Francis is going to win this fight, but I’m training hard. I’m looking for a victory over him. It’s the best opportunity of my MMA career.
Junior Dos Santos Quote:
On his motivation to keep fighting: Well, the motivation is to be here, to be part of it. I love this thing, man. I love to go there and put on a good show, trade some punches with the guys, you know. It’s good. It feels good and it makes me feel excited, you know? So that’s why I’m here.
After the press conference was over, I got to ask co-founder and CEO of MVP Productions Nakisa Bidarian about Rousey vs. Carano.
Nakisa Bidarian: You’ve heard them talk about how they’ve been planning this and they’ve been wanting this. They were very, very, very clear that UFC wanted to do this. Dana White hinted at it at a press conference. He said, Oh, something big came, and you wouldn’t expect it. But I was not lying, right? So when I got the call, of course it was an absolute yes.
The biggest pay-per-view since 2021 or 2020 is Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul. A legendary name and a young YouTuber at the time. The most viewed fight since the days of Muhammad Ali is Jake Paul versus Mike Tyson. Never to be replicated or duplicated again from my perspective. The only thing that can come close is Jake versus Conor or Jake versus Piniello. And yeah, Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, that’s in the same light. So I’m really excited to see what big MMA does on Netflix.
Tune into the Rousey vs. Carano fight on May 16th at 6 PM ET streaming only on Netflix.
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