Ronda Rousey Submits Gina Carano in 17 Seconds
There was quite a bit of disappointment on Saturday as Ronda Rousey submitted Gina Carano in a mere 17 seconds. The match had drawn significant anticipation, being Netflix’s inaugural MMA broadcast in collaboration with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions. Unfortunately for Carano, she didn’t even manage to throw a punch before the fight concluded, catching some viewers off guard.
Many critics described the production as lacking in quality, labeling it cheap and somewhat contrived. Yet, the fight unfolded as anticipated. It served as a reminder of Rousey’s prowess during her prime, showcasing exactly who she was at her peak.
If Rousey had failed to finish Carano swiftly, it might have felt like a letdown. But her trademark armbar submission was vintage Rousey. Back in her heyday, during perhaps the most dominating period in women’s MMA history, her fights frequently ended just like this. For instance, she finished Alexis Davis in 16 seconds at UFC 175 in 2014, and, at UFC 184, she brought down Cat Zingano with an armbar in just 14 seconds—both fights wrapped up even quicker than Saturday’s encounter.
Moreover, Bete Correia lasted a bit longer but was eventually knocked out by Rousey in 34 seconds at UFC 190. So, it’s fitting that Rousey closed her MMA journey just as she had built it—by decisively dominating her opponent right from the outset.
Casual fans often view such quick matches as unsatisfying, while die-hard fight enthusiasts see them as the ultimate demonstration of dominance. Back in the 1980s, boxing fans had similar reactions when Mike Tyson ended fights in the first round.
It’s also unlikely that casual viewers would have appreciated a longer fight where Rousey showed signs of ring rust. In fact, the most criticized UFC fights tend to be the technical ones, which feature less action. On the other hand, the only fans who might have valid concerns are those rooting for Carano, who might have hoped for an upset. But considering she’s 44 years old and hasn’t fought in 17 years, a quick submission was always a realistic outcome.
It’s important to note that this fight was streamed on Netflix, eschewing the pay-per-view model that often cost fans upwards of $50 in Rousey’s previous bouts. Ultimately, the fight aligned exactly with expectations. Whatever the level of competition, seeing Rousey locked in an armbar one last time was an apt conclusion to her career.
