Two of essentially the most iconic names in women’s MMA history are heading back into the highlight, but before either throws a punch, each fighters might be required to clear a major medical hurdle.
Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano have been ordered to undergo “extensive” concussion-related testing ahead of their highly anticipated super fight set to air on Netflix, in keeping with reports. The news signals that each the promotion and the streaming giant are taking fighter safety seriously in what’s shaping as much as be probably the most buzzed-about combat sports events in recent memory.
Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano might be required to undergo medical and neurological testing more extensive than what’s required of all combat sports athletes ahead of their May 16 MMA comeback fight, and Rousey might be put through concussion battery testing, in keeping with the…
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) February 19, 2026
The choice to mandate thorough neurological evaluations is not surprising given the careers each women have had. Rousey, 38, suffered brutal back-to-back knockout losses to Holly Holm in 2015 and Amanda Nunes in 2016, each of which raised serious questions on long-term brain health. Carano, now 43, had her own share of wars contained in the cage before transitioning to a profession in Hollywood. Neither has competed professionally in nearly a decade, making the medical evaluation process all of the more critical.
Reports indicate the testing will go well beyond standard pre-fight physicals, incorporating advanced neuroimaging and cognitive assessments designed to detect any lingering effects from previous trauma. The depth of the evaluation reflects the growing awareness across combat sports regarding CTE and cumulative brain injury, a conversation that has never been more outstanding than it’s today.
Netflix has quickly change into a legitimate player within the combat sports space, following the large success of the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight that drew record-breaking viewership numbers. Rousey vs. Carano suits the streaming platform’s appetite for big-event spectacle, two legends with built-in name recognition, crossover appeal, and a history that fans have long desired to see revisited contained in the cage.
Whether these two icons can pass the vital tests stays to be seen. But one thing is definite: if each Rousey and Carano get the medical green light, Netflix could have a real combat sports event on its hands that MMA fans won’t need to miss.