Holly Holm responds to MVP MMA’s pitch for Gina Carano fight after her loss to Ronda Rousey

Key Takeaways:

• Gina Carano ended her 17-year MMA hiatus with a May 16 return.
• Carano headlined the sport’s first event on Netflix.
• The 44-year-old remains a notable figure in women’s MMA.
• Holly Holm, a former UFC champion, is willing to face Carano next.
• MVP MMA initiated the pitch for this high-profile matchup.

Carano’s Long-Awaited Comeback

Gina Carano, 44, recently made waves by returning to mixed martial arts after nearly two decades on the sidelines. On May 16, she stepped back into competition for the first time in 17 years, marking a historic moment as she headlined the very first MMA event streamed on Netflix. Fans of the pioneering women’s MMA athlete have long hoped she would re-enter the sport—and their wishes have finally been granted.

Holm’s Readiness to Fight

Soon after the event, MVP MMA pitched the idea of a high-profile clash between Carano and ex-UFC champion Holly Holm. Holm, known for her previous matchups and her own iconic victory over former superstar Ronda Rousey, has affirmed her readiness to accept the challenge. Though no formal announcements have been made, Holm’s public response signals her interest in a late-career showdown that could draw significant attention from MMA enthusiasts.

Why It Matters

Carano’s influence on women’s combat sports stretches back to her early career, where she served as a key figure in popularizing female MMA bouts. Meanwhile, Holm’s status as a former champion who toppled some of the biggest names in women’s fighting makes her a formidable opponent. A bout between these two would capture widespread interest—both for the historical weight of seeing Carano return and for Holm’s proven track record of success in the cage.

Quote from the Pitch

While the complete details of MVP MMA’s pitch remain behind closed doors, one thing is clear: the organization believes that bringing together two iconic fighters can generate major interest for the sport. MVP MMA’s statement, as referenced in the original story, proposed that Carano’s successful Netflix headliner should be followed by another marquee matchup—this time against Holm.

Looking Ahead

As of now, there is no official confirmation on whether Carano and Holm will square off. Still, the potential showdown is energizing fans, who recall Carano’s original run in MMA and Holm’s history of delivering big upsets. If negotiations move forward, the event could mark a key highlight in women’s MMA, further showcasing the sport’s expansion into mainstream platforms like Netflix. For Carano, this journey represents a full-circle moment to prove her enduring athleticism, while Holm stands ready to add another prestigious chapter to her storied career.