Ronda Rousey vs. gina carano: Top undercard options and fallout after a media‑day tirade
Two era-defining names in women’s combat sports — Ronda Rousey and gina carano — will headline a high-profile mixed martial arts showcase on May 16 (ET) inside the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. With the main event locked, the promotion now faces two parallel challenges: assembling an undercard that matches the spectacle and managing fallout from a divisive media‑day outburst by a veteran male fighter that referenced both headliners.
Who could bolster the undercard?
Promoters appear to be leaning into marquee value rather than pure sporting merit. The strategy echoes past spectacle-driven cards that paired a big-name main event with nostalgic or crossover attractions. Several recognizable combat figures are practical fits given their name recognition and history with crossover boxing promotions.
Nate Diaz remains an obvious candidate. Between his storied MMA legacy and recent crossover boxing activity, Diaz would bring mainstream attention and a built-in audience hungry for one more showpiece performance.
Anderson Silva’s occasional forays outside traditional MMA have shown the drawing power of veteran legends. His presence would give the card an intergenerational flavor and the kind of highlight-reel potential that sells repeat viewing.
Tyron Woodley is another familiar face who has longstanding ties to crossover promotions. While some might raise questions about timing and recent form, his name still carries weight inside and outside the octagon.
Other options include fighters who have reinvented themselves in different combat formats. Those competitors bring a blend of notoriety and unpredictability that suits an event focused on spectacle as much as sporting legitimacy.
Media‑day controversy complicates build
The buildup to the May 16 card was complicated by graphic and offensive comments made by a well-known male fighter during a recent media event. The fighter used sexist and homophobic language, made crude references to Rousey and gina carano, and disparaged the value of women's sports. The remarks prompted widespread condemnation from athletes, commentators and fans across social channels and inside the industry.
Promoters and talent managers now face a public relations headache. The central pairing already invites debate about nostalgia, marketability and the balance between sport and spectacle. The addition of a high‑profile media‑day tirade shifts attention back to ethics and professionalism, forcing organizers to decide whether to publicly discipline the individual, distance the card from the comments, or attempt damage control through messaging and curated appearances.
For Rousey and Carano, both of whom have navigated public scrutiny throughout their careers, the incident is likely to add emotional weight to the fight’s narrative. It also gives the promotion an opportunity to emphasize themes of respect and the growth of women's combat sports — if it is willing to do so.
What to watch on May 16 (ET)
Beyond the main event, viewers should watch how the promotion sequences the undercard. Will the show prioritize nostalgia and star power, slotting former champions and crossover names in featured spots? Or will the card make room for current contenders who can deliver competitive bouts and lend sporting credibility?
Matchmaking choices will reveal the promotion’s broader ambitions: a one-off spectacle built for maximum reach, or the first step in a regular event slate that aims to rival established mixed‑martial arts organizations. Ticket sales, viewership numbers and post‑event commentary will quickly clarify whether this model is sustainable.
Finally, the handling of the recent media‑day comments will be a bellwether for the promotion’s values. A swift, decisive response could protect the card’s wider appeal; silence or tepid action risks letting controversy overshadow the fight night.
On May 16 (ET), a packed Intuit Dome will get its answer: whether this event becomes a cultural moment remembered for its headline clash and supporting show, or whether off-ring controversy leaves the story more about what happened outside the cage than inside it.
