Ronda Rousey open workout draws split fan reaction ahead of Netflix MVP return

Mixed martial arts star Ronda Rousey held an open workout on Wednesday, May 14, 2026, in Inglewood ahead of her return bout on Saturday, May 16, against Gina Carano at Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions event, which will stream on Netflix. The session drew wide attention as it precedes Rousey’s first fight since 2016. Fan reaction focused heavily on her stand-up. Opinions split between skepticism and cautious optimism.

Rousey, the former UFC women’s bantamweight champion and an Olympic judo medalist, built her career on clinch work and armbars. Her last two UFC appearances ended in striking defeats, first to Holly Holm in 2015 and then to Amanda Nunes in 2016. That history framed the scrutiny of her pad work and movement during the open workout.

This week’s footage prompted critical comments from some observers who questioned her footwork and boxing mechanics. Several social media posts echoed lines such as “So no improvement, just older?” and “If Gina can throw a decent 1-2, it’s over.” The suggestion from that camp is that Rousey may again need to bring the fight to the mat to maximize her advantages.

Fans question striking after long layoff

Skeptics pointed to moments in the workout where Rousey appeared rigid or squared up, reading them as signs that the long layoff has not closed the gap in her stand-up. Comments also flagged her defensive reactions and rhythm, concerns that have followed her since the losses that ended her UFC reign. With a decade away from competition, critics argue timing and range management are difficult to recapture under live fire.

Others see visible adjustments

Not all of the feedback was negative. A segment of fans highlighted a higher guard, cleaner punching paths and more purposeful foot placement compared with past open sessions. Remarks such as “Striking looks a lot better” and “Her hands are up better and she’s moving her feet more” reflected a belief that incremental gains could be enough if Rousey re-centers her game around pressure, clinch entries and top control.

Carano’s return adds uncertainty

Carano, a fellow pioneer of women’s MMA, is also returning from a prolonged absence; she last fought in 2009. That shared rust factor makes forecasting difficult, and it raises questions about pace, cardio and execution on fight night. The bout is slated for the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, adding a high-profile stage to a matchup built on name recognition and legacy.

MVP has positioned the card for mainstream reach via Netflix, which broadens the potential audience beyond traditional combat-sports channels. For Rousey, a strong performance would reset perceptions about her striking vulnerability and show that a grappling-forward approach can still open paths to victory. For Carano, effectiveness behind a basic jab-cross and takedown defense could tilt the contest.

The final clues arrive at Friday’s ceremonial events and Saturday’s main card, when talk gives way to execution. Expect early sequences to reveal whether Rousey can close distance safely or whether Carano can keep the fight standing long enough to test the question fans have been debating all week.