Former UFC fighter Jorge Masvidal has recently ignited discussions within the MMA community by claiming that the Ultimate Fighting Championship actively prevented a highly anticipated clash between two of its biggest female stars, Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano.
According to Masvidal, internal UFC matchmakers had developed “good plans” for Carano’s return to the Octagon, with a potential superfight against then-dominant bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey being the centerpiece. This revelation suggests a significant missed opportunity for a bout that would have undoubtedly captivated audiences and generated immense pay-per-view revenue.
Gina Carano, an early pioneer in women’s mixed martial arts and a successful crossover actress, had been absent from the sport for years. However, the allure of facing Rousey, who was at the peak of her fame and undefeated reign, was considered a monumental draw. Masvidal’s comments imply that despite the enthusiasm and strategic planning from the matchmaking department, the UFC’s higher management ultimately chose not to proceed with the fight, effectively shelving what could have been one of the most talked-about matchups in women’s MMA history.
The reasons behind the alleged blockage remain speculative, but the claim adds another layer to the complex history of potential dream fights that never materialized in the sport.
