Gina Carano releases first statement after loss to Ronda Rousey: ‘If I hadn’t tapped she would’ve broken my arm’
Gina Carano addresses her loss to Ronda Rousey in her first fight back in 17 years
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MAY 16: Gina Carano looks on after being defeated by Ronda Rousey in their featherweight bout during the main card of Netflix's Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano at Intuit Dome on May 16, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Netflix) | Getty Images for Netflix Gina Carano’s long journey back to MMA ended in just 17 seconds after she was submitted by Ronda Rousey in their main event fight, but she’s not walking away with her head down.
Despite the result, Carano got in great shape, including dropping 100 pounds before setting foot in the cage for her first fight in 17 years. Unfortunately, Rousey took Carano down in the opening exchange and latched onto the fight-finishing armbar just a few seconds later. On Monday, Carano issued her first statement on the loss and the arduous path she walked just to get ready for a fight again.
“This was one of the best rides of my life,” Carano wrote on Instagram. “I felt locked in fight night. No fear just focused positive adrenaline.
Love to my team. “My heart is heavy, I wanted to throw, battle, win, but I kicked when I should have moved and was down and done. If I hadn’t tapped she would’ve broken my arm, as it had begun to crackle.