He didn't like it! Former champion lashes out against Ronda Rousey's return to MMA on Netflix: 'Two middle-aged women'

Ronda Rousey was the UFC champion. Photo: Press release

The world of combat sports was taken by surprise last Tuesday (17) with the announcement of Ronda Rousey 's return to MMA. The former bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg) will face Gina Carano on May 16, with exclusive broadcast on Netflix. However, although many fans and members of the media found the duel interesting, this was not the opinion of Sean Strickland . Known for his controversial opinions, the former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) made sure to show his complete disinterest in the confrontation.

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In an interview with Newsweek this Wednesday (18), the American made it clear that he believes Ronda is the clear favorite, but he doesn't see the fight in a good light given the time both have been inactive and especially their ages.

“ Ronda Rousey is going to crush her. Ronda was an Olympic athlete and a multiple world champion. Gina Carano was good at a time when women's MMA was terrible. It's still not very good, but when Gina Carano fought, it was significantly worse. We're just going to watch two middle-aged women, going through menopause, fighting each other. I have absolutely no interest in that. Who cares?”, stated the fighter, who faces Anthony Herdandez at UFC Houston.

Sean Strickland has NO interest in Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano on Netflix:

“Ronda's gonna steamroll her. We're just gonna watch two middle-aged women going through menopause fight each other. Who gives a [expletive].” 😳 #RouseyCarano #UFCHouston pic.twitter.com/IaadzVnqG8

— Fernando Quiles Jr. (@FQJMMA) February 17, 2026

Ronda Rousey hasn't fought in almost ten years.

Ronda Rousey in action against Holly Holm . Photo: Reproduction/UFC

At 39 years old, Ronda Rousey last stepped into the octagon in 2016, when she was knocked out by Amanda Nunes in 48 seconds. Since then, she spent a few years with WWE before also leaving that career behind. Gina Rousey hasn't fought MMA since 2009, when she was knocked out by Cris Cyborg in the now-defunct Strikeforce. The pioneer was the first major female star in the sport and has always been admired by Rousey. Currently, she is 43 years old.

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