Ronda Rousey’s MMA comeback was as brief as it comes. And not everyone was happy about it.
The former UFC women’s bantamweight champion scored a vintage 17-second armbar submission over Gina Carano on Saturday, ending Netflix’s first-ever MMA event with barely a punch thrown. The fight was Rousey’s first since 2017 — and Carano’s first since 2009 — and was a moment few ever expected to witness after Rousey’s Hall of Fame UFC career came to an unceremonious end following back-to-back knockout losses.
Yet it also served as a proper sendoff for one of MMA’s most influential figures, as Rousey confirmed post-fight that she is heading back into retirement after successfully rewriting her ending.
Not surprisingly, Rousey’s final victory was just as polarizing as many of her finest performances, leaving many of her fellow fighters conflicted about what they watched.
Check out reaction to Rousey’s quick submission win below, including commentary from former Rousey opponent Amanda Nunes and longtime rival Cris Cyborg.
🙄
— Amanda Nunes (@Amanda_Leoa) May 17, 2026
15 seconds 😬
#RouseyCarano— Diana Belbiță (@DianaBelbita) May 17, 2026
😂😂😂
— CrisCy₿org.Com (@criscyborg) May 17, 2026
So stupid. #MVP
— Mike Pierce (@MikePierce170) May 17, 2026
I’m shocked pic.twitter.com/CxUIDF9h1B
— Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili (@MerabDvalishvil) May 17, 2026
— Sodiq Yusuff (@Super_Sodiq) May 17, 2026
Ronda didnt fight fair!! She was supposed to let her throw a few in the air, attempt something, so she could get a feel for the lights again at least!! #mvp
— Corey ‘Overtime’ Anderson (@CoreyA_MMA) May 17, 2026
Just glad I didnt have to pay for that. Id be pissed if not only did I stay up til midnight but dropped 60$ on a 17sec finish.. Great finish tho. #mvp#rouseycarano
— Corey ‘Overtime’ Anderson (@CoreyA_MMA) May 17, 2026
17 years for Gina. 10 years for Ronda.
Result: 10-second armbar 😭
This is exactly what millions of fans paid for and stayed up all night to watch.
Peak entertainment. Bravo 👏#RouseyCarano#MVP#MMA— Milana Dudieva (@DudievaMilana) May 17, 2026
That’s terrible
— Brian BOOM Kelleher (@brianboom135) May 17, 2026
Exactly why Hunter Campbell didn’t want that fight when rousey suggested it. It Wasn’t competitive. Come to UFC and fight the best Rousey. Her name is @KaylaH
— Cody Durden (@Cody_Durden) May 17, 2026
Sick fight 😩😂
— Billy Quarantillo (@BillyQMMA) May 17, 2026
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