In a twist worthy of its own pay-per-view subplot, Ronda Rousey has enlisted the very coach she once despised to guide her through the biggest fight of her career. For the first time since her 2016 retirement, the former UFC bantamweight queen is gearing up to face Gina Carano on May 16, and in her corner will be Ricky Lundell—once a mortal enemy during her earliest days in MMA.
A Surprising Partnership Takes Shape
Ricky Lundell isn’t just another striking or strength specialist; he’s a decorated wrestling and grappling coach whose résumé includes moulding Miesha Tate’s world-class ground game. Back in 2013, Lundell was in Tate’s corner when she battled Rousey on The Ultimate Fighter 18, setting the stage for one of MMA’s fiercest rivalries behind the scenes.
Fast-forward to 2026, and that very coach is now responsible for sharpening Rousey’s takedowns and fortifying her judo foundation. Lundell’s expertise didn’t vanish over the last decade—he’s a black belt in judo himself, well-versed in the kind of clinch work and balance disruption that defined Rousey’s prime.
From Feud to Formation of an Elite Camp
“I hated his guts,” Rousey confessed on her YouTube channel, recalling Lundell’s polite-but-provocative coaching style. His uncanny ability to be “the nicest motherf—er you’ll ever meet,” as Rousey put it, initially threw her off guard. But it was exactly that blend of hard-nosed instruction and genuine care that chipped away at her resistance.
Travis Browne, Rousey’s husband, played babysitter and mediator—literally hanging at Lundell’s house with his wife when Ronda sank into a post-retirement funk. “He kept me supplied,” she joked, referring to endless cereal, World of Warcraft sessions and empathetic listening during her low days. That kindness formed the bedrock of a friendship and soon a training partnership.
Countdown to the Rematch-Rich Showdown
On May 16, at a yet-to-be-announced venue, Rousey will lock horns with Gina Carano in a fight that’s already generating buzz across the women’s MMA landscape. Carano, herself a pioneer of the sport, is dusting off retirement to meet Rousey in what figures to be a clash of striking pedigree versus grappling mastery.
Under Lundell’s tutelage, Rousey is sharpening her hip throws, reinforcing her ground-and-pound and rebuilding the competitive edge that made her a household name in UFC circles. Meanwhile, Carano brings a boxing-heavy approach, blending crisp combinations with fight-time versatility—a test that will prove whether Rousey’s new camp has her firing on all cylinders.
Beyond tactics, this comeback marks a defining moment for both fighters: Rousey chasing redemption after her 48-second knockout at the hands of Amanda Nunes, and Carano attempting to rewrite her legacy inside the cage. With Lundell cornering “Rowdy,” fans are bracing for a chess match that could influence matchmaking across UFC women’s divisions for months to come.
One thing’s clear: this isn’t just another grudge match. It’s a full-circle narrative—where past antagonisms fuel present-day triumphs, and where the line between enemy and ally has never been thinner. As the countdown to fight night ticks away, the MMA world is watching to see if Rousey’s newfound alliance pays off in spectacular fashion.
FAQ
When and where is Ronda Rousey’s comeback fight?
Ronda Rousey returns to the cage on May 16, 2026, in a high-profile matchup against Gina Carano. The event location is still under wraps but expected to be announced soon.
Who is Rousey’s new coach, Ricky Lundell?
Ricky Lundell is a respected wrestling and grappling coach who previously worked with Miesha Tate during her UFC ascent. He holds a judo black belt and is tasked with refining Rousey’s takedowns and groundwork.
Why is Gina Carano making her comeback?
Gina Carano is stepping out of retirement to face Rousey, looking to cement her legacy as one of women’s MMA trailblazers. Her return will test her striking against Rousey’s revamped grappling game.
What happened in Rousey’s last MMA fight?
Ronda Rousey was knocked out by Amanda Nunes in just 48 seconds back in 2016, which prompted her initial retirement. Since then, she’s been training sporadically before committing to this comeback.
How could this fight impact the UFC women’s divisions?
If Rousey wins, she could re-enter title contention in the bantamweight division, potentially setting up superfights with champions like Valentina Shevchenko. A Carano victory, meanwhile, would shake up matchmaking and open new potential challengers for her next bout.
