In a move that has sent shockwaves through the world of professional sports and entertainment, Ronda Rousey has officially confirmed her return to mixed martial arts. The announcement marks the end of a decade-long hiatus for the woman who single-handedly brought women’s fighting into the global mainstream. However, the magnitude of her return is amplified by the identity of her opponent: fellow pioneer and Hollywood actress Gina Carano. The two icons are slated to collide in what is being billed as the most significant "super-fight" in the history of women’s combat sports, a high-stakes showdown organized by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions and set to stream live on Netflix on May 16.
The news broke on February 17, when Rousey released a statement to ESPN expressing her long-standing anticipation for this moment. For the 39-year-old Rousey, this isn’t just a return to her roots; it is a legacy-defining event. "Been waiting so long to announce this," Rousey shared, emphasizing that the bout is a tribute to the MMA community across generations—past, present, and future. The fight represents a collision of two distinct eras. Carano, often cited as the "Crush" of the early MMA scene, hasn’t competed since 2009, while Rousey’s last professional walk to the cage occurred nearly ten years ago.
The road back to the ring has been a winding one for Rousey. Since stepping away from the Octagon, she has prioritized her personal life, building a family with her husband, fellow fighter Travis Browne. The couple are parents to two daughters: four-year-old La’akea and 13-month-old Liko’ula. Professionally, Rousey transitioned seamlessly into the world of sports entertainment, enjoying a highly successful tenure with the WWE that lasted until 2023. She also established herself as a formidable screen presence, landing roles in blockbuster franchises such as The Expendables and Fast & Furious.
Carano’s path has been equally storied. After leaving the sport following a historic run in Strikeforce, she became one of the first MMA stars to successfully pivot to a full-time acting career. Her filmography includes standout roles in Deadpool, Fast & Furious 6, and a prominent turn in the Star Wars universe via The Mandalorian. Now 43, Carano revealed that the impetus for this fight came directly from Rousey. According to Carano, Rousey approached her with a deeply personal request, stating that Carano was the only person she would ever consider coming out of retirement to face. Carano noted that Rousey expressed gratitude for the doors Carano opened for female athletes early in the 2000s, making the invitation one of mutual respect. While Carano acknowledged the difficulty of the task ahead, she remained confident, stating her belief that she will emerge victorious in what she calls an "honor" of a matchup.
As the sports world gears up for this May 16 spectacle, the broader entertainment landscape is also preparing for a massive influx of new content. While the Rousey-Carano fight is undoubtedly the premier live event of the season, a diverse slate of television and film projects is scheduled to hit screens in the coming months, offering everything from animated revivals to gritty true crime and high-fashion docuseries.
The comedy world is seeing a resurgence of long-running favorites. On February 15, the irreverent Family Guy returned for its 24th season, followed closely by the milestone 20th season of American Dad on February 22. Fans of cult-favorite Canadian humor can also look forward to more of Shoresy on Hulu starting February 21, as the titular character continues his quest to protect the integrity of the game.
For those seeking dramatic depth, Apple TV+ is delivering a second season of The Last Thing He Told Me on February 20. The series continues the high-stakes mystery of Owen (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), who resurfaces after five years as a fugitive, forcing Hannah (Jennifer Garner) and Bailey (Angourie Rice) into a desperate struggle to reconcile their past before it destroys their future. Similarly, the "Monsterverse" expands on February 27 with the second season of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. This season promises to take viewers to the legendary Skull Island, where the rise of a new Titan threatens to unravel the secrets of the Monarch organization.
The reality and documentary space is particularly robust this spring. On February 23, Prime Video debuts The CEO Club, a docuseries that offers an inside look at the business empires of some of the world’s most influential women. The cast features a powerhouse lineup including tennis legend Serena Williams, Latin pop icon Thalia, and beauty entrepreneur Winnie Harlow, alongside fashion figures like Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger and Loren Ridinger. For fans of home transformation, Beachfront Bargain Hunt Renovation returns to the Magnolia Network on February 24, documenting the grueling but rewarding process of turning affordable seaside properties into luxury retreats.
March brings even more heavy hitters. The final chapter of the epic romance Outlander begins on March 6, as Claire and Jamie Fraser’s journey reaches its emotional conclusion. On the lighter side, Seth MacFarlane’s foul-mouthed teddy bear returns for a second season of Ted on Peacock on March 5. One of the most anticipated streaming events of the month is the second season of Netflix’s live-action One Piece, premiering March 10. The Straw Hat pirates will finally enter the Grand Line, facing more perilous quests and bizarre adversaries in their search for the world’s greatest treasure.
Reality TV fans have much to discuss with the expansion of the "MomTok" phenomenon. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives arrives on Hulu on March 12, following the internal friction and external fame of its stars. This leads directly into a new season of The Bachelorette on March 22, which will feature Taylor Frankie Paul as she looks for love following her high-profile divorce. The Housewives universe also continues to grow with the premiere of The Real Housewives of Rhode Island on April 2, bringing the franchise’s signature drama to the nation’s smallest state.
Nostalgia remains a powerful force in the 2025-2026 schedule. ABC is "scrubbing back in" with a highly anticipated reboot of the hospital comedy Scrubs, reuniting Zach Braff, Donald Faison, and Sarah Chalke. Perhaps even more surprising is the return of Malcolm in the Middle on April 10. Titled Life’s Still Unfair, the revival sees the original cast—including Bryan Cranston and Frankie Muniz—reuniting for a 40th-anniversary party that drags the titular Malcolm back into his family’s chaotic orbit.
Later in the year, HBO will finally release the third season of Euphoria on April 12. Creator Sam Levinson has confirmed a five-year time jump, moving the characters out of their high school years and into the complexities of young adulthood. The season remains one of the most talked-about projects in development, with stars Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney returning to their career-defining roles.
Looking further ahead into late 2025 and 2026, the industry is leaning into prequels and origin stories. Reese Witherspoon is executive producing Elle, a Prime Video series following a young Elle Woods in high school. The role of the iconic blonde has been handed to Lexi Minetree, with Witherspoon expressing her excitement at seeing the character’s "unstoppable" origin story come to life. Additionally, Guy Ritchie is set to bring Young Sherlock to Prime Video, offering an action-packed look at the detective’s early years.
From the blood and sweat of the MMA cage to the high-fashion boardrooms of New York and the suburban mysteries of the Apple TV+ slate, the upcoming year in entertainment is defined by major returns and bold new beginnings. As Ronda Rousey prepares to step back into the spotlight that she helped create, she does so in an era where women’s stories—whether told through a super-fight on Netflix or a prestige drama on HBO—have never been more central to the global conversation.
