UFC Bantamweight Jacqueline Cavalcanti Assesses Rousey and Carano’s Comeback Readiness, Citing Parity Between MMA Icons

The highly anticipated five-round mixed martial arts (MMA) showdown between pioneers Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano is set to electrify audiences this Saturday in California, broadcasting live on Netflix as part of a Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) event. This clash, which evokes significant nostalgia for long-time MMA fans, brings together two of the sport’s most influential figures after extended hiatuses. Remarkably, both athletes have shared a common training partner in the lead-up to their historic encounter: the undefeated UFC bantamweight contender Jacqueline Cavalcanti.

Cavalcanti, who boasts an unblemished 5-0 record in the UFC and holds the No. 9 position in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, found herself in a unique position, training with both legends. Her own professional MMA journey commenced in 2018, years after Rousey and Carano had last competed, providing her with a perspective rooted in the sport’s modern era while respecting its foundational figures.

The connection between Cavalcanti and the returning legends began when Rousey extended an invitation for sparring in Las Vegas. While Cavalcanti’s initial attempts to train with the former UFC champion were hampered by a wrist injury and a scheduling conflict due to being out of town, she eventually did get the opportunity. "It was funny because I had just sparred with Ronda," Cavalcanti recounted to MMA Fighting. The timeline then took an intriguing turn: "And a month later, or maybe a week later, Gina started training at Syndicate. I was like, ‘Wow, what a coincidence.’"

This serendipitous alignment of training partners soon presented Cavalcanti with a professional dilemma. As preparations for the blockbuster fight between Rousey and Carano intensified, Cavalcanti became aware that the two were actively working on a deal for a double comeback bout. This revelation necessitated her withdrawal from further training engagements with Rousey. "Then I actually found out [Rousey] was going to fight Gina Carano and Gina Carano is training with me at Syndicate," Cavalcanti explained. "So I said, ‘I won’t be able to [train anymore], unfortunately.’ I can’t be on both sides of the fence."

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While Cavalcanti navigates her unique position, she is also preparing for her own significant challenge. She is scheduled to face top-ranked Ketlen Vieira at UFC Vegas 117 this Saturday at the Meta APEX, a testament to her own rising trajectory in the sport. Vieira, a seasoned veteran with a professional record of 14-3, is currently ranked No. 3 in the UFC bantamweight division and represents a formidable test for the undefeated Cavalcanti. Vieira’s recent victories include notable decisions over Miesha Tate and Holly Holm, showcasing her elite grappling and striking capabilities. This upcoming bout for Cavalcanti underscores her commitment to her own career while simultaneously observing a pivotal moment for women’s MMA history.

The returns of Rousey and Carano mark significant milestones. Rousey, an Olympic bronze medalist in judo and the inaugural UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion, revolutionized women’s MMA with her dominant performances and mainstream appeal. Her last professional MMA contest was in December 2016, a defeat to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207, which followed a shocking upset loss to Holly Holm in November 2015. After her MMA career, Rousey transitioned to professional wrestling, achieving significant success in WWE. Carano, often credited as the "face of women’s MMA" before Rousey’s ascent, last fought in 2009, suffering a defeat to Cris Cyborg in a highly anticipated Strikeforce bout. Carano’s attempt at a comeback in 2011 against Sarah D’Alelio was ultimately cancelled due to medical reasons, leading her to pursue a successful career in acting, including roles in films like Haywire and the television series The Mandalorian.

Cavalcanti’s interactions with both athletes provided her with distinct insights into their current states. She had previously admired Carano from afar, recalling her iconic clash with Cris Cyborg. "I already knew Gina when I watched her fight against Cris Cyborg," Cavalcanti stated. "I’m a big fan of Cris and I remember watching that fight between those two killers, and when I met Gina at Syndicate she said, ‘Hi, I’m Gina Carano.’ She looked quite different. She’s lost a lot of weight now, but when she came back to training she was still getting back to fighting shape."

Regarding Rousey, Cavalcanti observed that the fundamental aspects of her game remained intact, despite her long absence from active competition. "I really feel that Ronda hasn’t changed anything from what she already was," Cavalcanti remarked. "She’s still so good when she closes the distance, the transitions to judo and then jiu-jitsu." Cavalcanti acknowledged the challenges of returning to fight shape, especially for sparring, which demands immense cardiovascular endurance. "And like I said, it was one of her first sparring sessions back so she was still getting back in shape. Hitting pads and doing some drills is very different from sparring, right? Sparring demands much more from your cardio. Mentally too, but especially your lungs, so sometimes she needed a bit more time to recover between rounds. But technique-wise, I feel she’s very sharp and still has it."

Drawing a comparison between the two legends, Cavalcanti offered a nuanced assessment of their readiness. "I think when you learn how to ride a bike you never forget, you know," she mused, referring to the ingrained nature of martial arts skills. "Her judo, everything is very well-tuned. I never trained with Ronda in her prime so I don’t know if she still has the same strength and power she had before, but today, comparing her and Gina, we can say they’re at a similar level because Gina is a bit older, Ronda is a few years younger, but they’re very close." This assessment from a current top-ranked bantamweight provides a unique, real-time evaluation of the two combatants ahead of their return.

The journey to this fight involved intricate negotiations. Rousey recently disclosed that she had engaged in discussions with UFC CEO Dana White regarding a potential Carano fight under the UFC banner, but stated that "it didn’t exactly work out with the UFC." Ultimately, a deal was struck with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix, a move that Cavalcanti believes will yield significant benefits for the sport.

The decision to broadcast this landmark event on Netflix is seen as a strategic move to broaden MMA’s appeal. "Netflix has massive reach and will bring in audiences that may have never followed MMA, especially women’s MMA, which is still growing a lot," Cavalcanti observed. While acknowledging that MMA has historically been a male-dominated sport, she emphasized the ongoing evolution and increasing recognition of female athletes. "It’s still a more male-dominated sport, but we see women’s MMA growing today, getting more opportunities, women showing they have technique and fight IQ. Not to mention the investment."

The financial implications of such a high-profile event are also expected to have a ripple effect across the sport. "I think Jake Paul and his company must be paying millions," Cavalcanti speculated. "For Ronda to leave her home and come back to fight in front of the public, they must be paying very, very well. I think their paychecks will be magnificent, but for women’s MMA it will open many doors because more people will start following and sponsors and investors will come not only for women but for MMA as a whole."

This Saturday’s clash between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, mediated by the unique insights of Jacqueline Cavalcanti, represents more than just a fight; it is a convergence of history, legacy, and the potential future trajectory of women’s mixed martial arts on a global stage.

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