Former UFC bantamweight titleholder Merab Dvalishvili not too long ago skilled with Gina Carano at Syndicate MMA. He appeared on The Ariel Helwani Present on April 29, 2026 and spoke about her preparation for her struggle with Ronda Rousey.
Why Merab Dvalishvili thinks Gina Carano will crush Ronda Rousey on Netflix
Dvalishvili stated Carano had impressed throughout observe periods that started in March. He selected her to win. “I used to be stunned by (Gina Carano’s) power. Ronda Rousey has a judo background and I’ve a judo background. I believe Gina Carano will win this struggle… It could make a UFC fighter look dangerous, she would make judo look dangerous, however I believe she’s going to win.”
He pointed to her work on the gymnasium. Carano modified her physique and honed her technique. She trains with Excessive Couture and posted about her session with Dvalishvili, calling it electrical.
Previous to blended martial arts, Dvalishvili practiced judo and sambo for seven years. Rousey received a bronze medal in judo on the 2008 Olympics and holds a 4th diploma black belt. Carano comes into the struggle with knowledgeable MMA report of 7-1, however her final struggle got here in 2009 when she misplaced to Cris Cyborg by way of first-round TKO punch.
Rousey has a 12-2 MMA report with 9 submissions and three KOs. She retired after the 2016 loss and has not fought since. The UFC pursued this mix throughout Rousey’s title struggle however by no means booked it.
Carano competed from 2006 to 2009, incomes three knockouts, one submission, and three choices. She turned to performing and had her function on The Mandalorian lower in 2021 following her social media posts. Carano was born in 1982, Rousey in 1987, and each fighters, now of their 40s, returned after lengthy layoffs.
The struggle will headline Most Invaluable Promotions’ first MMA card, set for Could 16, 2026 on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Netflix will stream the occasion stay worldwide beginning at 8pm ET, marking the primary time will probably be broadcast stay for MMA. Different matches embrace Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry and Francis Ngannou vs. Phillip Lins.
Dvalishvili is aiming for a bantamweight title rematch towards Petr Yan, whom he defeated in December 2025. His help provides weight to his standing as a high fighter at present. Carano will face Rousey in a hexagonal cage in entrance of 18,300 followers. Followers are ready for Rousey’s grappling conflict towards Carano’s Muay Thai house. Dvalishvili’s feedback have been stirring up controversy for weeks.
