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As she built up for the fight, Rousey refrained from showing the competitive edge she displayed in her early MMA career and praised Carano.
Carano, 44, became the first woman to headline a card in a major MMA promotion with Cris Cyborg in 2009, but retired shortly after.
“If anyone could steal my happiness, I’d be happy to be Gina because she inspired me when I was sitting on the couch one day, and I could never give her back,” Rousey said.
“If he gets the greatest comeback story of all time, I’ll be happy to be a part of it.”
Carano revealed that she struggled with her mental health and later gained a lot of weight Fired from The Mandalorian in 2021, Where she worked as an actress.
She credits Rousey for helping her recover.
“I worked so hard. It got me out of bed every morning to score Ronda,” Carano said.
“I picture the fight, hands up, not seeing it go any other way. As sick as I was a year and a half ago, I think it’s already a win.”
Also on the card, former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou faces Philip Lins and fan favorite Diaz faces Mike Perry, but they’ve mostly left Rousey and Carano behind during fight week.
With organizers aiming to set a new record for the most-watched MMA event of all time, it remains to be seen if Rousey’s venture forward can truly step out of the UFC’s shadow.
Rousey first approached the UFC about her comeback stage, but White and the hierarchy couldn’t agree.
“When I first sat in that (UFC) office and I was breastfeeding (after giving birth), (they) didn’t think I would be taken seriously,” she said.
“I think they now regret not making it happen.”
