Former UFC champion Ronda Rousey made a sensational return to mixed martial arts on Saturday night, defeating women’s MMA pioneer Gina Carano via first-round submission in just 17 seconds at the inaugural MVP MMA event.
The highly anticipated clash took place at the Intuit Dome in California under Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions banner, drawing massive attention from combat sports fans around the world. The bout marked Rousey’s first MMA appearance in nearly a decade, while Carano entered the cage for the first time since 2009.
Rousey wasted no time asserting her dominance, immediately closing the distance and securing a takedown seconds after the opening bell. The former UFC bantamweight queen quickly transitioned into her trademark armbar submission, forcing Carano to tap out less than 20 seconds into the contest.
The matchup itself carried much significance, as both Rousey and Carano are widely regarded as two of the most influential figures in the rise of women’s mixed martial arts. Carano helped popularize women’s MMA during her Strikeforce days, while Rousey later became the first female fighter signed by the UFC and eventually one of the sport’s biggest global attractions.
Following the fight, reports indicated that Rousey described the comeback appearance as a one-time return and potentially the final fight of her combat sports career.
The MVP MMA card also featured several high-profile bouts, including victories for Mike Perry and Francis Ngannou on a night that delivered major headlines across the MMA world.
Anthony Joshua defeats Jake Paul by sixth-round knockout in Miami
The heavyweight boxing contest between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul was held on December 19, 2025, at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. The bout ended with Anthony Joshua winning by knockout in the sixth round, bringing a clear conclusion to one of the most widely discussed crossover fights of the year.
The fight was streamed worldwide on Netflix, drawing attention from both boxing fans and casual viewers.
Event Overview
Main event: Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul
Date: December 19, 2025
Venue: Kaseya Center, Miami
Weight class: Heavyweight
Scheduled rounds: 8
Broadcast platform: Netflix
Final result: Anthony Joshua wins by knockout
Pre-Fight Conditions
Both fighters entered the ring without reported injuries. The bout was sanctioned as a professional heavyweight contest and scheduled for eight rounds.
Anthony Joshua, a former heavyweight world champion, came in with a clear size and experience advantage. Jake Paul, fighting at heavyweight, stepped up to face his most experienced opponent to date.
Round by Round Fight Report
Round 1
The opening round was cautious. Joshua stayed patient, using his jab to maintain distance. Paul focused on movement and avoided extended exchanges. No major punches landed cleanly.
Round 2
Joshua began pressing forward more confidently. Paul continued to circle the ring and clinch when Joshua closed the distance. The pace remained controlled, with Joshua landing the more effective shots.
Round 3
Joshua took control of the center of the ring. His punches became more frequent and accurate. Paul showed signs of slowing, relying on defense rather than offense.
Round 4
Joshua increased pressure and landed several clean combinations. Paul spent much of the round moving backward and holding to reduce damage. Joshua clearly dominated the round.
Round 5
The turning point of the fight came in Round 5. Joshua landed a strong combination that dropped Paul to the canvas. Paul beat the count but was knocked down again later in the round. He managed to survive until the bell, but appeared unsteady.
Round 6
Early in the sixth round, Joshua landed a powerful right hand that sent Paul down once more. The referee immediately stepped in and stopped the contest, ruling a knockout victory for Anthony Joshua.
MIAMI, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 19: (L-R) Jake Paul fights Anthony Joshua in their heavyweight bout during Jake Paul v Anthony Joshua at Kaseya Center on December 19, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images for Netflix)
Official Fight Result
Winner: Anthony Joshua
Method: Knockout (KO)
Round: 6
Stoppage: Referee intervention
Judges’ scorecards: Not required
Key Fight Observations
Joshua controlled the fight after the early rounds
Paul struggled to handle Joshua’s power and ring control
Multiple knockdowns occurred before the stoppage
The fight ended without controversy because the result was clear from the beginning.
Joshua remained composed throughout the bout, choosing pressure and timing over aggression.
Post Fight Summary
The fight concluded decisively in favor of Anthony Joshua. After a measured start, he dominated the middle rounds and secured a sixth-round knockout.
Jake Paul showed durability by continuing after multiple knockdowns, but the referee’s stoppage ended the contest once it was clear he could no longer safely defend himself.
The Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul fight ended with a clear and official knockout victory for Anthony Joshua. The result reflected the difference in professional experience and heavyweight boxing skill.
The bout closed without dispute and will be recorded as a sixth-round KO win for Joshua.
