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Carano herself stood firm during the controversy, stating: “They can’t cancel us if we don’t let them.”
Years later, the dispute escalated into a federal lawsuit. In February 2024, Carano filed legal action against Disney and Lucasfilm alleging wrongful termination and discrimination tied to her political views. The case drew additional attention when Elon Musk publicly stated he would support legal fees for individuals targeted over their posts on X, formerly Twitter.
Her legal team argued that other actors in the industry had made politically charged remarks without facing comparable consequences, raising questions about consistency in enforcement of studio policies.
After roughly a year and a half of legal proceedings, the matter concluded in August 2025 with a settlement. Disney’s public statement notably described Carano as “always well respected by her directors, co-stars and staff”, a tone that contrasted sharply with the company’s earlier stance during the controversy.
Carano, in turn, expressed appreciation for those who supported her legal fight, including Musk, noting his assistance came without conditions. Disney also indicated openness to potential future collaboration with her.
Now, Carano is back in the entertainment spotlight—but in an entirely different arena.
In February 2026, Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix announced that Carano and Ronda Rousey would headline the platform’s first-ever live MMA event scheduled for May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. The matchup immediately drew attention from combat sports fans who had long speculated about a potential clash between the two women during their peak fighting years.
The bout will be contested over five five-minute rounds at featherweight under Unified Rules of MMA. Rousey enters the event with a 12-2 professional record, including nine submission victories and three knockouts, and is widely credited with helping bring women’s MMA into mainstream sports culture before her retirement in 2016.
Carano reportedly said Rousey personally reached out about the matchup, framing it as a long-awaited crossover moment that never materialized during their active fighting careers.
The undercard is equally stacked, featuring names like Nate Diaz, Mike Perry, and Francis Ngannou—making it one of the most high-profile non-UFC combat sports cards ever assembled for streaming.
At the press conference in New York, Rousey drew immediate attention for her physical condition and intensity. She explained that her training camp has been built around a garage-style octagon constructed by her husband, where she trains consistently while her daughter observes her daily routine.
Rousey summed up her motivation simply, saying: “Because it’s what I’m supposed to be doing.”
Observers in the room also noted the tense but controlled staredown between Rousey and Carano. Carano appeared calm and composed, smirking during the faceoff, signaling confidence rather than intimidation as the fight promotion officially kicked off.
As clips from the event spread online, reactions focused as much on the symbolism as the matchup itself—two athletes who both experienced dramatic career turns now headlining a global streaming event together.
The broader narrative surrounding Carano continues to follow her. What was once framed as a Hollywood exit has now evolved into a legal victory, a reinvention, and a high-profile return to mainstream visibility.
Disney moved on from Carano years ago.
Now Netflix is putting her back on center stage.
