While much of the media attention in the build-up has been on Rousey, whose mastery of promotion and drive for change in the MMA landscape makes for captivating headlines, Carano is the perfect dance partner.
Like Rousey, she is a trailblazer when it comes to MMA. In fact, there is an argument Carano opened the door for Rousey in 2009 to storm through and achieve what she did.
In 2009, Carano fought Cris Cyborg for the inaugural Strikeforce featherweight title in a bout which represented the first time two women had headlined an event in a major MMA promotion.
Although Carano lost and has not fought since, she played a major role in showing women like Rousey they belonged at the top level of MMA.
Rousey acknowledges this, admitting Carano “inspired her when she was sitting on the couch one day”.
The respect Rousey has for Carano has also been visible throughout fight week, with the former UFC champion heaping praise on her opponent.
After Friday’s official weigh-ins, Rousey waited for Carano to get off the scales and greeted her with a hug after she made weight for their featherweight bout.
“I’ve never been able to give back to her,” said Rousey.
“If she gets the greatest comeback story of all time I’d be happy to be part of it.”
A fight between the pair was touted around 2014 when Rousey was in her prime in the UFC and one of the biggest sports stars in the world, but it never came to fruition.
Some have argued that with Rousey being 39 and Carano 44 the contest will not be as competitive as it once could have been, but the pair have brushed criticism aside.
For Carano, just being able to fight again on the biggest stage is a remarkable personal victory.
“You see so many fighters say they are going to come back but people underestimate the strength and commitment it takes to come back,” said Carano.
“And not just come back but to face someone incredibly legendary like Ronda. We’re making a dream come true for both of us.”
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