As she has in the build-up to the fight, Rousey refrained from showing the competitive edge she displayed during her early MMA career and praised Carano.
Carano, 44, was the first woman alongside Cris Cyborg in 2009 to headline a card in a major MMA promotion, but retired shortly after.
“If anyone can steal my happiness, I’d be happy for it to be Gina because she inspired me when I was sitting on the couch one day, and 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.”
Carano revealed she suffered with her mental health and gained a lot of weight after being fired from The Mandalorian in 2021, where she worked as an actress.
She credited Rousey with helping her recovery.
“I’ve worked so hard. Having Ronda as the goal got me out of bed every morning,” said Carano.
“I’ve pictured the fight, I can’t see it going any other way, having my hand raised. As sick as I was a year and a half ago, I feel this is already a victory.”
Also on the card, former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou takes on Philipe Lins and fan favourite Diaz faces Mike Perry, but they have mostly taken a backseat to Rousey and Carano in fight week.
With organisers aiming to set a new record for the most watched MMA event of all time, it remains to be seen if the Rousey-fronted venture can indeed step out of the UFC’s shadow.
Rousey first approached the UFC to stage her comeback, but couldn’t agree terms with White and the hierarchy.
“When I first sat down in that [UFC] office and I was lactating [after giving birth], [they] didn’t think I was to be taken seriously,” she said.
“I think they’re regretting not making it happen now.”
