UFC reveals main event booking that will compete with Ronda Rousey, Francis Ngannou’s MMA returns

UFC Hall of Famer Ronda Rousey’s return to the cage after a nine-year hiatus will coincide with UFC Vegas 117.

It’s been almost a full decade since former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey competed inside the cage. After suffering back-to-back losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, Rousey parted ways with the UFC in a disappointing end to an otherwise legendary run in the promotion.

But Rousey has repeatedly insisted that her upcoming MMA comeback fight vs. Gina Carano will directly compete with the UFC’s marquee events this year. Rousey vs. Carano on May 16th also features the MMA return of former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou against Philipe Lins.

Just hours after Rousey publicly bashed the UFC’s business practices at the inaugural Rousey vs. Carano press conference, the UFC has reportedly booked its main event, which will compete with the Most Valuable Promotions card.

Ronda Rousey and Francis Ngannou’s comebacks set to compete with UFC Vegas 117

On the same night as Rousey vs. Carano, UFC Vegas 117 at the Apex will feature a featherweight headliner between Top-10 mainstay Arnold Allen and the streaking Melquizael Costa. Ag.Fight was the first to report the news of the Allen vs. Costa booking.

Allen returns to the Octagon after a loss to Jean Silva at UFC 324 in January. He’s lost three of his last four fights, including recent defeats to former featherweight titleholder Max Holloway and the unbeaten Movsar Evloev.

Allen will face a steep test in Costa, who has won six consecutive fights, including a TKO victory over Dan Ige in February. He’s quickly become one of the most intriguing featherweight prospects in the UFC with a well-rounded style and aggressive standup.

Additional fights for UFC Vegas 117 are expected to be finalized and announced in the coming days. Meanwhile, Rousey vs. Carano takes place at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.

What is your prediction for Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano? Let us know in the comments!