Gina Carano Settles Disney Lawsuit, Announces MMA Return Against Ronda Rousey

MEXICO CITY, February 17, 2026 – Following a multi-year legal battle that reshaped the conversation around Hollywood employment and social media, actress and former fighter Gina Carano has officially settled her wrongful termination lawsuit against Disney and Lucasfilm. The resolution comes as Carano prepares for a high-profile return to the cage, headlining Netflix’s inaugural live mixed martial arts (MMA) event against fellow pioneer Ronda Rousey this May.
Legal Settlement with Disney and Lucasfilm
After being removed from the Disney+ series The Mandalorian in 2021 due to controversial social media posts, Carano filed a federal lawsuit in 2024 alleging wrongful termination and discrimination. Court documents filed in the U.S. District Court indicate that Carano and the defendants filed a joint motion on August 7, 2025, to dismiss the lawsuit with prejudice. While the specific financial terms of the settlement remain confidential, both parties have reportedly reached a “truce,” ending a legal saga that had become a flashpoint for debates on “cancel culture” in the entertainment industry.
Netflix MMA Debut: Carano vs. Rousey
In a move that marks a significant shift back to her athletic roots, Carano is set to headline Netflix’s first-ever live MMA broadcast. The event, produced in partnership with Most Valuable Promotions, will feature Carano facing off against former UFC champion Ronda Rousey in a featherweight bout. The fight is scheduled for May 16, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
This match represents Carano’s first professional fight in over 15 years, having last competed in 2009. Industry analysts view the event as a strategic “un-canceling” of the star, leveraging Netflix’s growing interest in live sports following their successful boxing ventures.
Event Details
- Date: May 16, 2026
- Venue: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA
- Platform: Netflix (Live)
- Weight Class: Featherweight
- Ticket Sales: March 5, 2026
Key Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gina Joy Carano |
| Birth Date | April 16, 1982 |
| Nickname | Conviction |
| MMA Record | 7-1-0 |
| Film Debut | Haywire (2011) |
| Notable Filmography | Fast & Furious 6 (2013), Deadpool (2016) |
| Television | The Mandalorian |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Gina Carano fired from The Mandalorian?
Lucasfilm terminated its relationship with Carano in 2021 following social media posts that the company described as “denigrating people based on their cultural and religious identities.”
What was the outcome of her lawsuit against Disney?
The lawsuit was settled in 2025. Carano and Disney filed a joint motion to dismiss the case with prejudice, effectively ending the legal dispute through a confidential settlement.
When is Gina Carano’s next fight?
She is scheduled to fight Ronda Rousey on May 16, 2026, in a live event streamed on Netflix.
What is Gina Carano’s professional MMA background?
Before her acting career, Carano was a pioneer in women’s MMA, competing in Elite Xtreme Combat and Strikeforce. She began her training in Muay Thai and holds a professional MMA record of 7 wins and 1 loss.
