Gina Carano speaks from the heart when explaining the deep meaning behind her upcoming clash with Ronda Rousey.

"It has transformed my life and also rescued it," Carano tells BBC Sport.

On Saturday at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, Carano returns to competition after nearly 17 years to face fellow American Rousey in the first MMA event broadcast live on Netflix.

The contest promises to reshape MMA, and Rousey believes it will set a fresh earnings record for female fighters.

Carano has plenty to celebrate, yet only five years ago she faced some of her darkest professional moments.

While away from MMA, Carano moved into acting and earned a major part as Cara Dune in the Star Wars spin-off The Mandalorian.

In 2021 she was removed from the cast after comments comparing being Republican in the US to being Jewish during the Holocaust.

Carano pursued legal action for unfair dismissal and gender bias, while Lucasfilm denounced her remarks for belittling people based on cultural and religious identities.

Carano settled her case against Disney and Lucasfilm in 2025, but recalls being in a deeply painful state in the years before when she felt completely lost.

"I remember carrying so much physical tension that my anxiety made my skin ache," said Carano.

"I endured panic attacks and it felt like the world was collapsing. Those were difficult times, far from ideal.

"I spent two decades building my career only to see it taken away overnight."

Seeing Carano struggling, Rousey suggested a fight to the UFC in 2024, believing it would help them both.

When discussions stalled, Rousey contacted Carano directly, and the bout was eventually arranged under Most Valuable Promotions (MVP).

Carano says she has lost 100lb since September 2024 while training and weighed in at 141.4lb on Friday.

"This fight sharpened my focus and gave me purpose, not just physically but in every way," added Carano.

"It was remarkable to direct all my energy toward one goal.

"My health has improved greatly and I feel like myself again, comfortable in my skin, alive and thankful each day."

While much attention during the buildup has centered on Rousey, whose promotional flair and drive to evolve MMA create strong headlines, Carano proves the ideal counterpart.

Like Rousey, she helped pioneer women's MMA. Some argue Carano opened the door for Rousey back in 2009.

In 2009, Carano faced Cris Cyborg for the first Strikeforce featherweight title in the first bout headlined by two women in a major promotion.

Although Carano lost and has not competed since, she showed fighters like Rousey they belonged at the highest level.

Rousey acknowledges this, admitting Carano inspired her while watching from home.

Rousey's respect has been clear throughout fight week as she has praised her opponent repeatedly.

After Friday's weigh-ins, Rousey waited for Carano and greeted her with a hug once she made weight.

"I have never been able to give back to her," said Rousey.

"If she earns the greatest comeback story I would be happy to play a part."

A fight was discussed around 2014 when Rousey was at her UFC peak and a global sports star, but it never happened.

Some claim that at ages 39 and 44 the contest may lack the edge it once held, yet both have dismissed the criticism.

For Carano, simply returning to fight on such a big stage marks a major personal win.

"Many fighters talk about coming back but people overlook the strength and dedication required," said Carano.

"And not just return but face someone as legendary as Ronda. We are making a dream come true for both of us."