MMA legends Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano return to MMA for Netflix’s Super Clash, but how will the “over-35 curse” affect their performance, why do older fighters face tougher challenges, and what can they do to ensure longevity?
What is the “over 35 curse” in MMA?
The idea of the “curse of the over-35s” in MMA is now so ingrained in fight commentary that Alexander Volkanovsky once parodied the concept before defending his heavyweight title at UFC 298. Despite his fun making fun of his age, the 35-year-old was knocked out by Iliya Topuria, who was just 27 when the bell rang. Of course, no one will ever defeat Father Time, but which aspect of aging is most detrimental to fighters, and what can be done to stop the clock?
How aging affects strength, speed and recovery
Bone density begins gradually decreases around the age of 35and may be more pronounced in postmenopausal women, but for athletes, bone density is often maintained through a history of resistance training. “Exercises such as strength training can slow the progression of bone loss,” explains Jordan Metzl, MD, a sports medicine physician at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York (HSS), the official hospital of the UFC, which includes a specialized women’s sports medicine center. While Dr. Metzl has not treated either Ronda Rousey or Gina Carano, she is interested in longevity. “My goal is to get people moving at every stage of life, from babies to grandparents,” he said.
The Role of Sarcopenia in Sports Degeneration
While calcium and vitamin D are also important ways to combat the decline in bone density, Dr. Metzl says there are other concerns surrounding aging that are more apparent. “If you do MMA, bone density loss is the least of your problems,” he told M&F. “What can start is age-related sarcopenia, or muscle loss from aging, which starts around age 25 and slowly increases over time.”
Genetics may play a role in how the aging process affects athletes, but Dr. Metzl says regular exercise is key to maintaining muscle mass and joint health. So is a healthy, high protein diet. However, no matter how much Rousey or Carano do, “They’re not 25,” the doctor notes. “A 35-year-old body is more likely to suffer an acute stress injury or severe acute injury. Collagen is not as strong. This means that injuries such as tendon strains and tears, sprained ligaments and bone injuries, including stress strains and trauma fractures, are more likely.”
Add the increased likelihood of injuries to extensive wear and tear and it becomes even more clear why age is more than just a number. Both Rousey and Carano have He was dealing with a major head injury. Rousey has also suffered a dislocated elbow and dislocated shoulder during her career, but does the increased physical risk mean aging fighters should be denied the chance to continue fighting?
Why fans still love veteran shows
Sylvester Stallone’s speech at the Boxing Negligence Commission The 2006 film Rocky Balboa said it best. “It’s your right to be heard. Once you’ve earned the right to be where you want to be and do what you want, no one has the right to say no.”
While we often make fun of those old warriors who can’t go away, who says they have to disappear in the first place? ” Sports magazine However, it reports that about 80% of MMA athletes are between the ages of 26 and 35, which means that if these legends want to have a fair fight, maybe they should be fighting each other, not the young guns. Fortunately, platforms like Netflix, which understand the nostalgic star power of Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather or Ronda Rousey, can keep the careers of these competitors active for a long time. “Athletes reach their peak physiological fitness between 25 and 27, but there are many things that go into greatness,” says Dr. Metzl. “Some sports, like sprinting, require mostly physical ability, so (the peak) is closer to 25. But others require more cunning and skill, and people can master them much later in life.”
How you can watch Rousey vs. Carano
Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano will take place on May 16, 2026 from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles and will be broadcast worldwide on Netflix. Click here for more information.
