Ronda Rousey submits Gina Carano in 17 seconds at MVP event

Ronda Rousey returned to the Octagon after nearly a decade away and defeated Gina Carano by submission in 17 seconds on Saturday.

Rousey, who had not fought since Dec. 30, 2016, locked in an arm bar early and forced the finish. The win was her 13th career victory and her 10th that ended inside the first 70 seconds. All but one of her victories have come in the first round.

Some observers questioned whether the result was predetermined. Nakisa Bidarian, Jake Paul's business partner at Most Valuable Promotions, pushed back on the claims.

"I think the Jake Paul allegations are more outlandish, honestly. With Ronda, it’s just a lack of knowledge from people who don't know who she is or what she does," Bidarian said in an interview with Fox News Digital.

"If you think about it, why would anyone in our business fix a fight to last only 17 seconds? This was reality -- someone supremely prepared imposing her will."

Bidarian said Rousey performed as she had in the past and noted her record ticket sales among female combat athletes. He expressed disappointment for Carano, who trained for the bout but was caught in Rousey's early trap.

"MVP MMA will be back," Bidarian said. "We are working feverishly on the future. We believe we have a special 'fighter-first' brand, and there is clearly a demand for more, which we are going to deliver."