In a recent video posted on YouTube, Grammy-nominated R&B singer Kehlani appeared in an MMA training session with former MMA star Ronda Rousey in a very unexpected crossover.

The video, which went viral within minutes, featured the “Nights Like This” singer bringing her evergreen, vibrant personality to the training mat.

It showed Rousey guiding Kehlani through a series of MMA drills, including striking combinations and grappling techniques. What stood out most was the natural chemistry between Kehlani and Rousey.

It also gives us an insight into how training can be exhausting yet entertaining, with Rousey teaching Kehlani a “family heirloom” move to break someone’s arm during a fight.

Rousey also walked the singer through a signature move she calls “The Folded Move” which Kehlani performed with aplomb. “I think they’re all folded moves, but that was cool!” she said with a laugh, clearly enjoying her time on the training mat.

The grappling techniques from Rousey may look beginner-friendly, but they still include real-life MMA fundamentals- all of which Kehlani seemed to perform brilliantly.

The video's caption, “Let’s just say things un-Folded pretty quickly,” was a direct nod to “Folded”, Kehlani’s Grammy-winning track.

What made the video cause a bigger stir was its timing. Fans were pleasantly surprised to view the crossover, which was a planned part of the Netflix promotion for the much-awaited comeback fight between Rousey and Carano on May 16.

Moreover, the event marked the first-ever live MMA broadcast on Netflix.

Why the Timing of Kehlani and Ronda Rousey’s Crossover Mattered

At the beginning of the video, Kehlani hyped up the much-awaited comeback fight between Rousey and Carano. In fact, Rousey's comeback was a big reason for the attention the video received. But that isn't the only reason.

Unlike other celebrity workout videos, this one featured two very different worlds colliding. It also gives everyone a fresh perspective and a sneak peek into what might actually go into MMA training behind the scenes.

At a time when both Rousey and Kehlani were expanding and evolving beyond the spaces that made them famous, the video felt unexpected.

Rousey, who had taken a back seat from MMA competition a decade ago, is slowly building her identity beyond this space. Kehlani, on the other hand, is actively trying to build a public image beyond music, stepping out of her comfort zone with style.

Finally, the video served as a reminder of the charisma, skill, and intensity that Rousey brings to the Octagon, long after her peak fighting days.

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Written by

Avantika Das

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit