MVP MMA 1: Rousey vs. Carano Fight Card on Netflix May 16

MVP MMA 1 has 11 fights, including Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano and Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry. This is the first MMA event from Most Valuable Promotions.
By Newsroom | Sports, MMA |

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) is set to launch its inaugural MMA event, MVP MMA 1, headlined by a highly anticipated bout between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano. The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, with the preliminary card commencing at 6:00 PM ET on YouTube, followed by the main card broadcast on Netflix at 9:00 PM ET.

The event boasts a total of 11 MMA bouts, featuring a mix of established names and rising contenders across various weight classes. This debut card aims to leverage the global reach of Netflix to establish MVP as a significant player in the combat sports landscape.

Key Matchups and Undercard Details

The headline fight pits two pioneers of women's MMA against each other, with Ronda Rousey (12-2) facing Gina Carano in the women's featherweight division. Rousey's return to the sport marks a significant moment, given her past dominance.

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Further down the card, veteran Nate Diaz is slated to compete against Mike Perry in a welterweight contest. Diaz, known for his resilience and high-profile wins, including a notable upset over Conor McGregor in 2016, brings considerable fan interest.

The event also features former UFC heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos, who will face Robelis Despaigne. Reports initially indicated Francis Ngannou would also compete against Philipe Lins, but subsequent information suggests Dos Santos will take on Despaigne, while Ngannou's participation has been varied in reports. Additionally, undefeated flyweight Muhammad Mokaev is scheduled to face former ONE Championship flyweight champion Adriano Moraes.

Other notable names confirmed for the card include former Bellator champion Jason Jackson, Karate Combat champions Aline Pereira and Robelis Despaigne, and KSW champion Salahdine Parnasse. The full fight order is still being finalized.

Read More: Gina Carano to Fight Ronda Rousey on Netflix May 16

Background and Promotional Strategy

Most Valuable Promotions, an entity with a stated focus on women's boxing, is venturing into mixed martial arts with this Netflix partnership. This move signifies a broader ambition to create "blockbuster live experiences" by combining fan engagement with high-profile athlete participation. The promotion has emphasized its role as a platform for significant combat sports events, aiming to draw a wide audience through a combination of star power and competitive matchups. The venue for MVP MMA 1 is the Intuit Dome in California. Betting odds indicate varying levels of favoritism for several bouts, with some matchups seeing clear favorites. For instance, in a bout between "Monstro" and an unnamed opponent, "Monstro" is a substantial -1500 favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is MVP MMA 1 and when is it happening?
MVP MMA 1 is the first mixed martial arts event from Most Valuable Promotions. It is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, and will take place at the Intuit Dome in California. The event features 11 fights, including a main event and several other notable matchups.
Q: Who is fighting in the main event at MVP MMA 1?
The main event at MVP MMA 1 features a highly anticipated fight between pioneers of women's MMA, Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano. This bout is in the women's featherweight division.
Q: Where can I watch MVP MMA 1?
The preliminary card for MVP MMA 1 will start at 6:00 PM ET on YouTube. The main card will be broadcast live on Netflix, beginning at 9:00 PM ET.
Q: What are some other key fights at MVP MMA 1?
Besides the main event, other notable fights include Nate Diaz against Mike Perry in the welterweight division. Former UFC heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos will face Robelis Despaigne, and Muhammad Mokaev is scheduled to fight Adriano Moraes.
Q: What is Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)?
Most Valuable Promotions is an organization that is expanding from women's boxing into mixed martial arts. They aim to create major live combat sports events, using partnerships like the one with Netflix to reach a wide audience with star athletes and exciting fights.