LOS ANGELES (Azat TV) – The highly anticipated return of mixed martial arts icons Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano has moved into its final phase of promotion as Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) confirmed the complete 11-match fight card for their upcoming Netflix exclusive event. Scheduled for May 16, 2026, at the Intuit Dome, the event serves as a direct challenge to the traditional UFC-dominated landscape, leveraging a roster of high-profile free agents and former champions.
Expanding the Rousey vs. Carano Event Scope
The final pieces of the card were solidified this past weekend with the addition of a lightweight bout between Chris Avila and Brandon Jenkins. This opening matchup, personally supported by Nate Diaz, underscores the event’s identity as a platform for athletes who have transitioned away from the UFC to seek new opportunities under the MVP banner. The card now features a total of 11 bouts, creating a deep lineup that spans multiple weight classes and fighting styles.
High-Stakes Matchups and Roster Depth
Beyond the headlining clash between Rousey and Carano, the card includes significant competitive stakes. Muhammad Mokaev, who has remained undefeated since his 2024 departure from the UFC, is set to face former ONE Championship titleholder Adriano Moraes in a flyweight contest. Additionally, the event features a heavyweight showdown between Francis Ngannou and Philipe Lins, as well as a welterweight bout featuring Nate Diaz against Mike Perry. The inclusion of veterans such as Junior dos Santos and rising talent like Aline Pereira illustrates the promotion’s strategy to capture the attention of a global audience.
Netflix and the Shift in MMA Distribution
The May 16 event represents a pivotal moment for live sports streaming on Netflix. By assembling a card that includes 11 professional bouts, MVP is attempting to demonstrate that a non-UFC entity can command significant viewership and market share. The event’s reliance on established stars returning to the sport, such as Rousey who has been inactive in professional competition for a decade, suggests a focus on legacy-driven interest to drive platform engagement.
The aggressive expansion of the MVP fight card, characterized by the systematic signing of high-profile free agents, signals a deliberate move to fracture the existing monopoly in professional mixed martial arts by creating a high-production alternative that prioritizes star power over traditional promotional pathways.