Ronda Rousey’s highly anticipated return to mixed martial arts is set for May 16, 2026, but the fight won’t be taking place under the UFC banner. Instead, the former bantamweight champion will face Gina Carano in a groundbreaking event promoted by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and streamed live on Netflix, marking the platform’s first foray into live MMA broadcasting. The decision, Rousey revealed, stems from disagreements with the UFC over compensation and a shifting business model that prioritizes cost-effectiveness over fighter value.
The matchup at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles is generating significant buzz, not only for the return of two pioneers in women’s MMA but also for the unconventional path it’s taken to fruition. Rousey’s move to Netflix, facilitated by a partnership with Jake Paul’s MVP, signals a potential disruption to the established order of professional fighting. The fight will be contested inside a hexagon-shaped cage, a departure from the traditional octagon used by the UFC.
During an appearance on The Jim Rome Show, Rousey detailed her negotiations with UFC President Dana White, explaining that she sought a deal that would have rewarded her as the promotion’s biggest draw. “I went to (Dana White) and said, ‘Dude, you always say that I’m the best fighter you ever worked with. Like, reward me for it. Don’t punish me for being easy to work with. Give me the best deal you ever gave anybody,’” Rousey stated. She claimed White initially offered a contract that would have paid her more per pay-per-view buy than any other fighter in UFC history.
However, the timing of those negotiations coincided with a critical shift in the UFC’s business strategy. As the promotion transitioned from a pay-per-view model to a streaming agreement with ESPN, the guaranteed compensation Rousey sought became a sticking point. “It happened to go to the other side of when ESPN deal and their pay-per-view model would be ending and they would be going to streaming,” Rousey explained. The UFC, she alleges, was unwilling to establish a precedent of guaranteeing substantial earnings, fearing it would raise expectations across the roster. Awful Announcing reported on Rousey’s explanation of these negotiations.
Rousey believes the UFC’s current approach prioritizes minimizing costs over showcasing the best possible fights. “It’s in their best interest actually not to put on the best fights possible, but to spend as little as money as possible so that they can keep it,” she said. “They now focus on ‘the most cost effective fights possible’ rather than ‘putting on the best fights possible.’” This perceived shift in priorities ultimately led her to seek opportunities outside the UFC structure, culminating in the Netflix deal.
The Netflix Deal and a New Path for Rousey
The agreement with Netflix and MVP represents a significant shift in the landscape of MMA broadcasting. Most Valuable Promotions announced the event, which will be available to all Netflix subscribers at no extra cost. Rousey’s return marks Netflix’s first live MMA event, and the platform is clearly betting on the star power of Rousey and Carano to attract a broad audience. The event is also the first MMA card promoted by MVP, a venture led by social media personality Jake Paul.
Carano’s Return and the Significance of the Matchup
Gina Carano, like Rousey, was a trailblazer in women’s MMA, achieving prominence in Strikeforce before a stint in the UFC. Her fight against Rousey represents a return to the sport after a long hiatus. MSN reported on the significance of Carano’s return alongside Rousey.
The matchup itself is steeped in history, as Rousey and Carano were previously scheduled to fight in 2014, but the bout was ultimately canceled. The renewed rivalry, now playing out on a new platform, adds another layer of intrigue to the event. Netflix is hoping the fight will draw a large audience and establish MMA as a viable offering on its streaming service.
Looking ahead, the success of this event could pave the way for further collaborations between Netflix and MVP, potentially reshaping the future of MMA broadcasting. The outcome of Rousey’s return, and the broader impact of this new venture, will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and fans alike. Share your thoughts on this groundbreaking event in the comments below.