Rousey vs. Carano: Netflix’s First MMA Event Gains Momentum with Ngannou, Diaz and Parnasse

Netflix is set to enter the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with a blockbuster event on May 16th, headlined by the highly anticipated return of Ronda Rousey against Gina Carano. The event, hosted at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, is rapidly gaining traction with the addition of several prominent fighters, including Francis Ngannou, Nate Diaz, and KSW double champion Salahdine Parnasse.

Rousey vs. Carano: A Historic Matchup

The main event features Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, two pioneers of women’s MMA, in a matchup years in the making. This fight marks Rousey’s return to the sport after a hiatus, and promises to be a significant moment for both fighters and the evolution of MMA.

Ngannou Returns to MMA Action

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou will also be featured on the card, facing Philipe Lins in a five-round heavyweight clash. Ngannou’s return to MMA comes after a brief foray into boxing, where he faced Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. He previously held the UFC heavyweight title, defeating Stipe Miocic at UFC 260 and defending it against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 before departing the organization in January 2023. Following his departure from the UFC and a stint with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), Ngannou was released from his PFL contract on March 6, paving the way for his appearance on the Netflix card.

Diaz’s Return and Perry’s Challenge

Nate Diaz is also slated to return to the cage after a three-year absence, taking on Mike Perry. Diaz vs. Perry is expected to be a fan-favorite bout, adding another layer of excitement to the event.

KSW Champion Parnasse Joins the Card

Adding to the growing list of attractions, two-division KSW champion Salahdine Parnasse (22-2) will face America’s Kenny Cross (17-4). Parnasse, a highly regarded prospect in European MMA, reportedly turned down a contract with the UFC due to financial considerations. His coach, Stephane Chaufourier, revealed that KSW offered significantly more lucrative terms than the UFC, with earnings potentially reaching six figures. Parnasse has won his last five fights by knockout and aims to continue his streak on the Netflix platform.

MVP’s Expansion into MMA

The event is a collaboration between Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), co-founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian. MVP aims to bring a new level of star power and production value to the sport of MMA, and the Rousey vs. Carano card represents a significant step in that direction.