When the lights dimmed on Saturday night, more than 17 million viewers tuned in to watch the inaugural MVP MMA card, headlined by Jake Paul’s much‑anticipated bout. The event, streamed on Netflix, not only delivered high‑octane fights but also ignited a flurry of questions about the future of the promotion, the role of veteran fighters, and whether the platform will become a regular fixture in the combat‑sports calendar.
Record‑Breaking Viewership and a “State of the Promotion” Speech
Co‑founder and CEO Nakisa Bidarian took the stage after the final bell to deliver what he called a “State of the Promotion” address. He praised the night’s numbers, noting that the 17 million‑strong audience was “unprecedented for a newcomer to a sport dominated by the UFC.” Bidarian credited three main pillars for the success: the partnership with Netflix, the talent on the card, and Jake Paul’s magnetic brand, which he described as “the biggest name in combat sports under the age of 30.”
“It speaks to our partner in being Netflix, speaks to the fighters on the card, but also speaks to MVP, Jake Paul, who is the biggest brand in combat sports under the age of 30, unequivocally, and all of that magic coming together and our ability to execute,” Bidarian told host Babcock. “So very, very happy with the outcome.”
Gina Carano vs. Ronda Rousey: A 17‑Second Shock
The night’s most talked‑about matchup pitted 44‑year‑old Gina Carano against former UFC champion Ronda Rousey. Carano, who had not fought in nearly 17 years, stepped into the octagon against a Rousey who secured a submission in just 17 seconds. Critics immediately questioned whether Carano should have been booked against a fighter of Rousey’s caliber, especially given the age and ring‑rust gap.
Bidarian defended the pairing, pointing out that several pre‑event analysts had actually predicted a Carano victory. “Look at all these experts in the sport prior to the event who were saying Gina was going to win, right? Some of the same people that are now be like, ‘Oh yeah, that wasn’t fair.’ Then why did you predict that?” he asked.
He added that Rousey’s dominance is part of her legacy: “That’s what Ronda Rousey does.” While acknowledging the brevity of the fight, Bidarian expressed a desire to see Carano return to the cage with a full training camp, saying, “My hope is that Gina Carano gives hers….” (the interview cut off before he could finish the sentence).
Future Plans: More MVP MMA Events and Jake Paul’s Dual‑Sport Path
When asked whether MVP would stage another MMA card, Bidarian answered with absolute certainty: “100 percent, you’re going to see more MVP MMA. I expect Netflix will want to do more MMA. The question is how and how often?” He emphasized that the promotion’s momentum would likely translate into a regular schedule, though the exact cadence remains under discussion.
Regarding Jake Paul’s involvement, Bidarian hinted at a strategic split between boxing and MMA. “No, I think we’ll do MMA way before that. I believe Jake Paul will come back into boxing before the end of the year if everything continues to progress the way that it has. And I believe at some point in 2027 or 2028, Jake Paul will try his hand within the cage, within the hexagon.” This timeline suggests that Paul may continue to dominate the boxing scene for a few more years before testing himself in mixed martial arts.
Key takeaways from the interview can be summed up in a quick list:
- Viewership: 17 million streamed viewers, a record for a debut MMA promotion.
- Partnership: Netflix’s involvement provides a global platform and production expertise.
- Star Power: Jake Paul’s brand draws younger audiences and sponsors
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