When the lights dimmed on Saturday night, more than 17\u202fmillion viewers tuned in to watch the inaugural MVP MMA card, headlined by Jake Paul\u2019s much\u2011anticipated bout. The event, streamed on Netflix, not only delivered high\u2011octane 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\u2011sports calendar.<\/p>\n
Co\u2011founder and CEO Nakisa\u202fBidarian took the stage after the final bell to deliver what he called a \u201cState of the Promotion\u201d address. He praised the night\u2019s numbers, noting that the 17\u202fmillion\u2011strong audience was \u201cunprecedented for a newcomer to a sport dominated by the UFC.\u201d Bidarian credited three main pillars for the success: the partnership with Netflix, the talent on the card, and Jake Paul\u2019s magnetic brand, which he described as \u201cthe biggest name in combat sports under the age of 30.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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,\u201d Bidarian told host Babcock. \u201cSo very, very happy with the outcome.\u201d<\/p>\n
The night\u2019s most talked\u2011about matchup pitted 44\u2011year\u2011old Gina\u202fCarano against former UFC champion Ronda\u202fRousey. Carano, who had not fought in nearly 17\u202fyears, stepped into the octagon against a Rousey who secured a submission in just 17\u202fseconds. Critics immediately questioned whether Carano should have been booked against a fighter of Rousey\u2019s caliber, especially given the age and ring\u2011rust gap.<\/p>\n
Bidarian defended the pairing, pointing out that several pre\u2011event analysts had actually predicted a Carano victory. \u201cLook 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, \u2018Oh yeah, that wasn\u2019t fair.\u2019 Then why did you predict that?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n
He added that Rousey\u2019s dominance is part of her legacy: \u201cThat\u2019s what Ronda Rousey does.\u201d While acknowledging the brevity of the fight, Bidarian expressed a desire to see Carano return to the cage with a full training camp, saying, \u201cMy hope is that Gina Carano gives hers\u2026.\u201d (the interview cut off before he could finish the sentence).<\/p>\n
When asked whether MVP would stage another MMA card, Bidarian answered with absolute certainty: \u201c100\u202fpercent, you\u2019re going to see more MVP MMA. I expect Netflix will want to do more MMA. The question is how and how often?\u201d He emphasized that the promotion\u2019s momentum would likely translate into a regular schedule, though the exact cadence remains under discussion.<\/p>\n
Regarding Jake Paul\u2019s involvement, Bidarian hinted at a strategic split between boxing and MMA. \u201cNo, I think we\u2019ll 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.\u201d This timeline suggests that Paul may continue to dominate the boxing scene for a few more years before testing himself in mixed martial arts.<\/p>\n
Key takeaways from the interview can be summed up in a quick list:<\/p>\n