Netflix is set to expand its live sports offerings by introducing mixed martial arts (MMA), featuring a highly anticipated match between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano on May 16. This event will take place at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, building upon the streaming service’s recent success in boxing with Most Valuable Promotions, which recently achieved record-breaking viewership with Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson, drawing an astonishing 125 million viewers.
Excitement surrounding the fight is palpable, with Rousey expressing her eagerness to finally announce the matchup. “Me and Gina Carano are gonna throw down in the biggest superfight in women’s combat sport history,” she shared. Carano echoed this sentiment, stating, “Ronda came to me and said there is only one person she would make a comeback for, and it’s been her dream to make this fight happen between us.”
Rousey boasts an impressive background as a UFC champion and Olympic medalist, holding a professional record of 12 wins and 2 losses, with 9 victories coming by way of submission. Meanwhile, Carano is a pioneer for women in MMA, with a record of 7-1, including 3 KOs. Both fighters have successfully transitioned from sports to acting, further amplifying their star power.
Commenting on the significance of this event, Netflix’s VP of Sports, Gabe Spitzer, remarked, “After the record-breaking success in boxing, we wanted our first MMA event to be truly legendary. These are more than just athletes — they are generational stars, and having them headline our MMA debut at the Intuit Dome is a defining moment for us.”
Fans eagerly awaiting the fight can purchase tickets starting March 5, as anticipation mounts for what promises to be a groundbreaking event in women’s combat sports.