Netflix continues to push its live sports offensive, this time by entering the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). The streaming giant has announced its first live MMA event, headlined by a long-speculated showdown between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano.
The event is being promoted in partnership with Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), the combat sports company that has worked with Netflix on previous live boxing events. With this announcement, Netflix expands its growing live portfolio to include MMA, featuring two of the most recognizable names in women’s combat sports.
Rousey, a former UFC champion who helped bring women’s MMA into the mainstream, hasn’t fought professionally in years. Widely considered one of the first faces of women’s MMA, Carano has competed earlier in her career but remains a well-known figure in the sport. A potential clash between the two has been reported for more than a decade, making it a headline-worthy choice for Netflix’s MMA debut.
When and where to see
The fight is scheduled to take place on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles and will be broadcast live worldwide at no additional cost to Netflix subscribers. The bout follows standard professional MMA rules and will be “contested over five 5-minute rounds using 4-ounce gloves.”
For Netflix, the move reflects a broader shift toward high-profile live events that can attract global audiences in real time. With boxing already included, MMA now becomes the next focus in the company’s evolving sports strategy. If successful, the event could open the door for more regular MMA programming on the platform, further expanding Netflix’s presence in live sports.
