Netflix is accelerating its push for live sports broadcasting by entering the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). The streaming giant announced its first live MMA event, featuring the long-speculated fight between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano.
The event is being promoted in partnership with Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), a combat sports organization that has worked with Netflix on previous live boxing events. With this announcement, Netflix adds MMA to its growing live portfolio, adding two of the most recognizable names in female combat sports.
Rousey, a former UFC champion who helped bring women’s MMA to the mainstream, hasn’t competed professionally in years. Widely regarded as one of the early faces of women’s MMA, Carano competed earlier but remains a notable figure in the sport. A potential clash between the two has been floating around for over a decade and is ready to headline Netflix’s MMA debut.
When and Where to Watch
The match will take place at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles on May 16 and will be broadcast live worldwide to Netflix subscribers at no additional cost. The fight will follow standard professional MMA rules and will be “conducted over five rounds of five minutes each using four-ounce gloves.”
For Netflix, the move reflects a broader shift toward high-profile live events that can attract global audiences in real time. MMA, which already has boxing in the mix, is now the next frontier in the company’s evolving sports strategy. If successful, this event could further expand Netflix’s presence in live sports by opening the door to more regular MMA programming on the platform.