Netflix to Host Rousey vs. Carano MMA Showdown

Streaming giant expands into live combat sports with highly anticipated women's MMA fight

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Netflix has announced its first live MMA event, headlined by a long-speculated showdown between former UFC champion Ronda Rousey and pioneering women's MMA fighter Gina Carano. The event is being promoted in partnership with Most Valuable Promotions and will take place on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, streaming live globally for Netflix subscribers.

Why it matters

This move reflects Netflix's broader shift toward high-profile live events that can draw global audiences in real time. With boxing already in the mix, MMA now becomes the next frontier 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.

The details

The bout will follow standard professional MMA rules and will be 'contested over five 5-minute rounds using 4-ounce gloves.' Rousey, a former UFC champion who helped push women's MMA into the mainstream, has not fought professionally in years. Carano, widely regarded as one of the early faces of women's MMA, last competed even earlier but remains a high-profile figure in the sport. A potential clash between the two has been floated for more than a decade, making it a headline-ready choice for Netflix's MMA debut.

  • The event is scheduled to take place on May 16, 2026.
  • The fight will stream live globally for Netflix subscribers.

The players

Ronda Rousey

A former UFC champion who helped push women's MMA into the mainstream.

Gina Carano

Widely regarded as one of the early faces of women's MMA, though she has not competed professionally in years.

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)

The combat sports outfit that has worked with Netflix on previous live boxing events.

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What they’re saying

“A LEGACY SHOWDOWN 🔥 #RouseyCarano RONDA ROUSEY vs. GINA CARANO Saturday May 16 LIVE only on Netflix”

— Netflix Sports (Twitter)

The takeaway

This event marks Netflix's continued expansion into live sports, following its foray into boxing. The highly anticipated Rousey vs. Carano matchup could draw significant interest and viewership, potentially paving the way for more regular MMA programming on the platform as it seeks to diversify its live event offerings.