Nate Diaz returns to MMA to face Mike Perry on Ronda Rousey–Gina Carano fight card

The bout will take place at the Intuit Dome and stream on Netflix as part of a major fight card promoted by Most Valuable Promotions.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 7:55pm

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Fan favorite Nate Diaz is set to return to mixed martial arts for the first time in nearly four years, taking on Mike Perry in a five-round welterweight matchup on May 16. The fight will follow the Unified Rules of MMA and take place inside a hexagon cage over five five-minute rounds, with the event headlined by a highly anticipated showdown between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano at 145 pounds.

Why it matters

Diaz and Perry are both fan favorites who have reinvented themselves in recent years, with Diaz shifting his focus to boxing and Perry excelling in bare-knuckle fighting. Their matchup is seen as a major event that could draw significant viewership as Most Valuable Promotions expands beyond boxing and into the MMA market.

The details

Diaz (21-13) built his reputation through victories over fighters such as Anthony Pettis and Donald Cerrone, along with a memorable rivalry with Conor McGregor. He has not competed in MMA since September 2022, when he submitted Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 in the final fight of his UFC contract. Since leaving the organization, Diaz has shifted his focus to boxing, dropping a decision to Jake Paul in 2023 before earning a victory in a 2024 rematch with Jorge Masvidal. Perry (14-8) is also returning to MMA after reinventing himself in bare-knuckle boxing, going undefeated in six bouts with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.

  • The bout will take place on May 16, 2026.
  • Diaz has not competed in MMA since September 2022.

The players

Nate Diaz

A longtime star of the sport who has built his reputation through victories over fighters such as Anthony Pettis and Donald Cerrone, along with a memorable rivalry with Conor McGregor.

Mike Perry

A former UFC fighter who has gone undefeated in six bouts with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, earning the promotion's 'King of Violence' title.

Ronda Rousey

A former UFC women's bantamweight champion who will headline the event in a highly anticipated showdown against Gina Carano.

Gina Carano

A former MMA fighter and actress who will headline the event in a highly anticipated showdown against Ronda Rousey.

Francis Ngannou

A former UFC heavyweight champion who will face former PFL tournament winner Philipe Lins on the card.

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What they’re saying

“Glad to be back in action. It's time. Don't forget where this all came from. I got plans on doing a lot more in the next 10 years, no matter where it is. Time to set the bar again, so get ready for a new takeover again and again until the end of time.”

— Nate Diaz

“The King of Violence' returns to MMA to elbow his opponent in the f—ing face. Saturday, May 16, on Netflix, Nate Diaz is going lights out.”

— Mike Perry

“MVP delivered the most-viewed boxing event since the advent of cable, and now we're set to break records again with the biggest viewership in MMA history with the addition of Diaz-Perry to Rousey-Carano and Ngannou-Lins Nate Diaz is the real BMF, and Mike Perry is the 'King of Violence.' This will be a war from the first press conference all the way to the end when one of them has their hand raised. It's an absolutely massive night of fights in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 16th, as we continue building some of the biggest global events in combat sports. Thank you to Netflix for believing in our vision. The future of MMA is bright.”

— Nakisa Bidarian, Co-founder, Most Valuable Promotions

The takeaway

This highly anticipated matchup between two fan favorites who have reinvented themselves in recent years could be a landmark moment for Most Valuable Promotions as the company expands into the MMA market, potentially drawing significant viewership and setting the stage for the future of the sport.