Underdog Fighter Kenny Cross Sees MVP Opportunity as Chance to Shine

After years of UFC uncertainty, Cross is ready to seize the moment against French superstar Saladhine Parnasse on the MVP MMA undercard.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:20am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold blues, greens, and reds depicts the dynamic movements and clashing energy of two MMA fighters engaged in a high-intensity match, conveying the conceptual tension and excitement of the upcoming bout.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the intensity and dynamism of an MMA fight, hinting at the high-stakes clash between an underdog fighter and a French superstar.Las Vegas Today

Kenny Cross, a 31-year-old MMA fighter who has struggled to break into the UFC, has finally found an opportunity with Most Valuable Promotions (MVP). He will face off against KSW champion Saladhine Parnasse on the undercard of the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano event on May 16. Cross sees this as a chance to showcase his skills and potentially catapult his career, as MVP is paying him significantly more than what he would make in a UFC debut fight.

Why it matters

Cross's story highlights the challenges many up-and-coming fighters face in trying to break into the top promotions like the UFC. Despite a strong record and impressive performances, he has been unable to secure a UFC contract. The MVP event provides him a high-profile platform to prove himself against a formidable opponent and potentially open new doors in his career.

The details

Cross (17-4) has been stuck in an awkward middle ground, too good for regional opponents but unable to land a UFC contract. After a failed attempt on Dana White's Contender Series in 2020, he signed with Bellator but lost his debut fight. Cross then heard about the MVP event and jumped at the opportunity, even without knowing who his opponent would be. He will now face KSW champion Saladhine Parnasse, a French superstar, in a three-round welterweight bout.

  • Cross defeated an overweight Kevin Syler by unanimous decision on Dana White's Contender Series in August 2020.
  • The MVP MMA event featuring Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano will take place on May 16, 2026.

The players

Kenny Cross

A 31-year-old MMA fighter who has struggled to break into the UFC despite a strong record and impressive performances on the regional circuit.

Saladhine Parnasse

The KSW champion from France, who has a large following in his home country and will be Cross's opponent on the MVP MMA undercard.

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)

The new MMA promotion that has signed Cross and is providing him a high-profile platform to showcase his skills against Parnasse on the undercard of the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano event.

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What they’re saying

“This could catapult my career. It feels just like when I was a kid again, first coming up in MMA and everybody just having that belief in me to where now it's like, whether they want me to succeed or fail, they're watching, and I know big things are gonna come from it.”

— Kenny Cross, MMA Fighter

“I'm making five times what a UFC fighter would make in his first fight. I'm making the whole first contract outside of if they get a bonus. It's just like all my hard work is finally paying off, and no gatekeeping.”

— Kenny Cross, MMA Fighter

What’s next

Cross will face off against Saladhine Parnasse in a three-round welterweight bout on the MVP MMA undercard on May 16, 2026.

The takeaway

Kenny Cross's story is a testament to the perseverance and determination required to succeed in the highly competitive world of MMA. Despite facing numerous setbacks and obstacles, he has remained focused on his goal of reaching the top promotions. The MVP event provides him a unique opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially open new doors in his career.