The world of mixed martial arts was treated to a spectacle on May 16, 2026, as Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) made its MMA debut at the state-of-the-art Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The event, headlined by the much-anticipated return of Ronda Rousey against Gina Carano, marked a historic collaboration between MVP—founded by Jake Paul—and streaming giant Netflix, bringing live MMA action to a global audience like never before.
From the outset, the card promised fireworks. With legends such as Ronda Rousey, Gina Carano, Francis Ngannou, Nate Diaz, and Junior dos Santos featured, the star power was undeniable. But the night wasn’t just about established names; it also provided a platform for rising contenders and seasoned veterans alike to shine on one of combat sports’ biggest new stages.
Jake “The Barbabian” Babian, a 6-1 welterweight prospect hailing from Hawaii and Long Beach, California, made his highly anticipated Netflix MMA debut in the preliminary headline bout. Babian, weighing in at 171 pounds, came into the cage riding the momentum of several dominant victories and the hope of making a statement under the bright lights. “He was waiting for a stage this big. Welcome to the show,” declared MVP MMA in the lead-up, underscoring the significance of the opportunity for Babian.
Standing in his way was Namo Fazil, a dangerous submission specialist boasting a 9-1 professional record. The odds, according to DraftKings, pegged Babian as a +250 underdog, highlighting the respect for Fazil’s grappling and striking prowess. The matchup was seen as a critical test for Babian, while Fazil aimed to use the platform to further his own ascent in the welterweight ranks.
The bout delivered on its promise of drama. After a competitive opening, Fazil showcased his submission skills in the second round, forcing Babian to tap and handing the Californian just his second professional defeat. Despite the setback, analysts and fans alike saw the experience as a crucial learning moment for Babian. The exposure on Netflix instantly elevated his profile, introducing him to millions of MMA fans worldwide. Babian’s willingness to test himself against elite competition suggests that his journey is far from over, and his next fight will be closely watched by scouts and promoters eager to see how he rebounds from adversity.
Elsewhere on the preliminary card, Brandon Jenkins made a successful promotional debut by edging out Chris Avila via split decision in a 165-pound catchweight contest. Judges scored the three-round battle 29-28, 28-29, and 29-28 in favor of Jenkins, who used consistent leg kicks and sharp combinations to counter Avila’s relentless pressure. Jenkins, whose record improved to 17-11, was quick to express his commitment to the new platform, stating, “Not f*cking leaving.” The narrow defeat dropped Avila’s record to 8-10, but the Nate Diaz camp product remains a fan favorite for his willingness to take on all comers across combat sports disciplines.
The main card was packed with big names and big moments. Former Bellator MMA welterweight champion Jason Jackson made his MVP debut in spectacular fashion, dispatching late-notice opponent Jefferson Creighton with a thunderous left hand just 22 seconds into the first round. Jackson, originally slated to fight Lorenz Larkin, proved why he was a heavy favorite, notching his first first-round finish since 2018. The 35-year-old veteran’s performance was a reminder of his finishing ability and his status as the only man to have defeated rising UFC contender Yaroslav Amosov.
As the night wore on, anticipation built for the return of Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano. Both women were making their first MMA appearances in a decade, and the event’s promotion tapped into a sense of nostalgia and excitement for fans who had followed their respective journeys from Strikeforce to the UFC. Rousey, who became the UFC’s inaugural women’s bantamweight champion and defended the title six times before her dramatic exit in 2016, remains one of the most influential figures in women’s MMA. Carano, a trailblazer in her own right, helped lay the groundwork for the sport’s growth and mainstream acceptance.
The Intuit Dome itself became a talking point throughout the card, not just for its technological marvels but also for the optics of its crowd. Social media buzzed with commentary about the arena’s apparent emptiness, a perception fueled by the lights installed on the seats’ armrests. According to reports, the bottom level—most visible to Netflix viewers—had many empty seats, while the upper decks were much fuller. Alex Behunin noted that the arena was about 80% full for the main card’s first fight and 90% full as Nate Diaz made his walk to the cage. Yet, the unique lighting setup made empty seats stand out, leading to a disconnect between the actual attendance and the broadcast’s visual impression.
This wasn’t the first time the Intuit Dome’s attendance optics sparked debate. During UFC 311 in January 2025, similar concerns arose, despite the event drawing 18,370 fans and becoming the highest-grossing UFC event in California history. The venue, which also hosts the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers, has quickly earned a reputation for its advanced features and, paradoxically, for making packed events look less crowded on television. As O’Shea Jackson Jr. quipped on social media, “It’s so crazy that the lights make people think Intuit is empty.”
Beyond the action in the cage and the chatter about the crowd, the event marked a pivotal moment in MMA broadcasting. Netflix’s entry into live combat sports, in partnership with MVP, signaled a new era for the sport. By assembling a card that blended established legends with hungry up-and-comers, the promotion demonstrated a commitment to both star power and the future of MMA. The mixed reception from fans and pundits did little to dampen the sense that the sport is on the brink of another major evolution, with streaming platforms poised to play an ever-larger role in its global reach.
Looking ahead, the fighters who competed at MVP MMA 1: Rousey vs. Carano will be watched closely as they plot their next moves. For Jake Babian, the loss to Namo Fazil is a challenge to overcome, but his exposure on Netflix ensures that his journey will continue to attract attention. For veterans like Jason Jackson and Brandon Jenkins, their impressive victories may open the door to bigger opportunities within MVP or beyond. And for the sport itself, the event’s success on a global stage hints at a future where MMA’s biggest nights are accessible to fans everywhere, live and unfiltered.
As the dust settles at the Intuit Dome, one thing is clear: MVP’s debut on Netflix has set a new standard for MMA events, blending spectacle, competition, and innovation. Whether you were there in person or watching from halfway around the world, it was a night that will be remembered as a turning point in the evolution of mixed martial arts.