Netflix launches first MMA event with Ronda Rousey, Ngannou and Brazilian athletes By Luís Henrique Costa
3 min read
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Netflix makes its debut in the world of mixed martial arts this Saturday, May 16, 2026, with an event broadcast live from Los Angeles. The card brings together renowned MMA names and promises to shake up the streaming sporting events market. The preliminary starts at 7pm Brasília time, while the main fights start at 10pm.
The main highlight is the return of Ronda Rousey in a confrontation against Gina Carano, two pioneers of women’s MMA who made their mark in the octagon and later migrated to cinema. Francis Ngannou, former UFC heavyweight champion, is also on the card facing Brazilian Philipe Lins. Quatro Brazilian athletes participate in the event, seeking visibility on the international scene.
Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano return to the Octagon in historic duel
The confrontation between Rousey and Carano represents a meeting between two of the biggest figures in women’s MMA. Rousey was the first UFC bantamweight champion, breaking barriers and paving the way for several athletes who came later. Sua’s career transcended the octagon, taking her to WWE and then to large-scale film productions in Hollywood.
Carano was already featured on Strikeforce even before the creation of women’s divisions in the UFC. Assim as Rousey, she also built a career in films and television series after leaving MMA competitions. The duel brings together two generations of pioneering spirit and promises to attract fans who have followed both paths.
At the official weigh-in held on Friday, May 15, Rousey registered 64.4 kilograms. Carano was approximately 300 grams below this weight, validating the confrontation. The event is promoted by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and marks a historic point for the streaming platform.
Ngannou faces Lins in heavyweight duel
Francis Ngannou, former UFC heavyweight champion, is named as the favorite in the fight against Philipe Lins. The Cameroonian registered 116.5 kilograms at the weigh-in, while the Brazilian scored 100 kilograms, highlighting the physical difference between the competitors. Lins seeks to take advantage of the opportunity to rise on the international mixed martial arts scene.
The duel represents a significant test for the Brazilian athlete, who faces one of the most feared names in the heavyweight category. Event visibility on Netflix provides a global platform for Lins to demonstrate its competitive potential. His Além, three other Brazilian talents are on the card: Junior of Santos, Adriano Moraes and Aline Pereira, sister of champion Alex Poatan.
Nate Diaz and Mike Perry promise intense action
The confrontation between Nate Diaz and Mike Perry is another main attraction of the night. Ambos fighters are recognized for their aggressive styles and the rivalries developed outside the Octagon. The two’s history of intense combats suggests a spectacle of pure adrenaline for the spectators present and for those watching on the broadcast.
The fight promises to mix strategy with brute force, offering varied entertainment. MMA’s Fãs are eagerly awaiting to see how this rivalry will play out in the Octagon. The complete card includes several other clashes that guarantee a night full of emotion and variety of fighting styles.
Como attend Netflix’s exclusive event
The broadcast is exclusive to the Netflix platform, requiring an active subscription to follow the fights live. Esta strategy marks the expansion of Netflix beyond films and series, entering the competitive sporting events market. No Brasil, plans start at R$20.90 per month, with options that include no ads and better image quality.
The complete card offers a variety of styles and weight categories, guaranteeing entertainment from preliminary to final. Confira main scheduled fights:
- Ronda Rousey x Gina Carano
- Francis Ngannou x Philipe Lins
- Nate Diaz x Mike Perry
- Junior of Santos x Robelis Despaigne
- Adriano Moraes x Phumi Nkuta
- Aline Pereira x Jade Masson-Wong
- Salahdine Parnasse x Kenneth Cross
- Jefferson Craighton x Jason Jackson
The event represents an important milestone for Netflix in the live sports segment. The platform invests in content that goes beyond traditional entertainment, seeking to attract diverse audiences. The success of this first event could pave the way for future broadcasts of MMA and other sports on the platform.
