Feb 19, 2026
3 min read
Every super fight needs an undercard.What are the best options to help improve Netflix's debut in MMA?
Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano: Top options for Netflix's MMA undercard, from Diaz to Ngannou
Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano will face each other in the first MVP event in the world of martial arts on May 16 in the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
Much of the intrigue in the industry has focused on the event taking place on Netflix.Due to the platform's reach, it's likely that this meeting of era-defining fighters could draw more attention than UFC 2026's opposition segment at the White House.There are also questions about the permanency of these types of events: is it a one-off or is MVP an official MMA business?If so, how many events can we expect per year?If it's a rifle, right?Immediately the UFC's biggest rival?
First of all, we have to see how it goes on May 16.Even though the main event is in place, one can't help but wonder what to expect for the rest of the event.After all, every superfight needs an undercard.
While Netflix has shown the world that it is focusing on viewership in 2024.boxing extravaganza between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, the event also featured a solid supporting act, with Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano playing the show's mainstays.
With Carano out of action for 17 years and Rousey's last fight nearly a decade ago, MVP appears to be breaking from Bellator's old mold and focusing on established veterans in an effort to spark public interest -- albeit with far stronger performances.So while MVP and Netflix are unlikely to match the sporting value of a Taylor vs. Serrano fight, there are plenty of fighters who could equally deserve an MVP.Fortunately, Paul's promotion already has business relationships with many of the biggest names in the MMA world, many of whom have changed codes over the years to leather-deal with the promotion's frontman.
The usual suspects
Let's talk about those cuts on Paul's waist.
Of course, he didn't do well when he sold out the Octagon at the event, but he's still a beloved legend in the MMA scene, which could fuel interest in this card.
Nate Diaz is a free agent and another historical icon, already etched in his playing history.He bounced back from his 2023 loss to Jake Paul with an incredibly entertaining 2024 boxing majority decision win over Jorge Masvidal and is one of MMA's most beloved figures.
It cannot be ruled out that the ageless Anderson Silva will also appear.It's been six years since the former UFC middleweight champion fought in the sport he once dominated, but thanks to his appearance on the Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul card, he's already made quite a splash with Netflix.As many will remember, he defeated another contender on the May 16 card that night.
That man, of course, is Tyron Woodley.Let's be clear here, no one is demanding that the former UFC welterweight champion be on the card.When Rousey vs.Carano went down, it would not have been six months since his knockout loss at the hands of "The Spider."That said, Woodley seems to have a great working relationship with MVP and his legacy in MMA speaks for itself.
Despite his loss to Paul in 2024 in the boxing ring, Mike Perry re-emerged as the "King of Violence" under the BKFC banner.He probably does a better job of switching positions than any UFC fighter before him.Although still under contract with BKFC, the bare-knuckle leader has shown a knack in the past when it comes to big opportunities, such as the aforementioned Paul fight.
There are other options left that MVP can consider as well.
A long-time GLORY champion and the biggest name in kickboxing, Rico Verhoeven had the idea of transitioning to the world of MMA before turning down the UFC offer.The boxing world seems to be calling for the Dutch legend, but signing the MVP could add insult to injury for the UFC after dropping the ball during negotiations.
You know who would be a good opponent for Verho even if he makes his MMA debut on this card?Someone who is an undeniable fighter, whose signing could raise tension between Paul and UFC CEO Dana White?Francis Ngannou, that's it.He's already admitted his PFL contract will expire before the UFC's White House event, so who's to say he won't be a free agent a month early?
Do you want to go crazy?We're talking about left field, right?What about Cain Velasquez's return to MMA after his release from prison?Not only is he a former UFC superstar, his legal status has made him a popular figure in the sport.Competition can do a lot for MVP as he enters this new world.
In the family
What hasn't been discussed is the idea that this big first event could be in store for Rousey or Carano down the line.Fortunately for MVP, Paul's company just happened to sign a major player for one of the biggest nights of Rousey's career.
Holly Holm has returned to the boxing ring since her UFC exit — she scored a win on the Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. undercard before a cut cost her a fight on the Amanda Serrano vs. Reina Tellez undercard in January. While her competing on the Rousey vs. Carano card is not the be-all, end-all, Holm must be in the arena that night to whet our appetites for a potential rematch in the event of a Rousey win.
Who can forget Jake Paul the man.There's no doubt a lot of eyes on MVP of Great MMA, but I think it's more likely to happen in a follow-up event with Netflix.Pauline's MMA debut was dragged out over the years - at one point he even signed with the PFL.
