MVP MMA 1: Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano Main Card Preview, Odds, Watch Info & FAQ

MMA takes a huge step forward tonight with a big card on Netflix for MVP MMA 1. A stacked card with high level names awaits combat sports fans tonight, significantly outside of the UFC.

The Card should provide more opportunity and diversity to the promotional side of MMA. MVP promotions is taking the leap into the MMA game and directly challenging the UFC in viewership with the same airtime as the UFC.

The card is ever more interesting as it features former UFC fighters through out the card. Including in the Main and Co main event match ups.

Former UFC Women's goat Ronda Rousey will make her return against Gina Carano in an exciting main event. The Co – Main is set to bring more action, as brawlers Nate Diaz and Mike Perry will square off in a 5 round match up.

It will certainly be nice to see a promotion challenge the UFC and add diversity to the MMA game. Tonight's card has all the making to be an exciting night of fights for MMA fans across the globe so lets get right into a preview of the Main Card of MVP MMA 1!

All odds presented by our Partner at LuckyRebel as of 5/16/2026 1:22 p.M

Check out the odds for the entire card at the best online sportsbooks available in the U.S.

Main Event: Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano – Women's Featherweight

The headliner of the first MVP MMA card on Netflix features 2 women's MMA legends. Ronda Rousey will make her long awaited return to the sport when she takes on Gina Carano tonight.

Long inactivity should be the story of this fight, as Rousey has not seen action since 2016 and Carano since 2009. A shorter lay off for Rousey as a 16 year lay off at 44 years old is a tad more worrisome then a 9 year lay off at 39.

There is no doubt both of these woman are well past their prime, that does not mean this will not be a great bout. Gina Carano is known as one of the pioneers to Womens MMA that has since turned to acting in her retirement.

Carano has landed her self big roles in TV, including being a part of the "Mandalorian" star wars series as of recent. It is interesting to note that after landing her biggest gig in acting, she is returning to MMA for a big fight.

She broke down many doors for her peers to rise to the top of MMA, including Rousey. Although she never got a shot at one of the big promotions like the UFC or Bellator, she established a big enough reputation to be known as one of the first Women's MMA fighters.

Her last bout in 2009 was a knockout loss to fellow Women's MMA great Cris Cyborg. A legendary fight with Cyborg propelling herself to the top of the sport in the aftermath of the bout.

Can Carano Overcome The Age?

It remains to be seen if her chin can hold up against Rousey, although she is not very known for her striking. Carano will have to have top notch take down defense due to the grappling presence of Rousey.

Rousey is a UFC legend as she was once the face of Women's MMA in the UFC. She is a highly decorated champion with a rightful spot in the UFC Hall of Fame.

A former Olympic bronze medalist in judo, Rousey competed at a high level before joining the UFC. Her performance at the 2008 Beijing Olympics is what helped build her reputation in the MMA world.

In her career she had a very impressive streak of 6 straight title defenses. Clearly asserting her dominance in the division before it all came crashing down.

In 2015 she suffered her first MMA loss at the hands of Holly Holm. The loss came by way of knockout, another first for Rousey in her career.

The bleeding did not stop there, as she returned to MMA a year later to fight the great Amanda Nunes. Once again she was knocked out in brutal fashion and MMA fans have not seen her in action since.

Rousey retired at a very young age of 30 years old due to medical complications and mental struggles. It is easy to understand why she took the losses so hard, as she was so dominant for so long yet lost back to back fights in brutal fashion.

Will Rousey Return To Greatness?

Many fans questioned why she would give up the sport so quickly after a title reign like that. It became clear Rousey was more of a headcase then previously thought.

In her rise to fame Rousey asserted her dominance with her olympic level Judo skills and grappling. Often getting her opponents to the mat and dominating from there.

The big hole in her game was the striking and it was eventually taken advantage of. Despite Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes being 2 of the greats, they dismantled Rousey unlike anyone has before.

Now that she is returning 9 years later, much older & wiser it remains to be seen what type of fighter she will be. Will she try to strike and put on a show for the fans, or will she play to her strengths and use the grappling to win this fight by a clear margin.

Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano Odds:

• Moneyline: Ronda Rousey (-650) vs Gina Carano (+475)
• Round Total: 1.5 Total Rounds – Over (+170) / Under (-195)
• Most Likely Method Of Victory: Ronda Rousey By Submission (-225)

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Co – Main Event: Nate Diaz vs Mike Perry Preview – Welterweight

The Co – Main event for the card might just be the most entertaining fight on the card itself. Mike Perry will take on longtime UFC great Nate Diaz in a welterweight match up.

Diaz is making his return to MMA after retiring from the UFC and competing in boxing. His most recent combat sports bout was a massive upset victory over Jorge Masvidal in boxing.

Before that he lost a close decision to Jake Paul in his boxing debut. Which in my oppinion is not a great look at all for the former UFC legend.

I do not think boxing ever played into Diaz strong suits as he has always been a better grappler. Unfortunately he has the kill or be killed style and will look to brawl it out with anyone if challenged.

Diaz made a name for himself through his hard nose never back down attitude. The veteran put on very entertaining fights throughout his run including a massive match up with the legend Connor Mcgregor.

Diaz was able to upset Mcgregor as a massive underdog handing Mcgregor his first high profile loss. The win helped propel Diaz into superstardom setting up a rematch.

After losing the rematch the decline in his game became very apparent. Diaz went on to go 2-2 in his last 4 MMA bouts, he did finish his UFC career on a win though.

Who Will Be Able To Take More Damage?

He defeated Tony Ferguson in a dominant decision victory. Now at 41 years old fans wonder just how good his chin is at this point.

The durability will be incredibly important when facing a such a brawler like Mike Perry. Perry is also a former UFC fighter that left the promotion in 2021 after back to back losses.

In a rare case, Perry went on to find success outside of the organization. He went on to fight in boxing and bare knuckle boxing as well.

He eventually became a champion inside the Bare Knuckle organization. Perry is actually undefeated in Bare Knuckle, currently on a 6 fight winning streak in the sport.

The only loss of his in the last 5 years came in boxing at the hands of Jake Paul. Not the best look for a seasoned striker, but it must be mentioned the size discrepancy was very apparent.

Perry has proven to be a great striker no matter what combat sport he is in. His only downfall in MMA was his take down defense which may be a key point in a match up with such a good submission artist in Diaz.

In order to have true success in this match up Perry must keep the fight standing and not fall into the grappling track. Lucky for him, the ego of Diaz and his toughness might just allow him to do that.

Nate Diaz vs Mike Perry Odds:

• Moneyline: Mike Perry (-190) vs Nate Diaz (+165)
• Round Total: 4.5 Total Rounds – Over (-105) / Under (-115)
• Most Likely Method Of Victory: Mike Perry By KO/TKO (+135)

Francis Ngannou vs Phillipe Lins Odds – Heavyweight

• Moneyline: Francis Ngannou (-1050) vs Phillipe Lins (+725)
• Round Total: 1.5 Total Rounds – Over (+203) / Under (-245)
• Most Likely Method Of Victory: Francis Ngannou By KO/TKO (-625)

Salahdine Parnasse vs Kenneth Cross Odds – Lightweight

• Moneyline: Salahdine Parnasse (-1500) vs Kenneth Cross (+850)
• Round Total: 1.5 Total Rounds – Over (-108) / Under (-112)
• Most Likely Method Of Victory: Salahdine Parnasse By KO/TKO (+135)

Junior dos Santos vs Robelis Despaigne Odds – Heavyweight

• Moneyline: Junior Dos Santos (+275) vs Robelis Despaigne (-335)
• Round Total: 1.5 Total Rounds – Over (+174) / Under (-200)
• Most Likely Method Of Victory: Robelis Despaigne By KO/TKO (-235)

MVP MMA 1 Schedule & FAQ

When is MVP MMA 1?

• MVP MMA 1 will take place Saturday, May 2nd, 2026.

Where is MVP MMA 1?

• MVP MMA 1 will go down live at the RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia, Australia.

What time does MVP MMA 1 start?

• MVP MMA 1 Preliminary Card start time: 6 P.m. ET
• MVP MMA 1 Main Card start time: 9 P.m. ET

How to Watch MVP MMA 1?

• MVP MMA 1 Preliminary Card Coverage: Paramount+
• MVP MMA 1 Main Card Coverage: Paramount+

How to Bet on MVP MMA 1?

• Most international and domestic sportsbooks will carry odds for a fight card of this caliber, but check out our best online sportsbooks here to see what Betting News recommends for a great UFC betting experience.