Jake Paul believes the UFC opted out of directly competing with his promotion’s inaugural MMA event on Netflix this Saturday, sensing an inability to match the star power of the lineup. The MVP card features a highly anticipated featherweight main event between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, scheduled for five five-minute rounds in a cage using four-ounce gloves.
The MVP event, taking place at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, will kick off with preliminary bouts at 6 p.m. ET on Tudum and YouTube, followed by the main card live on Netflix at 9 p.m. ET. Other featured matchups include Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry at welterweight and Francis Ngannou vs. Philipe Lins in the heavyweight division. The undercard also boasts fights involving Salahdine Parnasse, Kenneth Cross, Junior dos Santos, Robelis Despaigne, Jason Jackson, and Aline Pereira.
Paul: UFC Avoided Competition Due to MVP’s Strong Card
During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Paul suggested that the UFC’s decision to not schedule a major event concurrently with MVP’s Netflix debut was strategic. He pointed out that the UFC did have a Fight Night on May 16th, headlined by Arnold Allen vs. Melquizael Costa on Paramount+, but he believes this was a deliberate choice to avoid direct competition.
“You wouldn’t want to compete with this show, and I don’t think they could,” Paul stated, drawing a parallel to past instances where promotions attempted to counter-program rivals. He recalled the 2009 scenario where EliteXC featured Fedor Emelianenko against Brett Rogers on CBS, while the UFC countered with a strong lineup on Spike TV. Paul sees MVP’s move to Netflix as a significant shift in the combat sports landscape, especially following his previous boxing ventures.
The UFC proceeded with its scheduled Fight Night at the Apex on May 16th, featuring bouts like Choi Doo-ho vs. Daniel Santos and Ketlen Vieira vs. Jacqueline Cavalcanti. UFC President Dana White has previously downplayed MVP’s events, claiming ignorance of their matchups. Paul, however, suggests White is focused on his own business interests as a billionaire. There has been no official response from the UFC to Paul’s recent comments.
Rousey, a former UFC women’s bantamweight champion, has publicly criticized the UFC’s fighter pay. Carano is recognized as a pioneer of women’s MMA before transitioning to acting. This event marks Netflix’s first foray into live MMA broadcasting, while the UFC maintains its broadcasting agreements with Paramount. Paul has been vocal in his criticism of the UFC’s fighter compensation and matchmaking strategies.