Joe Rogan, the prominent UFC commentator, suggests that the upcoming Netflix MMA event, supported by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), could see extraordinary payouts for its top fighters. He speculates Nate Diaz might earn over $10 million, while Francis Ngannou could command a staggering $20 million.
Rogan’s Financial Insights
During a UFC London Fight Companion stream, Rogan discussed rumored figures for the Netflix–MVP card. He posited that if reports about Nate Diaz’s earnings are accurate, the former UFC star could secure “more than 10” million dollars. Furthermore, Rogan estimated Francis Ngannou’s purse to be around “$20” million, attributing this to Ngannou’s unique position as a reigning lineal heavyweight champion who departed the UFC without losing his title in the octagon. Rogan emphasized Ngannou’s exit at the peak of his career as a major factor in his earning potential.
The Groundbreaking Netflix Event
This highly anticipated event marks Netflix’s inaugural live mixed martial arts broadcast. Scheduled for May 16, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, it’s promoted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions. Netflix has confirmed the show will be accessible live to its vast subscriber base of over 325 million globally, without additional pay-per-view fees. This model shifts away from traditional PPV, prioritizing massive reach and brand exposure. The fight card features three marquee matchups: Ronda Rousey versus Gina Carano as the main event, Francis Ngannou facing 2018 PFL heavyweight tournament winner Philipe Lins, and Nate Diaz clashing with “Platinum” Mike Perry in a five-round welterweight bout under the Unified Rules of MMA.
Nate Diaz’s Return to the Octagon
For Nate Diaz, his bout against Mike Perry signifies his first MMA appearance since fulfilling his UFC contract in 2022. Following his UFC departure, Diaz ventured into boxing, achieving a 1-1 record with a win over Jorge Masvidal and a decision loss to Jake Paul. Current sports betting odds position Diaz as an underdog at approximately +175 against Perry, who is favored at -225, reflecting Perry’s recent activity and success in both MMA and bare-knuckle boxing. UFC President Dana White recently disclosed that Diaz met with him “a couple of weeks ago” to discuss a potential UFC return. However, White believes MVP and Netflix presented Diaz with “an offer he couldn’t refuse,” expressing his happiness for Diaz while leaving the door open for a future UFC reunion depending on the outcome of the Perry fight.
Francis Ngannou’s Strategic Power Play
Ngannou’s inclusion on the Netflix card aligns with his ongoing strategy of leveraging free agency after his departure from the UFC and a significant deal with the PFL, which granted him the flexibility to pursue boxing and other external opportunities. Rogan’s speculation of a potential $20 million purse reignites long-standing discussions about fighter compensation. It also underscores how a major streaming platform collaborating with an agile promoter like MVP can create an unprecedented market, empowering established fighters against traditional combat sports organizations. With Netflix executives branding the May 16 show as a significant statement and MVP hinting at further announcements, the star-studded lineup—featuring Rousey, Carano, Diaz, Perry, and Ngannou—suggests this event is a crucial test case for the viability of MMA thriving on a global subscription platform, rather than relying solely on pay-per-view purchases.
