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Jake Paul's MVP Finalizes Star-Studded Undercard for Rousey vs Carano Netflix Spectacular

Ryan Kowalski
Ryan Kowalski
MMA Correspondent
3:49 PM
MMA
Jake Paul's MVP Finalizes Star-Studded Undercard for Rousey vs Carano Netflix Spectacular
Eight additional fights featuring former UFC champions Junior dos Santos and Francis Ngannou headline the supporting bouts for the groundbreaking May 16 streaming event at Los Angeles' Intuit Dome.

Jake Paul's MVP promotion has assembled a star-studded supporting cast for the highly anticipated Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano Netflix spectacular, announcing eight additional fights that feature multiple former champions and elite contenders.

The May 16 event at Los Angeles' Intuit Dome represents MVP's official launch into mixed martial arts and Netflix's first foray into live MMA broadcasting, creating a landmark moment for combat sports streaming.

Headlining the newly announced undercard matchups is a heavyweight clash between former UFC champion Junior dos Santos and Karate Combat champion Robelis Despaigne. The Brazilian icon "Cigano" brings vast championship experience against the powerful Cuban striker in what promises to be a compelling stylistic matchup.

The previously announced main card already featured explosive heavyweight action with former UFC champion Francis Ngannou facing PFL tournament winner Philipe Lins, alongside the welterweight showdown between Nate Diaz and Mike Perry.

Adding significant depth to the card, undefeated flyweight prospect Muhammad Mokaev will test his skills against former ONE Championship titleholder Adriano Moraes. Mokaev's perfect professional record faces its sternest examination against the experienced Brazilian veteran.

The welterweight division provides additional championship pedigree with former Bellator champion Jason Jackson squaring off against longtime contender Lorenz Larkin. This matchup combines Jackson's recent championship success with Larkin's proven ability to compete at the highest levels across multiple promotions.

International flavor permeates the card with KSW lightweight champion Salahdine Parnasse representing France's brightest MMA talent against Kenneth Cross. The inclusion of European championship representation demonstrates MVP's global approach to talent acquisition.

Family connections add intrigue as Karate Combat champion Aline Pereira, sister of UFC star Alex Pereira, faces Jade Masson-Wong in a 130-pound catchweight contest. The Pereira family's combat sports success continues to expand across different disciplines.

The complete fight card reflects MVP's commitment to combining mainstream appeal with legitimate competition. Co-founder Nikasa Bidarian emphasized this balance in Tuesday's announcement alongside Paul.

"This card delivers on MVP's ethos of building the biggest and most global events in combat sports that are mainstream must-sees while giving hardcore fans fights to feast on," Paul and Bidarian stated jointly.

The promotional duo highlighted the international scope of their talent roster, noting that the diverse lineup represents "the true global scale of the sport" while creating "blockbuster live experiences that bring together fans and fighters from everywhere."

Rousey's recent promotional appearances have generated significant attention, particularly her scathing critique of the UFC's business practices during a noteworthy press conference. The Hall of Famer described the promotion as "one of the worst places to go" for fighters seeking fair compensation.

"They're bleeding talent because of their short-term greed," Rousey declared, criticizing the organization that inducted her into its Hall of Fame. "They're thinking about the next quarter. They're thinking about the shareholders and not thinking about their responsibility to be stewards of the future of the sport."

The Netflix partnership provides MVP with unprecedented streaming reach, potentially exposing mixed martial arts to audiences that traditional broadcasters cannot access. The platform's global subscriber base creates opportunities for international talent showcased on the card.

Featured matchups include David Mgoyan vs Albert Morales at featherweight, Namo Fazil vs Jake Babian at welterweight, and Chris Avila in a 165-pound catchweight bout against an opponent to be determined.

The event's success could establish a new paradigm for combat sports broadcasting, with streaming platforms providing alternative revenue streams for fighters and promotions outside traditional television partnerships.

MVP's inaugural MMA presentation aims to prove that innovative promotional approaches can create compelling entertainment while respecting the sport's competitive integrity. The combination of established stars and rising prospects provides something for both casual viewers and dedicated fight fans.

As May 16 approaches, the Rousey vs Carano main event continues generating nostalgia for their historic rivalry while the supporting card promises to deliver competitive fights featuring the sport's most accomplished competitors.

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