Mixed martial arts veterans Nate Diaz and Mike Perry are scheduled to meet in a welterweight co-main event at MVP MMA 1: Rousey vs. Carano on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The professional MMA bout, held at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Los Angeles, represents a major expansion for Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and Netflix. Both fighters are set to compete at the 170-pound limit in a contest scheduled for five five-minute rounds using standard 4-ounce MMA gloves.
The event marks a strategic shift for Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), founded by Jake Paul, which has previously focused on high-profile boxing spectacles. By securing Diaz and Perry, the promotion aims to assemble a star-studded card headlined by the return of Ronda Rousey against Gina Carano. The global broadcast will reach Netflix’s 325 million members at no additional cost, as the streaming giant continues its push into live sports programming.
For Nate Diaz, the return to the cage comes at age 41 with a professional record of 21-13. Known for his endurance and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the Stockton native has been knocked out only twice in 34 professional MMA fights and has never been finished by strikes. Despite his recent foray into boxing, Diaz has not previously shared a ring with Mike Perry in a boxing match, making this their first professional encounter in any combat discipline.
Mike Perry enters as betting favorite against Nate Diaz
Oddsmakers have positioned Mike Perry as the betting favorite, with BetMGM offering odds of -200, representing a 66.7% implied probability of victory. Perry, 34, enters the contest with an MMA record of 14-8 and a reputation for punching power, evidenced by his 11 wins by KO/TKO. He also brings momentum from a successful run in bare-knuckle fighting, where he remains undefeated.
Perry stands at 5’10” with a 71-inch reach, giving up length to the 6’0″ Diaz, who possesses a 76-inch reach. While Perry is the favorite overall, he must contend with Diaz’s submission prowess. Diaz has secured 12 of his 21 victories via submission, and the prop bet for a Diaz submission is currently +425 at BetMGM. This technical advantage on the ground is a critical factor, as Perry has been submitted once in his MMA career.
The promotional move follows a trend of established combat sports brands seeking massive digital distribution. Just as Matchroom Boxing has adapted to shifting market threats, MVP is leveraging Netflix’s reach to establish a footprint in MMA. This card features veteran heavyweights and international stars, aiming to capture a broad audience of traditional fight fans and casual streaming subscribers.
Comprehensive preliminary card and main card details
The event features a deep lineup beyond the marquee names. While high-profile athletes like Francis Ngannou and Junior dos Santos feature on the main card, the preliminary action showcases rising prospects across multiple weight classes. The expansion of the roster mirrors current industry trends, such as Evelin Bermudez joining Most Valuable Promotions to bolster their divisional depth.
The full main card on Netflix includes:
- Women’s Featherweight: Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano
- Welterweight: Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry
- Heavyweight: Francis Ngannou vs. Philipe Lins
- Lightweight: Salahdine Parnasse vs. Kenneth Cross
- Heavyweight: Junior dos Santos vs. Robelis Despaigne
The preliminary card, streaming on Netflix Tudum and the MVP YouTube channel from 6:00 PM ET, includes:
- Welterweight: Namo Fazil vs. Jake Babian
- Catchweight (130 lb): Adriano Moraes vs. Phumi Nkuta
- Welterweight: Jason Jackson vs. Jefferson Creighton
- Featherweight: David Mgoyan vs. Albert Morales
- Catchweight (130 lb): Aline Pereira vs. Jade Masson-Wong
- Catchweight (165 lb): Chris Avila vs. Brandon Jenkins
Streaming schedule for Diaz vs. Perry in Los Angeles
The main card for MVP MMA 1 is scheduled to begin at 9:00 PM ET (6:00 PM PT), with the Diaz vs. Perry bout expected to start at approximately 11:00 PM ET. This timing remains subject to the pace of the preceding fights. Unlike traditional pay-per-view events, this broadcast is included for all active Netflix members globally, removing the typical $70 to $80 barrier for major combat sports events.
The preliminary card offers fans three hours of free content before the main broadcast shifts exclusively to the Netflix platform. This model is designed to maximize visibility for the fighters involved. The Intuit Dome venue adds a modern backdrop to an event that MVP officials have described as their most ambitious effort to date in the MMA space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry fight?
The Diaz vs. Perry bout is expected to start around 11:00 PM ET on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The main card broadcast begins at 9:00 PM ET on Netflix, and the exact start time for the co-main event will depend on the duration of the preceding fights.
Is this an MMA fight or a boxing match?
This is a professional MMA bout in the welterweight division (170 lbs). The athletes will compete in a regulation cage for five rounds of five minutes each, using standard 4-ounce MMA gloves rather than boxing gloves.
How can I watch the MVP MMA 1 preliminary card?
The preliminary card begins at 6:00 PM ET (3:00 PM PT) and will be available to stream for free on Netflix Tudum and the official MVP YouTube channel. The main card remains exclusive to the Netflix streaming platform.
