Following the massive success of MVP MMA 1 this past weekend — a Netflix event headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano that peaked at nearly 17 million viewers worldwide — the biggest question surrounding the promotion was simple:
“One hundred percent, MVP is in the MMA business,” MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian told Ariel Helwani when asked whether the promotion plans to continue promoting MMA events.
“There is a clear opportunity to create an alternative avenue for fighters that truly represents the best of the sport and is fighters first,” Bidarian continued. “Our hope is that with our partners at Netflix, we’ve been very fortunate with the outreach we’ve gotten around what we did and what we accomplished and what we delivered.”
The debut event drew more than 12.4 million live viewers globally, making it one of the biggest MMA broadcasts in combat sports history and instantly legitimizing MVP’s entry into the MMA space.
And Bidarian believes there is room for another serious player in the industry.
“There’s no true No. 2 player [in MMA],” Bidarian explained. “In boxing, there are six or seven of us putting on premium big events every single week.”
“So, do I think we can come and take a real share within the MMA sphere? Yes,” he continued. “Do I believe we can convince Netflix to do it on a more regular basis than they’ve shown to do so with boxing? If we have the product and we show them the path of how this can work and set expectations appropriately, and ask for the right amount of rights fees that are appropriate for that, my hope is that the answer is yes.”
Bidarian also revealed that Netflix is far from the only possible broadcast partner moving forward.
“But I will say that there’s Amazon, Fox, and ESPN,” he added. “There are definitely other outlets that, once we present them this whole package, will have interest in what we’re doing.”
From a fighter’s perspective, another well-funded MMA promotion entering the market could be huge for the health of the sport, especially with UFC continuing to dominate the industry and lock up elite talent long term.
That could open the door for partnerships or co-promotions with organizations like PFL, RIZIN, or KSW, especially since many of the world’s best fighters remain tied up under UFC contracts.
For now, though, MVP has momentum, money, Netflix exposure and plenty of attention.
Not a bad place to start.
