According to Joe Rogan, the eagerly anticipated Netflix MMA event, supported by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), is set to operate on an unprecedented financial scale. Rogan suggests that Nate Diaz could potentially take home more than $10 million, while Francis Ngannou might reach an astonishing $20 million purse.
Rogan’s Speculation on Fighter Earnings
During a “Fight Companion” stream for a UFC London event, Joe Rogan reacted to various rumors circulating about the financial aspects of the Netflix-MVP card. He used these reports to estimate the potential earnings for the top fighters involved.
Rogan stated that if the rumors regarding Nate Diaz’s compensation are accurate, the former UFC star could be making “more than 10 million” dollars. He then added that Ngannou “has got to be 20” million, emphasizing Ngannou’s unique position as the lineal heavyweight champion who departed the UFC without losing his belt in the octagon. Rogan highlighted Ngannou’s decision to leave the UFC at the peak of his career as a key factor contributing to his immense potential payout.
Overview of the Netflix Card and its Implications
This event marks Netflix’s inaugural live MMA broadcast, scheduled for May 16, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. It is being promoted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions. Netflix has confirmed that the show will be available live to its over 325 million subscribers globally at no additional charge beyond a standard subscription. This model represents a significant shift from the traditional pay-per-view (PPV) structure, prioritizing mass viewership and brand exposure over individual fight purchases.
The card features a three-fight headline attraction: Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano as the main event, Francis Ngannou facing 2018 PFL heavyweight tournament winner Philipe Lins, and Nate Diaz squaring off against “Platinum” Mike Perry in a five-round welterweight bout under the Unified Rules of MMA.
Nate Diaz’s Return to MMA and UFC Discussions
For Nate Diaz, his fight against Mike Perry will be his first professional MMA appearance since concluding his UFC contract in 2022. Following his UFC departure, Diaz transitioned to boxing, where he held a 1-1 record, securing a win against Jorge Masvidal and a decision loss to Jake Paul. Current sportsbook odds position Diaz as a considerable underdog at around +175 against Perry, who is favored at nearly -225. This reflects Perry’s recent activity and success in both MMA and bare-knuckle boxing.
UFC President Dana White revealed at the UFC London post-fight press conference that he had met with Diaz “a couple of weeks ago” to discuss a potential UFC comeback. However, White believes that MVP and Netflix presented Diaz with “an offer he couldn’t refuse.” White expressed his happiness for Diaz while also indicating that the door remains open for a future reunion, depending on the outcome of the Perry fight.
Francis Ngannou’s Strategic Leverage and MVP’s Vision
Ngannou’s participation in the Netflix card aligns with his strategy of exploring free agency opportunities after his departure from the UFC and subsequent landmark deal with the PFL, which allowed him to pursue boxing and other ventures. Rogan’s comments about a potential $20 million purse reignite ongoing debates surrounding fighter compensation in combat sports. They underscore how a collaboration between a global streaming powerhouse and a dynamic promoter like MVP can establish a unique market, enabling established fighters to gain significant leverage against traditional organizations.
With Netflix executives publicly framing the May 16 show as a definitive statement piece and MVP promising further announcements, the star-studded lineup of Rousey, Carano, Diaz, Perry, and Ngannou strongly suggests that this event is intended as a high-profile test case. It aims to determine whether MMA can thrive and expand on a subscription-based platform, leveraging its global reach instead of relying on the traditional pay-per-view model.
