In a groundbreaking moment for mixed martial arts, Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano have shattered viewing records, captivating audiences with their highly anticipated clash on Netflix. This past Saturday, the duo headlined Most Valuable Promotion’s inaugural MMA event, and the results were nothing short of spectacular.
Rousey had set her sights high, aiming to surpass nine million viewers and break the existing U.S. record for an MMA event. That record was previously held by Junior dos Santos and Cain Velasquez, who drew 8.8 million viewers during the UFC’s debut on FOX back in 2011.
Not only did Rousey achieve her ambitious goal, but she exceeded it in a remarkable fashion. According to figures released by Most Valuable Promotions on Tuesday, MVP MMA 1 attracted over 12.4 million live viewers worldwide, peaking at an astonishing 17 million during the Rousey-Carano showdown. In the United States alone, the event averaged 9.3 million viewers, with a peak of 11.6 million during the main event, setting a new record for MMA events in the country.
The event also generated a live gate of $2.2 million and amassed an impressive one billion impressions across Netflix’s global social media platforms. While these figures don’t quite match the hype surrounding Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul, they represent a significant leap from the six million viewers who tuned in for the Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3 event last summer.
Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of MVP, expressed their excitement over the successful launch. “We’re incredibly proud of what was accomplished alongside our partners at Netflix and grateful to the athletes who helped make MVP MMA’s debut such a success,” Bidarian stated in a press release. He added that the overwhelming interest from investors and fighters indicates a bright future for MVP and its vision within the MMA landscape.
As for future events, the path remains uncertain. After her swift victory over Carano in just 17 seconds, Rousey hinted that she might not continue her fighting career. What does this mean for the future of MVP MMA and its star-studded lineup? Only time will tell.
