Combat sports commentator Joe Rogan has offered his insights into the financial magnitude of the upcoming Netflix MMA event, co-promoted by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP). Rogan believes that former UFC star Nate Diaz could pocket upwards of $10 million, while ex-heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou might command a staggering $20 million for their participation.
Rogan’s Payout Projections
During a UFC London Fight Companion broadcast, Rogan reacted to circulating rumors regarding fighter earnings for the highly anticipated Netflix–MVP card. Based on these reports, he outlined potential purses for the headlining athletes. He suggested that if the figures attributed to Diaz are accurate, the Stockton native could earn “more than 10” million dollars. For Ngannou, Rogan estimated a “20” million dollar payout, emphasizing Ngannou’s unique leverage as the lineal heavyweight champion who departed the UFC without losing his title in the cage. Rogan highlighted Ngannou’s decision to walk away at the peak of his career as a critical factor in his substantial earning potential.
The Netflix Card: Structure and Significance
This landmark event marks Netflix’s inaugural live MMA broadcast, set for May 16, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions is spearheading the promotion. Netflix has confirmed that the show will be accessible to its vast global subscriber base—exceeding 325 million—at no additional cost beyond a standard subscription. This strategy pivots away from the traditional pay-per-view (PPV) model, prioritizing mass reach and brand visibility.
The card features a compelling three-fight main marquee: Ronda Rousey versus Gina Carano in the main event, Francis Ngannou against 2018 PFL heavyweight tournament winner Philipe Lins, and Nate Diaz clashing with “Platinum” Mike Perry in a five-round welterweight bout under the Unified Rules of MMA.
Nate Diaz’s Comeback and UFC Dynamics
For Nate Diaz, his bout against Mike Perry signifies his first MMA appearance since 2022, when he fulfilled his UFC contract and transitioned to boxing. In the boxing ring, Diaz recorded a 1-1 record, defeating Jorge Masvidal but losing a decision to Jake Paul. Current sportsbook odds position Diaz as a +175 underdog against Perry, who is favored at -225, reflecting Perry’s recent activity and success in both MMA and bare-knuckle boxing.
UFC President Dana White recently disclosed at a post-fight press conference that he met with Diaz “a couple of weeks ago” to discuss a potential return to the UFC. However, White believes that MVP and Netflix presented Diaz with “an offer he couldn’t refuse,” expressing happiness for Diaz while indicating that the door remains open for a future reunion depending on the outcome of the Perry fight.
Francis Ngannou’s Strategic Power Play
Francis Ngannou’s inclusion on the Netflix card continues his calculated strategy of leveraging free agency. After an amicable split from the UFC, Ngannou signed a significant deal with the PFL that granted him the flexibility to pursue boxing and other lucrative opportunities. Rogan’s speculation of a $20 million purse underscores ongoing discussions about fighter compensation. It also highlights how a major streaming platform collaborating with an agile promoter like MVP can cultivate a unique market, empowering established fighters to negotiate more favorable terms against long-standing organizations.
With Netflix executives positioning the May 16 event as a significant statement and MVP hinting at further announcements, the star-studded lineup—featuring Rousey, Carano, Diaz, Perry, and Ngannou—suggests this event is a high-profile experiment to determine if MMA can flourish on a subscription-based platform, leveraging global scale over individual pay-per-view purchases.