Netflix MVP MMA Launches with Rousey-Carano Headliner in Los Angeles
SportsLine analyst Josh Nagel provides betting insights as the streamer debuts its mixed martial arts division.
The inaugural Netflix MVP MMA event is set to debut this Saturday at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, headlined by a five-round main event between former UFC champion Ronda Rousey and actress Gina Carano. The bout marks the end of a decade-long retirement for Rousey, 39, and a 17-year absence from professional competition for Carano, 44. The card begins at 9 p.m. ET, bringing together two of the most influential figures in women’s combat sports for a long-anticipated matchup.
Rousey, who last competed in the UFC, returns with a 12-2 career record featuring three knockouts and nine submissions. Her tenure in the UFC began in February 2013, where she won her first six matches before being knocked out by Holly Holm at UFC 193. Her final bout was a loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207 for the Women’s Bantamweight Championship. Prior to her MMA career, Rousey was a decorated judoka, earning a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and gold at the 2007 Pan American Games.
Carano, who previously competed in EliteXC and Strikeforce between 2006 and 2009, compiled a 7-1 record in eight career matches. Her last fight was a TKO loss to Cris Cyborg in August 2009, after which she retired from the sport to pursue an acting career. Her film roles include appearances in Haywire, Fast & Furious 6, and Deadpool.
DraftKings odds list Rousey as the heavy favourite at -625, while Carano is priced at +455 in the main text, though the odds table lists her at +465. Other notable matchups on the card include Mike Perry (-205) against Nate Diaz (+170), and Francis Ngannou (-1350) versus Philipe Lins (+800). The card also features Salahdine Parnasse (-1350) against Kenneth Cross (+800), and Junior dos Santos (+250) against Robelis Despaigne (-310).
SportsLine combat sports editor Josh Nagel has released betting analysis for the event. Nagel, who has been up more than $2,500 on his combat sports picks this year, is backing the Over 1.5 rounds in the Ngannou vs. Lins bout at +200. He cited Lins’ Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt status and his recent four-fight winning streak in the UFC as key factors. Nagel is also backing an unnamed underdog to win outright on the card, describing the fighter as the most viable option in a field difficult to mine for value.
