Ali Akbar Rosady
Inglewood, California ā The highly anticipated May 16 combat sports event, headlined by the return of Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, has sustained a significant roster change with the withdrawal of veteran welterweight Lorenz Larkin. Larkin, a prominent figure with a career spanning both the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Bellator MMA, announced his inability to compete due to a knee injury. His scheduled welterweight bout against former Bellator champion Jason Jackson has consequently been removed from the card, leaving event organizers in search of a replacement opponent.
Larkin, 37, communicated his injury and subsequent withdrawal via an Instagram post on Tuesday, stating, "Iām sorry to all the fans but I had to pull out of the Netflix card due to knee injury. Will be rehabbing it back to 100 percent and will be back." This unexpected development marks a setback for the "Netflix card," which is poised to be a landmark event for the streaming giant’s venture into live combat sports.
The injury derails what was shaping up to be a pivotal contest for Larkin, who was aiming to solidify his position among the elite welterweights outside of major promotions. Known for his dynamic striking and aggressive style, Larkin, nicknamed "The Monsoon," commenced his professional mixed martial arts career in 2009. His journey saw him compete across multiple weight classes before settling in the welterweight division. He joined the UFC in 2013, amassing a record of 6 wins and 5 losses within the organization. During his UFC tenure, Larkin faced a murderers’ row of opponents, showcasing his striking prowess against fighters such as Santiago Ponzinibbio and Jorge Masvidal, while also experiencing competitive setbacks against top contenders like Neil Magny and Albert Tumenov. His time in the UFC was characterized by flashes of brilliance, often delivering exciting, technical performances that captivated audiences.
In 2017, Larkin transitioned to Bellator MMA as a high-profile free-agent signing, a move that generated considerable buzz in the sport. His initial run in Bellator proved challenging, as he suffered consecutive losses in his first two outings against Douglas Lima and Paul Daley, both formidable names in the welterweight division. However, Larkin demonstrated resilience, embarking on an impressive turnaround. He went on an undefeated streak of eight fights, showcasing a refined skill set and consistent performance. This resurgence included significant victories over established Bellator talent, re-establishing him as a top-tier contender. His strategic improvements and ability to adapt were evident throughout this period, demonstrating his veteran experience.
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Following the acquisition of Bellator by the Professional Fighters League (PFL), Larkin found himself part of the new organizational structure. He secured wins in his final two bouts under the Bellator banner before entering free agency once again, positioning himself for potentially lucrative opportunities, such as the now-cancelled bout on the Netflix card. The May 16 event, promoted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), presented a unique platform for Larkin to compete against another highly regarded welterweight.
Jason Jackson, Larkin’s intended opponent, is recognized as one of the premier welterweights globally outside of the UFC. Jackson, 33, holds a professional record of 17 wins and 4 losses. He is a former Bellator Welterweight Champion, having claimed the title in November 2022 with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Yaroslav Amosov. Jackson’s reign, though relatively short, underscored his elite status. Known for his powerful wrestling, strong grappling, and improved striking, "The Assassin" has consistently tested himself against top competition, boasting wins over former champions and contenders like Douglas Lima, Neiman Gracie, and Paul Daley. The bout with Larkin was anticipated to be a clash of styles, with Larkin’s striking pitted against Jackson’s comprehensive mixed martial arts game. The search for a suitable replacement opponent for Jackson on such short notice will be a critical task for MVP, as the event is less than a month away.
The May 16 card itself is a major undertaking, designed to capture a wide audience through its high-profile matchups and unprecedented broadcast platform. The headliner features the highly anticipated clash between two pioneers of women’s mixed martial arts, Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano. Rousey, 37, a former UFC Bantamweight Champion and Olympic judoka, revolutionized women’s MMA with her dominant performances and mainstream appeal. Her career saw her defend the UFC title six times, primarily via her signature armbar submission, before stepping away from the sport in 2016. Carano, 42, an early trailblazer in women’s combat sports, achieved significant fame in Strikeforce before transitioning to a successful acting career. The hypothetical matchup between Rousey and Carano was a dream fight for many fans during their respective primes, making its realization years later a compelling narrative.
The co-main event promises another explosive encounter, pitting former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou against Philipe Lins. Ngannou, 37, famously departed the UFC in 2023, subsequently signing with the PFL and venturing into professional boxing, where he notably faced Tyson Fury. "The Predator" is renowned for his extraordinary knockout power, making him one of the most feared heavyweights in the world. Lins, 38, a Brazilian mixed martial artist, holds a record of 17 wins and 5 losses, and has competed in both the PFL and the UFC. This bout will mark Ngannou’s return to MMA competition following his boxing ventures, adding another layer of intrigue to the card.
Further enhancing the event’s star power, fan-favorite Nate Diaz is scheduled to face Mike Perry in a featured bout. Diaz, 39, a legendary figure in the UFC known for his relentless pressure, boxing, and jiu-jitsu, has been a perennial draw throughout his career. His recent departure from the UFC and foray into professional boxing against Jake Paul has kept him in the public eye. Perry, 32, a former UFC fighter, has since found considerable success in bare-knuckle boxing, becoming a prominent figure in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) with his aggressive, fan-friendly style. This matchup between two renowned brawlers is expected to deliver a high-octane spectacle.
The event is slated to feature a total of 11 fights, with the full bout order pending official release, especially given the new requirement to find a replacement for Jackson. It will take place at the state-of-the-art Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, and will be broadcast live exclusively on Netflix, marking a significant step for the streaming service into premium live sports content. The withdrawal of Lorenz Larkin represents an immediate challenge for the card, but the presence of other high-profile matchups continues to position the May 16 event as a significant occasion in the combat sports calendar.
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