Ali Akbar Rosady
Los Angeles, California – MMA icon Nate Diaz is set to make his highly anticipated return to mixed martial arts after a two-year hiatus, agreeing to a five-round welterweight clash against former UFC contender and current bare-knuckle boxing champion Mike Perry. The bout, announced Monday by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), will headline a historic tripleheader scheduled for May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, streaming live globally on Netflix. This marquee event marks MVP’s official foray into MMA, promising one of the most star-studded fight cards in combat sports history, also featuring the long-awaited showdown between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, alongside Francis Ngannou’s return to the octagon against Philippe Lins.
Diaz, the 40-year-old Stockton, California native, last competed in MMA in September 2022, securing a fourth-round submission victory over Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 in what was the final fight of his long-standing contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. His departure from the UFC marked the end of an era for one of the sport’s most enduring and unconventional figures, whose career spanned over 15 years within the promotion. Following his exit, Diaz ventured into professional boxing, facing off against Jake Paul in a high-profile bout in August 2023, which he lost by unanimous decision. He subsequently returned to the squared circle in June 2024, earning a close decision victory over former UFC rival Jorge Masvidal, further solidifying his status as a draw across various combat disciplines.
"Glad to be back in action. It’s time," Nate Diaz stated in the official announcement. "Don’t forget where this all came from. I got plans on doing a lot more in the next 10 years, no matter where it is. Time to set the bar again, so get ready for a new takeover again and again until the end of time." Diaz’s comments underscore his continued ambition and his intention to remain a significant force in combat sports, irrespective of the promotional banner. His unique fighting style, characterized by relentless pressure, high-volume boxing, a granite chin, and a formidable Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, has earned him a dedicated global fanbase and positioned him as an anti-establishment icon. His career highlights include a memorable rivalry with Conor McGregor, where he famously submitted the Irishman at UFC 196 in 2016, a moment that propelled him to superstardom and cemented his "real fighter" image.
Facing Diaz will be Mike "Platinum" Perry, 32, a fighter known for his aggressive, brawling style and unwavering toughness. Perry’s journey through combat sports has seen a significant resurgence since his departure from the UFC in 2021, where he concluded his tenure having lost four of his last five bouts, compiling an overall UFC record of 7-8. Following his exit, Perry transitioned to bare-knuckle boxing, joining Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), where he has revitalized his career and earned the moniker "King of Violence." His BKFC record stands at an impressive 6-0, with notable victories over former MMA stars such as Michael "Venom" Page, Luke Rockhold, and Eddie Alvarez. These performances have showcased Perry’s durability, power, and willingness to engage in thrilling, high-action contests, making him one of the most exciting and sought-after fighters in the bare-knuckle sphere. Like Diaz, Perry also ventured into professional boxing, suffering a six-round stoppage loss to Jake Paul in 2024.
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"The King of Violence returns to MMA to elbow his opponent in the f—ing face," Mike Perry declared. "Saturday, May 16, on Netflix, Nate Diaz is going lights out." Perry’s characteristic bravado sets the stage for what is expected to be a high-intensity, fan-friendly affair, pitting two of combat sports’ most unapologetic figures against each other. The stylistic clash promises intrigue, with Diaz’s technical boxing and submission prowess meeting Perry’s raw power and relentless forward pressure. The five-round format could also play a crucial role, potentially favoring Diaz’s renowned cardio and ability to absorb punishment over extended periods.
The event marks a significant expansion for Most Valuable Promotions, a company co-created in 2021 by Jake Paul and former UFC executive Nakisa Bidarian. MVP has rapidly established itself as a major disruptor within the boxing promotional landscape, orchestrating highly viewed events and cultivating a deep roster of talent, particularly in women’s boxing. Bidarian, who previously served as the Chief Financial Officer for the UFC, brings extensive experience in combat sports business and event production. His vision for MVP involves leveraging star power and innovative distribution channels to attract mainstream audiences.
"MVP delivered the most-viewed boxing event since the advent of cable, and now we’re set to break records again with the biggest viewership in MMA history with the addition of Diaz-Perry to Rousey-Carano and Ngannou-Lins," Bidarian stated, emphasizing the promotion’s ambitious goals. "Nate Diaz is the real BMF, and Mike Perry is the ‘King of Violence.’ This will be a war from the first press conference all the way to the end when one of them has their hand raised." The claim of achieving the "biggest viewership in MMA history" is a bold one, but the combination of iconic names, the unique platform of Netflix, and MVP’s track record of generating significant buzz suggests the potential for a groundbreaking event. Netflix’s global subscriber base of over 260 million offers an unprecedented reach for a combat sports event, potentially introducing MMA to a vast new audience beyond traditional pay-per-view models.
The undercard for this May 16 event is equally compelling, featuring two other high-profile matchups. The long-anticipated bout between women’s MMA pioneers Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano has been decades in the making. Rousey, a former Olympic medalist and the inaugural UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion, revolutionized women’s combat sports with her dominant performances and mainstream appeal. Carano, a former Strikeforce standout, was an early trailblazer for women in MMA, recognized for her charisma and striking ability before transitioning to a successful acting career. A fight between these two legends has been a fan fantasy for years, and its realization adds significant historical weight to the card.
Furthermore, former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou will make his return to MMA against Philippe Lins. Ngannou, known for his devastating knockout power, exited the UFC as champion in 2023 to pursue opportunities in professional boxing, where he faced Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in high-profile bouts. His return to MMA under the MVP banner marks a pivotal moment, showcasing his continued versatility across combat disciplines. Lins, a veteran fighter with experience in the PFL and UFC, presents a formidable challenge for Ngannou’s re-entry into the MMA heavyweight division.
The entire card represents a strategic move by MVP to capitalize on the enduring appeal of established combat sports figures and the vast global reach of Netflix. By bringing together fighters who command significant individual fanbases and cross-sport appeal, MVP aims to redefine the scale and accessibility of major combat sports events. The Intuit Dome, a state-of-the-art arena in Inglewood, California, will provide a fitting backdrop for what MVP is positioning as a landmark event in the evolution of combat sports promotion and distribution. The May 16 date is poised to be a pivotal moment for both the careers of the featured athletes and the broader landscape of mixed martial arts.
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