What's Happening?
Ronda Rousey is set to return to fighting after nearly a decade, but not in the UFC. Instead, she will face Gina Carano in a fight organized by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions and streamed on Netflix. The fight is scheduled for May 16 at the Intuit
Dome in Inglewood, California. Rousey initially approached UFC CEO Dana White to arrange the fight within the UFC, but negotiations fell through due to financial disagreements. White expressed his happiness for Rousey and Carano, despite the fight not taking place in the UFC. The UFC's recent transition from ESPN to Paramount, which eliminated the pay-per-view model, played a role in the financial terms that led Rousey to seek other opportunities.
Why It's Important?
This development marks a significant shift in how high-profile fights can be organized and broadcast, potentially altering the landscape of combat sports. By choosing Netflix over the UFC, Rousey and Carano are part of a growing trend where athletes seek alternative platforms that offer more favorable financial terms. This move could encourage other fighters to explore non-traditional avenues for their matches, challenging the dominance of established organizations like the UFC. The involvement of Jake Paul’s promotion company also highlights the increasing influence of social media personalities in the sports industry, which could lead to more unconventional partnerships and events.
What's Next?
The upcoming fight between Rousey and Carano on Netflix could set a precedent for future events, encouraging more fighters to consider streaming platforms as viable alternatives to traditional sports networks. The UFC may need to reassess its financial models and negotiation strategies to retain top talent. Additionally, the success of this event could lead to more collaborations between streaming services and sports promotions, potentially reshaping how audiences consume combat sports.
