Staredowns held for MVP event featuring Rousey-Carano, Diaz-Perry, Ngannou-Linns

Face-off staredowns for the upcoming MVP promotion event on May 16th took place this week, with video footage captured by FightHubTV offering the first close look at the fighters set to compete on the main card.

The headline matchup brings together two of the most recognizable names in women's combat sports history. Ronda "Rowdy" Rousey, 39, carries a 12-2 record into the bout and remains one of the most decorated grapplers the sport has seen, averaging 6.26 takedowns and 4.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes across her career. She connects on 52 percent of her significant strikes, landing 4.17 per minute. Opposing her is Gina "Conviction" Carano, 44, who holds a 7-1 record and trains out of Xtreme Couture. Carano lands 4.5 significant strikes per minute at 47 percent accuracy and also brings a threat on the ground with 1.24 takedowns and 1.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes.

Nate Diaz, the 41-year-old Stockton southpaw out of Cesar Gracie Fight Team, enters his bout against Mike Perry carrying a 22-13 record. Standing six feet tall with a 76-inch reach, Diaz averages 4.57 significant strikes per minute and attempts 1.3 submissions per 15 minutes, making him dangerous in every phase. The summary lists Perry at 14-8, though no additional verified data for him is available in the database.

The co-main card also features former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, listed at 18-3, against Felipe Linns, who carries an 18-5 record. No further verified stats for Ngannou or Linns were available from the database.

Why it matters

• The Rousey-Carano matchup is a long-discussed pairing between two foundational figures in women's MMA
• Diaz versus Perry sets up a striking-heavy clash between two fighters known for high-volume, pressure-based styles
• Ngannou's presence adds heavyweight star power to the MVP card in what is a notable post-UFC outing