Face-offs have been released for the main participants of the MVP event scheduled for May 16. The card features three major matchups: Ronda Rousey (12-2) versus Gina Carano (7-1), Nate Diaz (21-13) versus Mike Perry (14-8), and Francis Ngannou (18-3) versus Felipe Linns (18-5). The staredown footage provides a preview of the anticipated confrontations. The event brings together several high-profile names from combat sports, with particular attention on the return of former stars Rousey and Carano to competition.
Face-off footage for the MVP event on May 16 has been released, offering a first look at three headline matchups that bring together some of combat sports' most recognizable names.
The most talked-about pairing on the card is Ronda "Rowdy" Rousey against Gina "Conviction" Carano. Rousey, 39, carries a 12-2 record and built her legacy on relentless grappling, averaging 6.26 takedowns per 15 minutes and 4.8 submission attempts in the same span — among the most dominant ground-control numbers in women's MMA history. The five-foot-seven American trains out of Team Hayastan and connects on 52 percent of her significant strikes. Carano, also American and based out of Xtreme Couture, returns at 44 years old with a 7-1 record. The five-foot-eight orthodox fighter lands 4.5 significant strikes per minute at 47 percent accuracy and adds 1.24 takedowns per 15 minutes to her game.
Also featured on the card is a welterweight clash between Nate Diaz and Mike Perry. Diaz, 41, represents the Cesar Gracie Fight Team out of the United States and holds a 22-13 record. The six-foot southpaw carries a 76-inch reach and has long been known for his output, landing 4.57 significant strikes per minute while also averaging 1.3 submission attempts per 15 minutes. The third main matchup pairs Francis Ngannou (18-3) against Felipe Linns (18-5).
Why it matters
- Rousey vs. Carano is a marquee women's MMA matchup between two of the sport's most prominent former competitors returning to action
- Diaz vs. Perry puts two high-output strikers with durable fan followings on a collision course
- Ngannou vs. Linns adds heavyweight power to a card already loaded with name value
