Ronda Rousey vs gina carano: Top options for the May 16 undercard as controversy simmers
The return of two era-defining fighters has set the combat world alight. Ronda Rousey and gina carano will meet in the main event of MVP’s inaugural mixed‑martial-arts card on May 16, 2026 (ET) at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. With the bout set for distribution by a major streaming service, promoters face pressure to stack the undercard with names that deliver both sporting value and mainstream intrigue.
Name power that could move the needle
For a spectacle of this scale, organizers appear to be prioritizing established veterans and crossover personalities who carry built‑in audiences. One high-profile option is Nate Diaz, currently a free agent and one of the sport’s most beloved figures. Diaz’s combative style and steady ability to draw attention would pair well with the nostalgia element of the main event.
Anderson Silva is another candidate with undeniable legacy value. The former middleweight champion remains a draw — his recent return in a high-profile undercard bout showed he can still capture headlines despite years away from top-tier competition. A Silva appearance would satisfy fans hungry for a flash of old-school excellence.
Tyron Woodley’s name has surfaced as well. He maintains business ties with the promotion and carries a legacy as a former champion. While some may question the timing given Woodley’s recent knockout on a big card, his presence would add credibility for viewers seeking at least a modicum of current mixed-martial-arts relevance.
On the crossover front, Mike Perry represents the fighter-turned-brawler archetype that thrills casual viewers. Now positioned in bare-knuckle competition, Perry’s willingness to move between combat sports could make him a fit for a card built around spectacle and name recognition.
Undercard strategy: spectacle, sport, or both?
Promoters face a balancing act: craft a supporting slate that satisfies hardcore fans while remaining accessible to the mainstream audience tuning in for Rousey and Carano. One proven approach is to mix competitive matchups with nostalgia acts. Competitive bouts between rising fighters can lend the card sporting legitimacy, while veteran attractions supply the media coverage and social‑media chatter that drive viewership.
There’s also a promotional advantage in leveraging existing relationships with celebrity promoters and crossover stars. Those connections open doors to fighters who have previously competed outside the traditional mixed‑martial-arts ecosystem, which fits the event’s spectacle-first presentation. Expect negotiations to prioritize recognizable names even if their competitive primes are behind them; the primary sell for this debut is event reach rather than ranking advancement.
Controversy shadows the build-up
The month leading to May 16 has not been free of turbulence. A recent media‑day exchange saw a prominent fighter deliver sexist and homophobic remarks while mocking elements of the modern sports landscape and making crude comments about Rousey and a high-profile music performer. Those comments reignited debate about athlete conduct, platform responsibility, and the tone of combat-sport promotion.
That same athlete has a checkered disciplinary history and remains a polarizing figure; his remarks have prompted public backlash and renewed scrutiny of how promoters and broadcasters handle controversial personalities. For MVP’s first show, the risk is clear: controversy can drive attention, but it can also overshadow the sporting contest and alienate portions of the audience.
As May 16 approaches, the success of the event will hinge on two things: the quality and coherence of the undercard and the ability of organizers to keep the narrative focused on the fights themselves. With Rousey vs. Carano guaranteed to draw eyes, the supporting cast will determine whether this is a one‑night spectacle or the start of a sustained venture into mixed martial arts.
