The upcoming fight card featuring Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano is attracting attention for more than the return of two major names in combat sports. The event, which is set to take place on May 16 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, is also becoming a major talking point because of fighter salaries. Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), co-founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, wants to use the event as an example of a different approach toward athlete pay and support.
Minimum Pay for All Fighters
The promotion has announced that all 22 fighters on the card will receive at least $40,000 each. That decision has created discussion across the MMA world because entry-level earnings in many promotions are usually much lower. While stars such as Ronda Rousey, Gina Carano, Nate Diaz, Mike Perry, Francis Ngannou, and Philip Lins are expected to earn significantly larger amounts, many lesser-known fighters on the undercard could see a major financial boost from this pay structure.
MVP's Commitment to Fighter Compensation
MVP uses the Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano event to push for change in MMA. Nakisa Bidarian recently told Ariel Helwani about the company’s plans during an appearance on a combat sports show. He said every athlete on the card has a guaranteed minimum payment of $40,000. He also added that additional performance bonuses will be available. According to him, the size of those bonuses may vary depending on the fighter and other factors linked to performance.
For many athletes lower on the card, that guaranteed amount could be life-changing. Fighters early in their careers often earn much smaller salaries and rely heavily on winning bonuses to increase their income. Reports suggest that new UFC fighters often begin with contracts that include separate payments for showing up and winning fights, creating uncertainty around total earnings.
Rousey's Advocacy for Better Pay
Rousey has also spoken strongly about the current state of fighter pay in MMA. During promotion for the event, she suggested that the sport has moved away from taking care of athletes and has become focused too heavily on short-term business gains. She believes many fighters struggle to earn enough money and hopes her return can help create better opportunities in the future.
Bidarian also praised Rousey for her role in promoting the event. He explained that she has done much more than advertise a fight card. He said her efforts have helped create conversations around the future of MMA and the need for progress in fighter treatment and compensation.
Future Plans for MVP
MVP has also made it clear that it wants to continue promoting MMA events if this card performs well. The company appears determined to build a model that places stronger focus on fighter earnings and long-term growth.
