This weekend marks a major milestone in combat sports as Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions launches its first MMA event, MVP "Rousey vs. Carano," streaming live on Netflix. The showcase brings two legendary pioneers—Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano—back to the cage, reigniting conversations about women's MMA and opening new doors for fighters across the industry.
Both Rousey and Carano have expressed excitement about working with MVP to create fresh opportunities for athletes. But one fighter watching closely is Liz Carmouche, the 2025 PFL women's flyweight tournament champion. Carmouche made history alongside Rousey in the UFC's first-ever women's fight back in 2013 at UFC 157, where she fell to Rousey via first-round armbar.
Now, with Paul openly discussing the possibility of cross-promotional bouts between MVP and the PFL, Carmouche sees a golden opportunity. During an appearance on "Undefeated & Undisputed" with Chael Sonnen and Ian Parker, Paul hinted at co-promoting with the PFL, even name-dropping Cris Cyborg as a potential opponent. The idea of pitting champions from different organizations against each other has long been a dream for fight fans, and Paul seems ready to make it happen.
"That would be amazing," Carmouche told Sherdog.com. "Jake Paul's doing a great job getting fighters the money they deserve, showcasing them, and getting attention on them. Whether people say 'this isn't a real fight' or not, people are tuning in. It's accessible on Netflix, so that's huge. To represent the PFL against MVP in a cross-promotion fight would be super cool. A crossover gives you the chance to find out who truly is the best fighter—and that's really appealing."
For Carmouche, the appeal goes beyond just another fight. It's about representing her brand, challenging herself against new competition, and being part of something that pushes the sport forward. With Paul's track record of securing big paydays and massive visibility for his athletes, a matchup between PFL and MVP talent could be a game-changer for MMA's landscape.
As the MMA world turns its attention to this weekend's historic event, one thing is clear: the fight game is evolving, and cross-promotion battles might just be the next frontier. Whether it's Carmouche vs. an MVP standout or Cyborg stepping into the spotlight, the possibilities are as exciting as they are endless.
