In a groundbreaking move that's sending ripples through the combat sports world, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)—co-founded by Jake Paul—is ensuring that every fighter on the upcoming Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano card gets a significant payday. All 22 athletes competing on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, will earn a minimum of $40,000 each, as revealed by MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian on "The Ariel Helwani Show" podcast.

This historic event, streaming live on Netflix, marks the long-awaited return of two MMA pioneers. Rousey, a former UFC champion, and Carano, a former Strikeforce standout, headline an 11-fight card that also features high-profile matchups like Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry and Francis Ngannou vs. Philip Lins. While the main event stars will undoubtedly command much larger purses, the guaranteed minimum for undercard fighters represents a meaningful investment in the sport's rising talent.

For many of the 16 fighters filling out the undercard, this $40,000 floor could be career-changing. In a sport where lower-tier athletes often struggle to make ends meet, MVP's commitment to fair compensation sets a new standard. It's a bold statement from a promotion that's quickly making a name for itself by prioritizing fighter welfare alongside star power.

The buildup to this clash has been electric. At a recent press conference in Inglewood, Rousey didn't hold back, criticizing the UFC while expressing both respect and competitive fire for Carano. Both women are stepping back into the cage after lengthy retirements, adding an extra layer of drama to an already must-see event. With Netflix streaming the action and MVP backing its roster, this fight night is shaping up to be a landmark moment for MMA—and a win for fighters at every level.