- 1 day ago
Category
📺
TVTranscript
00:00:08Welcome inside the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, live in over 190 countries as
00:00:15Netflix and most valuable promotions bring you our first ever MMA broadcast, and we came
00:00:22correct.
00:00:23Three main events featuring icons of the sport, including the most anticipated MMA fight
00:00:29in decades, one that has lingered in what-if lore for years.
00:00:34That is, of course, until tonight.
00:00:44The first mixed martial arts event to air live on Netflix.
00:00:49They say time waits for no one, but for a few, time simply holds its breath.
00:00:56Two pioneers, two trailblazers, those words get thrown around a lot in sports, but that's
00:01:02a fact.
00:01:03For years, the world has lived in the what-if, fantasizing that two of the most significant
00:01:10MMA fighters in history would finally do battle.
00:01:17Am I going to worry about where I'm landing in history?
00:01:20I'm sorry, I just don't.
00:01:22I've gotten so much better at so many things that nobody's ever seen.
00:01:25This is the best that I've ever been by far.
00:01:28They're not just athletes.
00:01:31They're icons.
00:01:32One, who laid the foundation.
00:01:36Gina Carano is now the base of women's MMA.
00:01:40And another, who built on it.
00:01:43One of a kind, Ronda Rousey.
00:01:47Tonight, what-if becomes right now.
00:01:51Historic doesn't even begin to scratch the surface.
00:01:54As Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano finally clash inside the cage to face each other in a once-in-a
00:02:02-lifetime
00:02:03spectacle.
00:02:04The last thing you want is for me to be pissed off with something to prove.
00:02:07Korea's a game plan until they get rocked.
00:02:09I want to prove to her that she created something that's grown bigger than herself.
00:02:13I'm definitely coming to win.
00:02:15Make no mistake about that.
00:02:17Also worth the wait.
00:02:19Two more main events.
00:02:21The realist fighter to ever step in the cage, Nate Diaz, takes on the king of violence, Mike
00:02:29Perry.
00:02:30And the lineal heavyweight champion of the world, Francis Ngannou, meets the Brazilian
00:02:36monstro, Felipe Lins.
00:02:39There has never been a fight night quite like this.
00:02:44Every time I think about this fight, I think about it walking away with the W.
00:02:48I got into MMA because I wanted to fight her.
00:02:51This fight between us, it's fate.
00:03:12It's a historic night here in England, and the fans are into it.
00:03:17Typically, this is the home of the NBA's L.A. Clippers, but tonight the ballers make way
00:03:21for the baddies in one of the most eagerly awaited sporting events in years.
00:03:25With the return of MMA legends, we've got an embarrassment of riches inside the cage
00:03:32tonight.
00:03:33Headlined, of course, by two of the most recognizable mixed martial arts athletes of all time, that
00:03:41being Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano.
00:03:44But before that, friends, we've got a quartet of instant classic clashes in the cage.
00:03:49It'll be a welterweight war between submission specialist Nate Diaz and relentless striker
00:03:54Mike Perry.
00:03:55Two of the world's top knockout artists will meet as Francis Ngannou takes on Felipe Lins.
00:04:00A pair of massive talents reaching their biggest stage yet when Francis Saladin Parnas faces
00:04:05American Kenneth Cross, and former heavyweight champ Junior DeSantos goes up against Olympic
00:04:10medalist Robeles de Spain.
00:04:13As we officially say hello from here at the desk at the Intuit Dome, we're holding things
00:04:19down for you all night.
00:04:20I am your host, Elle Duncan, and I'm joined by two men who never pull punches.
00:04:25Former UFC welterweight champ, one of the most dominant fighters of his era.
00:04:29It's the great Tyron Woodley.
00:04:31Hello, my friend.
00:04:32And one of the most influential voices in combat sports journalism, the one and only Ariel Helwani.
00:04:38A welcome to them and to our foreign language friends.
00:04:40You can experience every moment live with world-class commentary in French, German, Portuguese, and
00:04:46Spanish.
00:04:47You know what they do in every language, though?
00:04:48They whisper.
00:04:49And there have been whispers about this fight between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano for years.
00:04:54What was your reaction, Ty, when you found out they were finally going to meet in the cage?
00:04:58Hell, off the top.
00:05:00The first thing I'm thinking is, you telling me a Ronda Rousey, which we've seen at her
00:05:04era, and that Gina Carano can fight, my hands start rubbing together.
00:05:08This has been in a what-if conversations for a long time.
00:05:10What if we see Sugar Ray Leonard fight against Floyd?
00:05:13What if we see Ali against Tyson?
00:05:15We will see Ronda Rousey take on Gina Carano tonight.
00:05:19Hey, guys, I gotta be honest with you right here and now and everyone at home.
00:05:22I am so excited about being here.
00:05:24It's hard to put it all into words.
00:05:26Allow me to try and explain.
00:05:28You know, long-time MMA fans, we were introduced to this amazing sport in the 90s via something
00:05:34called pay-per-view.
00:05:35And then came cable TV, and then premium cable, and then broadcast TV.
00:05:40But this truly feels like the dawn of a new era, the Netflix era.
00:05:44Let's be honest, Netflix up until now has aired five boxing events.
00:05:48But over in the corner was the sport we love so much.
00:05:50MMA saying, what about us?
00:05:52Tonight, this amazing sport and its amazing athletes get a chance to show the world just
00:05:57how special it can be.
00:05:58And I am so honored to be here with you guys to witness it all.
00:06:01Same.
00:06:02Apart from the history of it all and the Netflix part of it all, what about this particular
00:06:06fight feels different to you, Ariel?
00:06:08Well, as you guys know, the fight game is often rooted in friction, in animosity.
00:06:13And there's nothing wrong with that.
00:06:14But this one feels like it's been rooted in, I don't know, like, mending offenses, healing
00:06:19of wounds.
00:06:19It's been an amazing thing to watch for the two of them.
00:06:22You know, both of these athletes, Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, left this sport unceremoniously.
00:06:27They shun the sport and the sport seem to shun them and to see the way in which they've
00:06:32embraced it again and the way the community has braced them again.
00:06:35It's been unbelievable.
00:06:36It's truly been a beautiful road to get to this fight.
00:06:39But make no mistake about it, they are not here to be participants.
00:06:42They want to win.
00:06:44They want to go out on top.
00:06:45You never get a chance in life to right a very public wrong.
00:06:49Tonight, Ronda Rousey and or Gina Carano gets that chance.
00:06:53They've showed a lot of respect for each other, a lot of admiration for each other.
00:06:56For the folks at home, does that mean it's going to impact in any way their ability to
00:07:00want to tear each other apart?
00:07:02You know, the nice guy, the nice woman, smiling, we're friends, she the best, I'm the best.
00:07:05When they got into each other's face, I saw the Ronda Rousey that said, I'm still her, right?
00:07:10And Gina was dancing around and said, you know what?
00:07:12I'm coming to fight.
00:07:13Everything I got, the biggest fight was getting here.
00:07:16She lost 100 pounds.
00:07:17Yeah, and she put herself back in shape after 17 years.
00:07:20She's coming to fight Ronda Rousey tonight.
00:07:22You fans are in for a treat.
00:07:23Stay tuned.
00:07:25Yeah.
00:07:25There's just been a lot of love between them, but I don't buy it for a second.
00:07:29I saw Ronda's face yesterday at the face-off.
00:07:32She is coming out to get a win and go out on top.
00:07:35It always bothered her that she couldn't do that 10 years ago.
00:07:38Yeah, we heard Gina Carano say in the lead-up to this fight, she never knew she needed it
00:07:42as much as she did, but now she is here, and so are we.
00:07:45But tonight's main event may be historic.
00:07:48Don't blink before we get there.
00:07:49We've got five fights tonight with headliner energy, knockout power, superstars.
00:07:53In fact, the countdown to our first fight in minutes is underway.
00:07:57You're watching Fight Night on Netflix.
00:08:09Welcome back inside the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
00:08:12Elle Duncan alongside Ariel Hawane, Tyron Woodley.
00:08:14I've got to be honest, DJ Evie just played Bone Crusher, never scared,
00:08:18and I could probably go in the cage right now if you asked me to.
00:08:21I mean, I would get my butt whooped, but alas.
00:08:23Luckily, it will not be me.
00:08:25It will be Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, but they're not the only matchup tonight
00:08:28featuring two fighters that are returning back to this stage.
00:08:32Let's talk a little Nate Diaz and Mike Perry.
00:08:34Two, you could say, I suppose, cult anti-heroes, fan favorites,
00:08:38but for those that don't know at home, what's the Nate Diaz like?
00:08:41What's the experience of him?
00:08:43For you guys that don't know, some of you new fans are going to meet millions of you.
00:08:46Welcome to the show, first off.
00:08:48Second off, Nate Diaz, he's known for being unapologetic.
00:08:52He's very authentic. He's very real.
00:08:53He don't say much, but if he says something, it becomes meme-able.
00:08:57But he low-key is a 360 experience.
00:09:00The NDA Nick Diaz Academy gym, giving Amishu his brother, he said, come through.
00:09:04You want to train? You want to scrap?
00:09:06Sign the NDA, come through.
00:09:08Spirits, promotion companies.
00:09:09He understands this platform is going to project him.
00:09:13And he's here, he's lean.
00:09:14This is the best we've seen him in a long time, body-wise.
00:09:16And I know he's ready to scrap.
00:09:18Apart from Diaz and Perry, we'll also see the heavyweights in action before them.
00:09:22Francis Ngannou will be taking on Philippe Lenz.
00:09:25What's their mindset, Ariel, before they take the cage tonight?
00:09:28Well, this is a fascinating fight because, in my opinion, Francis Ngannou has the most to lose on this main
00:09:33card because he is the lineal MMA heavyweight champion.
00:09:37He left the UFC without losing his belt.
00:09:40He was undefeated in that one fight in PFL.
00:09:42And so everyone expects him, because he's the top dog, to just roll right through Lenz.
00:09:47Lenz, let's be honest, has never been on a stage like this before.
00:09:49He's never fought someone like Francis.
00:09:52Lenz's life and career changes tonight with a massive upset.
00:09:56Francis is expected to win.
00:09:57And so there's pressure that comes with that, right?
00:09:59And so it's very interesting to see the juxtaposition of the guy trying to upset the world and upset his
00:10:05opponent and the guy who's expected to knock out his opponent in the very first round.
00:10:09Really interesting.
00:10:10You nailed it.
00:10:11And Ngannou, out of all of the fights on our card tonight, is by far the heavy favorite to win
00:10:16this one.
00:10:17And maybe it's because he still holds the Guinness World Record for hardest punch.
00:10:20And you know who's been on the other side of that punch?
00:10:22Two-time heavyweight champ Cain Velasquez, who's standing by with our Sibley Skulls.
00:10:28Thank you so much, Al.
00:10:30I am here, hexagon side, with the legend Cain Velasquez.
00:10:34Listen, this is a historic night for MMA.
00:10:37You have been here this week.
00:10:39We saw you yesterday, emotional at the weigh-ins with Francis Ngannou.
00:10:43He'll be getting in there as well.
00:10:45How does this feel for you and the evolution of the sport?
00:10:49It's crazy.
00:10:50I never thought in my whole time of being in the MMA scene that a show,
00:10:57could look like this, could have this type of energy, could have this type of just persona,
00:11:03whether it's a weigh-ins, whether it's a fight tonight.
00:11:08It's just the magnitude that comes along with it.
00:11:11It's very big.
00:11:12It's something that I never really thought would happen.
00:11:15You know, it makes everything just very magical.
00:11:18It does.
00:11:19And it's an absolutely stacked card with other legends out there that we get to see.
00:11:24The fans are going to be so excited about it.
00:11:26I have to talk to you about a familiar face, not just Francis.
00:11:29Who else is on the card?
00:11:30It's Junior Dos Santos, someone that you're familiar with.
00:11:33He's taking on someone that you never know, to Spain.
00:11:37It could go down in there.
00:11:38How do you feel about that matchup?
00:11:41So, I have a lot of feelings for Junior Dos Santos.
00:11:47I know what kind of man he is.
00:11:48I respect him in all the ways of what he's done in this sport, that he's still doing it.
00:11:54He's still doing it at the highest level.
00:11:56He still loves to be in that grind, be in that fight.
00:11:59I wish the best for him forever.
00:12:00Everything that he does.
00:12:02He's got a tough fight tonight.
00:12:04He does.
00:12:05But he's here.
00:12:08He's going to swing them.
00:12:10It's going to be exciting.
00:12:11I don't see it going very long, but we never know.
00:12:14But both guys have the opportunity to do something big tonight and just showcase their skills.
00:12:21But again, a lot of respect for what he's doing.
00:12:23Kane, thank you so much.
00:12:26Have fun tonight.
00:12:27Let's go over to the guys who are calling the matches.
00:12:30Thank you very much, Assembly, alongside former three-time UFC title challenger, Kenny Florian.
00:12:37I'm Mauro Ranallo, and Kenny, the heavyweights, are a huge part of this landmark event.
00:12:42We're going to see two former UFC heavyweight champions in action, including the reigning lineal champion,
00:12:48the hardest puncher in MMA history, Francis Ngannou clashing with the upset-minded Felipe Lins.
00:12:55Yeah, it doesn't get more elite than Francis Ngannou, and it doesn't get any scarier either.
00:12:59This is one of the most destructive and terrifying finishers in mixed martial arts heavyweight history.
00:13:05I can't wait to see him.
00:13:07The first time I'm calling a fight, and again, beware of the man with nothing to lose.
00:13:12That man is Felipe Lins.
00:13:14Obviously, Ngannou is a massive favorite, but this is a fight and a win that could change his career forever.
00:13:19He is a former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, and we kick things off with another
00:13:26former UFC heavyweight champion at the peak of his powers, had a UFC record nine-fight win streak
00:13:32in the heavyweight division, Junior Dos Santos duels with Cuba's Robeles Despain.
00:13:40And you look at the numbers, and it's Despain, the Cuban, who is three inches taller, has a seven-inch
00:13:48reach advantage.
00:13:49His reach is longer than a CVS receipt, and Dos Santos is going to have to try to navigate
00:13:55the physical dimensions of Despain, and if Dos Santos lands this target, he can finish a fight
00:14:02with just one punch.
00:14:04Yeah, no question about it.
00:14:05You have the Taekwondo bronze medalist, Robeles Despain, and again, doesn't have a whole lot of fights,
00:14:12but you look at all of his wins are by finish, and you look at 16 finishes for Junior Dos
00:14:18Santos,
00:14:19the former UFC heavyweight champion.
00:14:20I don't see this one going to decision someone is going to get finished in this matchup.
00:14:25All right, here is our rules expert and unofficial scorer, Sean Wheelock.
00:14:30This bout is scheduled for three five-minute rounds.
00:14:32There is no kicking or kneeing the head of a grounded opponent.
00:14:35Strikes to the spine, back of the head and groin are all illegal, and a fighter cannot
00:14:40legally grab the fence with their fingers or toes.
00:14:48Junior Dos Santos Robeles Despain making history.
00:14:53The first MMA fight ever to air live on Netflix.
00:14:57Give us the 4-1-1 on the Cuban.
00:14:59Well, this guy can end the fight in a blink, and yes, he's going to try to utilize that reach,
00:15:04but you see, he comes from that Taekwondo background, going to be very fast on his feet,
00:15:08got the bronze medal in the 2012 Olympics in London.
00:15:12All five MMA wins via first-round knockout.
00:15:16Don't blink.
00:15:20Moving the headset.
00:15:21Moving the headset.
00:15:26Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.
00:15:28We welcome you all tuning in around the world on Netflix, and we welcome all of you here tonight in
00:15:36Los Angeles.
00:15:39Tonight, the debut of MVP MMA as Mixed Martial Arts comes to Netflix for the very first time,
00:15:47with a triple headline main event, of course, culminating with Ronda Rousey versus Gina Carano.
00:15:55But before we get to our triple main event, we first open in the heavyweight division,
00:16:00scheduled for three five-minute rounds.
00:16:03Introducing first to the hexagon, fighting out of the red corner, here is Robeles Despain.
00:16:23The 37-year-old bad boy, Robeles Despain, a former Olympic Taekwondo bronze medalist.
00:16:34He looks like a heavyweight created in a laboratory.
00:16:38Massive size, freak athleticism, and, of course, that Olympic-level striking precision.
00:16:44After losing passion for Taekwondo in his native Cuba, he turned toward mixed martial arts,
00:16:49and Kenny, he discovered his explosive style translated beautifully to violence.
00:16:55The danger?
00:16:56Despain can change a fight in the blink of an eye, sometimes literally.
00:17:00Yeah, no question about it.
00:17:01And, you know, in Taekwondo, footwork is a huge component to success,
00:17:05and he's utilizing that very same footwork here in mixed martial arts.
00:17:09But more than anything else, he also understood that he needs to work on his grappling.
00:17:13He's been working that very heavily as a player.
00:17:15We mentioned his ridiculous 87-inch wingspan, which was the longest ever in UFC history.
00:17:23How does he maximize that reach advantage tonight?
00:17:26Well, he's got to keep Junior DeSantos on the outside.
00:17:28Long-range strikes for Obelis is going to be the key.
00:17:31What are those strikes?
00:17:32The jab, those kicks to the body down the middle.
00:17:35And he's got to lead Junior DeSantos into some traps.
00:17:39It's a cliche when I say don't blink, but when it comes to Despain fights,
00:17:42you might want to take that advice.
00:17:45He has 18-second wins, 4-second wins, 3-second wins, 12-second wins.
00:17:51This guy fights like he's double-parked.
00:18:10All right, let's go into his opponent, Junior DeSantos, the former UFC heavyweight champion.
00:18:16He also owns the most knockdowns in UFC heavyweight history.
00:18:22He's got hammers for hands.
00:18:24Also had the longest winning streak in UFC heavyweight history as well.
00:18:29Has become a great kicker over the years as well.
00:18:32So not just a threat with his hands, Mauro.
00:18:41And now his opponent, fighting out of the blue corner, the former world champion, Junior DeSantos.
00:18:57Arguably the best smile in MMA, a man who loves every single second of his fighting life.
00:19:05And yeah, he wants to pull off the rocky moment.
00:19:09He's heard the whispers.
00:19:10He's heard that he's past his peak.
00:19:13And yeah, maybe he's past the peak of his powers.
00:19:15But you know what?
00:19:16They say power is the last to go.
00:19:1816 of his 23 wins have come by knockout.
00:19:22He was known as an elite level boxer.
00:19:25Speed, precision, clean combinations, timing, and that KO power.
00:19:30And oh, by the way, let's not forget, as you alluded to, those crushing low kicks.
00:19:35The key issue, though, can JDS survive the explosive early attacks at this stage of his career?
00:19:42You know, well, his chin may not be what it used to be when he was in his prime.
00:19:46But he still has speed and he still has power.
00:19:49And he's not naive to this matchup.
00:19:51He knows what the matchmakers want here.
00:19:53They wanted a striking extravaganza.
00:19:56He's got one.
00:19:57And Robela's to Spain.
00:20:01One of three children he was raised by his mother, Maria, after his alcoholic father left the family in the
00:20:07mid-90s.
00:20:08When he was just 10 years of age, Dos Santos was already working to help support the household.
00:20:14A hardship that has forged the resilience and work ethic that later carried him to the top of the heavyweight
00:20:22division.
00:20:26Coming into this fight in phenomenal shape, this is the leanest and biggest I've seen him in a long time.
00:20:38And now, ladies and gentlemen, live from the Intuido in Los Angeles, California, and live around the world on Netflix,
00:20:48The sport of mixed martial arts arrives to Netflix for the very first time with the debut of MVP MMA,
00:20:57presented by Jake Paul and Nikisa Madarian's most valuable promotions.
00:21:02We open tonight's main card in the heavyweight division, scheduled for three five-minute rounds.
00:21:09Our three judges scoring this contest at cage side.
00:21:12Chris Leibon, Daniel Mobley, and Chris Cram.
00:21:15And our referee in charge, when the bell rings, is Frank Trigg.
00:21:21So, ladies and gentlemen, two warriors, one fight.
00:21:25Who wants it more?
00:21:27Introducing first, fighting out of the red corner, wearing the black trunks with gold trim.
00:21:32He stands, a towering six feet, seven inches tall.
00:21:37He weighed in at 258.8 pounds.
00:21:41Tonight, he enters the hexagon with the professional mixed martial arts record.
00:21:45Of five victories, opposite two defeats.
00:21:48Fighting out of Orlando, Florida, by way of Santiago de Cuba.
00:21:55Cuba!
00:21:58Introducing the 2012 Olympic bronze medalist, the big boy, Robelis de Spain.
00:22:13And now his opponent, standing across the cage, fighting out of the blue corner, wearing the black trunks with gold
00:22:20trim.
00:22:20He stands six feet, four inches tall.
00:22:23He weighed in at 245.4 pounds.
00:22:27Tonight, he enters the hexagon with a professional mixed martial arts record of 21 wins versus 10 defeats.
00:22:34With 15 of those wins by knockout, fighting out of Santa Catarina, Brazil.
00:22:44Introducing the former UFC heavyweight champion of the world, Junior Cigarro dos Santos.
00:23:14All right, gentlemen, you got your structure in the locker room.
00:23:16Abandment commands at all times.
00:23:17Protect yourself at all times.
00:23:18You want to touch gloves to do it now?
00:23:19Let's go back to your quarters and come out swinging.
00:23:22History being made for the first time, the sport of mixed martial arts, live on Netflix.
00:23:27And we're about to immediately test the Big Bang Theory.
00:23:37That good?
00:23:38Into a dome and Engelwood getting ready for the big boys to throw down.
00:23:45JDS, Robelis, Despain, both of them looking to bring the pain and bring it fast.
00:23:51You see Robelis with those hands very low.
00:23:54He's trying to lure Junior dos Santos into a trap.
00:23:57Already using the Taekwondo-style kickings that went in the bronze middle.
00:24:01No, no.
00:24:01Sniper-like right hand there for Despain.
00:24:04Has so much confidence in his speed.
00:24:06Low kick, the crushing.
00:24:07Low kick, one of the patented strikes of dos Santos lands early.
00:24:10That's what dos Santos needs to do now, attacking the inside of the leg.
00:24:14Like that Dutch combination there by Despain.
00:24:17And he's already rattled dos Santos.
00:24:20Despain sitting down on those punches.
00:24:22You can see why he gets things done in a hurry.
00:24:25Yeah, absolutely.
00:24:26He has a lot of confidence in that speed.
00:24:28Very loose with his punches.
00:24:31Maximizing that reach advantage.
00:24:32The level change looking for the single.
00:24:34He's shucked off by Despain having nothing to do with dos Santos' early takedown attempt.
00:24:40Are you surprised by JDS going to that?
00:24:42Oh, oh, oh, and he's rattled Despain, and in comes JDS.
00:24:47Dos Santos finding a lot of success with those leg kicks.
00:24:51Crushing leg kick to the lead leg of Despain.
00:24:57Despain with a catch kick to Junior Dos Santos.
00:25:01Spins him right around.
00:25:02But Robeles needs to respect the power and speed of Junior Dos Santos.
00:25:07Those hands are very low.
00:25:08Can't get 2Q to get someone like Dos Santos.
00:25:1122 of their combined 28 wins have come via knockout or submission.
00:25:1521 of those via KO.
00:25:17And they are knockout searching early.
00:25:20Both of them wanting to lower the boom.
00:25:23Now it looks like Dos Santos is trying to draw out some punches from O'Reilly to try to look
00:25:27for a counter of his own.
00:25:31Sniper jab there by Despain.
00:25:32Oh, right hand lands.
00:25:34Another right lands on the face of Dos Santos, who resets in the center of the hexagon.
00:25:40Yeah, Despain with those hands way too low.
00:25:42O'Reilly already has paid for it a couple times at the right hand of Dos Santos.
00:25:47Dos Santos with the low kick counter right connects upstairs for Despain.
00:25:52Backing up JDS.
00:25:53Oh!
00:25:54Uppercut lands for Despain.
00:25:56These are nasty shots from Despain.
00:25:59And a left hand is another vicious shot.
00:26:02Hands are low for Despain.
00:26:04But he catches Junior Dos Santos with the uppercut.
00:26:07JDS is shelling up, trying to avoid the offense of Rebelli's Despain.
00:26:13Dos Santos doing a good job of circling away from that pressure, trying to regroup here.
00:26:17Oh, wow!
00:26:18Left hand lands for Despain.
00:26:21Continues to destroy that base of Despain.
00:26:28And Despain really testing fate with the low hands, but he's successful there.
00:26:33Another right uppercut.
00:26:34But he is playing with fire.
00:26:37And Despain is so good at closing that gap so quickly, both with his footwork and the speed of those
00:26:43hands.
00:26:43And that reach!
00:26:44My goodness!
00:26:45And there goes JDS!
00:26:47A Cuban Missile Strike by Rebelli's Despain!
00:26:51What a knockout!
00:26:54We got you.
00:26:54We got you.
00:26:55That was nasty.
00:26:57Okay.
00:26:58Precision, speed, and patience from Despain.
00:27:01Gets it done.
00:27:02What was I said about testing the big man theory?
00:27:05Despain ends it with a big bang.
00:27:08Dos Santos gets knocked out for the ninth time in his career.
00:27:15And Rebelli's Despain delivering a message loud and clear to all heavyweights.
00:27:22You know he'll be watching that Francis and Gano Felipe Linz fight.
00:27:26I'll tell you what, Despain is a real problem on the feet.
00:27:29That range.
00:27:31That awkward approach to his striking.
00:27:34His ability to lure you into traps with those low hands.
00:27:38My goodness.
00:27:43And here we have Despain setting up that shot.
00:27:47Started with the left hook.
00:27:47He missed that.
00:27:48But it was the right hands that put Dos Santos down.
00:27:54Just right on the money.
00:27:57What a combination.
00:27:59Walks away casually as well.
00:28:02Like it was just a matter of fact.
00:28:05Those right hands landed right on the button.
00:28:09Props of Dos Santos for showing a lot of heart there.
00:28:12What a performance from Despain.
00:28:14A violent period at the end of a painful sentence.
00:28:20Rebelli's the bad boy Despain proves to be a bad man.
00:28:31Well, we missed that.
00:28:33But you didn't miss the knockout.
00:28:34And that's really what's most important.
00:28:36And Robelis, the bad boy Despain, is now 6-2.
00:28:42All six wins via knockout.
00:28:46And as we all know, knockouts sell.
00:28:50Let's go to Ariel Helwani.
00:28:51Mauro, thank you very much.
00:28:53Robelis, congratulations on another first-round knockout.
00:28:58You just knocked out a former UFC heavyweight champion in your return to MMA.
00:29:03Can you describe the emotions that you are feeling right now?
00:29:07Acabas de destrozar a un campeón de UFC.
00:29:11¿Puedes contarnos cómo te sentÃs ahora?
00:29:14Me siento muy contento.
00:29:16Muy satisfecho por el trabajo que hice.
00:29:19Darles las gracias a mi equipo.
00:29:21Mi entrenador.
00:29:22Mi entrenador de toda la vida.
00:29:24Mi equipo allá en Orlando.
00:29:26Darles gracias a mi familia.
00:29:28A mi niña Joana.
00:29:30A mi mamá.
00:29:31A mis hermanos.
00:29:33A toda Cuba que me apoya.
00:29:34Y free Cuba.
00:29:38I'm so happy for the work I've been doing so far to get me here.
00:29:42I want to thank my team, my forever coach, my family back in Cuba, my baby girl, my mom.
00:29:51Free Cuba.
00:29:52And a thing to my team back in Orlando, too.
00:29:55Free Cuba.
00:29:56Could you describe to us what you were seeing out there?
00:29:59It seemed like you rocked him sort of midway through the onslaught.
00:30:02And then eventually, with that incredible strike, you were able to knock him out.
00:30:06Tell us what you saw and why you were able to eventually put him away.
00:30:10Contanos qué fue lo que viste mientras tomabas tus decisiones de los golpes y cómo tomaste la decisión para el
00:30:16golpe final.
00:30:17SÃ, al principio me hizo buena técnica abajo y me desestabilizó dos veces, pero bueno, super tomar la calma y
00:30:26ver su donde estaba poniendo la cabeza y eso fue lo que traté de ver siempre.
00:30:31I saw him stumbling, and he kicked me on the legs first, and then I kept calm, and then I
00:30:37saw him stumbling, and that's where I striked.
00:30:41Robeles, when you came into MMA, there was so much excitement about you, and you had that amazing run of
00:30:46first-round knockouts and then left the sport after losing two in a row, but had a great run very
00:30:52recently in karate combat.
00:30:54Is this your return to mixed martial arts?
00:30:56Do you now want to stay within this sport?
00:31:20This is a sport I like, but I do have to thank Asim and karate combat for getting me here
00:31:27today.
00:31:28Are you going to stick with MMA, though?
00:31:30Will your next fight be in MMA, or are you going to go back to karate combat?
00:31:35¿Te vas a quedar en MMA o vas a volver a karate combat?
00:31:38Quiero seguir haciendo las dos cosas.
00:31:40Es que me gusta siempre estar activo, no puedo estar sin entrenar, y entonces, la próxima, Francis, let's do it.
00:31:50I think I understood that, but I'll go to you.
00:31:53I want to do both.
00:31:55I want to stick doing both.
00:31:56I cannot stay without training, so I'm going to do both.
00:31:59And I do believe he said, Francis, I want you next.
00:32:03I understood that.
00:32:04And so, Francis Ngannou and Felipe Linz are fighting later on tonight.
00:32:08Do you want the winner, Rebelus?
00:32:11And are you hoping that it's Francis Ngannou?
00:32:13Yeah.
00:32:14Yeah.
00:32:26I want Francis Ngannou to win.
00:32:29I want to go for a belt in this company.
00:32:33I want my bonus.
00:32:36He wants a bonus.
00:32:37All right.
00:32:38Well, you'll have to talk to Nikisa and Jake about that.
00:32:41Inglewood, give it up for your winner, Rebelus Despan!
00:32:55And there it is, your winner, Rebelus Despan.
00:32:58You hear to mention Karate Combat, 7-0 record in Karate Combat.
00:33:03Six of those coming via the knockout.
00:33:05Now he has a 6-2 record in MMA.
00:33:07All six wins coming via the KO.
00:33:10He landed 54% of his punches for that first round KO.
00:33:17Well, the women have entered the chat and the building as well.
00:33:22Before women's MMA was mainstream, Gina Carano made the world pay attention.
00:33:27The original crossover star, the face of an entire era, stepping back into the cage for
00:33:32the first time since 2009.
00:33:35And then there's Ronda Rousey.
00:33:38She once said she never wanted to be remembered as just the best female fighter, but one of
00:33:42the best fighters, period.
00:33:44Olympic medalist, UFC trailblazer, global superstar.
00:33:47And tonight, Grouty returns to MMA.
00:33:51But well, before we get to this incredible matchup tonight, we're just getting started on
00:33:57fight night from here in L.A.
00:34:00In just a few minutes, we've got more matches coming for you.
00:34:03It's a European champion taking on an American contender in Saladin Parnas versus Kenneth
00:34:08Cross.
00:34:09Then lenial heavyweight champ Francis Ngannou looking to stop Brazilian monstro Felipe Lenz.
00:34:14And after welterweights and fan favorites, Nate Diaz and Mike Perry will do battle and
00:34:20violence is on the table.
00:34:23Four more fantastic fights for you on the way as we're live from the Intuit Dome in L.A.
00:34:27and around the world right here on Netflix.
00:34:30Lock in.
00:34:48Into a dome in Inglewood where we've already served up a first round knockout on this historic
00:34:56night of MMA action on Netflix.
00:34:58We turn our attention to the lightweight division.
00:35:02One of the best prospects in the sport.
00:35:05Francis Saladin Parnas crosses pass with Kenneth the Boss Cross who's got the height advantage,
00:35:13but it's Parnas with the reach advantage.
00:35:16And Parnas, he fights like a jazz musician.
00:35:21Smooth and he knows how to improvise.
00:35:23Yeah, it reminds me of a lot of our Brazilian broadcaster, my former opponent, Jose Aldo.
00:35:28And, you know, you look at the ratio of KOs to subs, I think that's a good indicator
00:35:31of how complete of a mixed martial artist he is.
00:35:34Seven knockouts, seven submissions, but the same could be said for Kenneth Cross who feels
00:35:38disrespected here.
00:35:39And yes, Saladin Parnas deserves all of the hype, but Kenneth Cross says, what about me?
00:35:44I'm here to spring the upset.
00:35:46This guy has a left hand from hell and he comes from one of the best teams in the world
00:35:50in syndicate MMA.
00:35:55And let's take a closer look at Kenneth Cross.
00:36:00He's a teammate of Gina Carano.
00:36:02He has nine first-round stoppages.
00:36:06Again, got to watch out for that left hand.
00:36:07He sets it up extremely well.
00:36:10Also comes from a wrestling background, so not just a striker.
00:36:20Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen, here to the Intuit Dome.
00:36:24And we welcome all of our viewers staying with us around the world on Netflix as we now arrive
00:36:30at the lightweight division before we get to our triple main event disc contest scheduled
00:36:36for three five-minute rounds.
00:36:38Introducing first to the hexagon, fighting out of the red corner, please welcome Kenny Cross.
00:36:52The 31-year-old Kenny the Boss Cross making his walk to the hexagon.
00:37:01He believes the MMA world still hasn't seen his best version.
00:37:05He's built on speed, strength, and relentless pace.
00:37:09Cross says this isn't just striking, it's layered violence.
00:37:13He compares his pressure to a Habib smash, which, of course, is in reference to MMA legend
00:37:19Habib Nurmagomedov.
00:37:21Against Parnas, he believes he's not just competitive, he is a nightmare matchup.
00:37:26Kenny, this is what opportunity looks like.
00:37:29Cross stepping into the spotlight against one of Europe's best.
00:37:33Can Cross disrupt Parnas before the skill gap takes over?
00:37:38Kenneth Cross trains at Syndicate MMA with Mirab Dvalishvili, a bunch of world champions
00:37:42and former world champions.
00:37:44He says, this guy's been fighting over in Europe.
00:37:46He's fighting a bunch of bums.
00:37:47I'm the guy who's been facing the top-level competition.
00:37:51I'm the guy people should be talking about.
00:37:53So he's not believing the hype on Saladin Parnas.
00:37:55Driven by the loss of his best friend, D.J., who was murdered, Cross is grounded in his
00:38:01faith, and he's committed to inspiring others, aiming to become both a force in the lightweight
00:38:07division and a positive role model for the next generation.
00:38:11His wife, a former NCAA Division I gymnast, is identified as the loudest voice in the arena
00:38:18during his fights and a central support figure in his career, Kenneth Cross, stepping into the
00:38:25hexagon for the biggest opportunity of his career.
00:38:28He looks relaxed.
00:38:29He looks ready.
00:38:30He's in tremendous shape and was quite fired up at the weigh-ins yesterday.
00:38:40All right, let's go into Saladin Parnas, a man I compare to Jose Aldo, one of the greatest
00:38:46featherweights of all time, and boy, does he know how to mix everything together.
00:38:51And I love the analogy Marley used in regards to playing jazz.
00:38:56He's such a cool customer when he fights, very slick, always composed, and can beat you
00:39:03on the ground or on the feet.
00:39:07And these are the kind of athletes that we're getting here.
00:39:09He began training at age 11.
00:39:18And now his opponent, finally out of the blue corner, making his way to the cage, from France,
00:39:30Saladin Parnas!
00:39:37Already endearing himself to the Golden State, looking to deliver some California glove, and
00:39:43well, he would love to hit his opponent harder than Tupac's hit him up.
00:39:48And Saladin Parnas struts his way to the cage.
00:39:52As this guy drifts in finesse and confidence after UFC heavyweight Cyril gone, he is one
00:39:59of the most significant names in French MMA's next wave, one of the strongest examples of
00:40:05French mixed martial arts maturation into a structured talent pipeline.
00:40:10Born to a Guadalupean father and Moroccan mother, his mom worked multiple jobs to support four
00:40:17children after the parents divorced when he was around 10.
00:40:21His father passed away when Parnas was 19.
00:40:25He carries with him his father's spirit, looking to make his entire family and his many fans
00:40:31in France proud here tonight.
00:40:33I'm still thinking about those bars you just dropped, Mara.
00:40:36My goodness!
00:40:37Wow!
00:40:38That was impressive, man.
00:40:39I tell you what, Saladin is so fun to watch.
00:40:42Parnas really can do it all.
00:40:45So good on the outside, so good on the inside, really good at disguising his double leg, has
00:40:49excellent control and submissions on the ground.
00:40:52Yes!
00:40:53This is gonna be a fun fight.
00:40:54The upfrequent street and school fights pushed him toward combat sports.
00:40:59Started training, as you mentioned, Kenny, very young at the age of 11, at a time when
00:41:03mixed martial arts was banned in France.
00:41:05It's been only since January 2020 since France allowed mixed martial arts.
00:41:11And here we are tonight, live around the world on Netflix, where Parnas looks to make
00:41:18his fellow Frenchman proud, lots of hype for the 28-year-old who's 22-2 with 14 finishes.
00:41:29Two-division champion over in KSW in Poland, a phenomenal organization, almost won a third
00:41:34out of 170 pounds, that's how technical this fighter is.
00:41:49And now, ladies and gentlemen, live from the Intuit Dome for MVP MMA, we arrive at the lightweight
00:41:58division, scheduled for three five-minute rounds, our three judges scoring this bout at cage
00:42:05on the right side, Michael Bell, Derek Cleary, and Felicia Oh.
00:42:10And our referee in charge for the metal rings is Jason Herzog.
00:42:15So, ladies and gentlemen, two warriors, one fight, who wants it more?
00:42:21Introducing first, fighting out of the red corner, wearing the black trunks with dark green trim,
00:42:27he stands six feet tall.
00:42:29He weighed in at 155.4 pounds.
00:42:32Tonight, he enters the cage with a professional mixed martial arts record of 17 victories versus
00:42:39four defeats.
00:42:40Fighting out of Las Vegas, Nevada, introducing Kenny the Boss Cross.
00:42:49I'll try to grab her and bring her under if I need her, and you'll get her in here, okay?
00:42:54And now his opponent, standing across the cage, fighting out of the blue corner, wearing the
00:43:01all-black trunks.
00:43:03He stands five feet, ten inches tall.
00:43:05He weighed in at 154.8 pounds.
00:43:09Tonight, he enters the hexagon with a professional MMA record of 22 victories versus just two defeats.
00:43:16He's fighting out of, and representing, Auburn Villiers France.
00:43:23Introducing the two-division world champion, and one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in Europe tonight,
00:43:32making his U.S. debut, Sanin Parnas!
00:43:49Okay, fighters, gone over the rules in the back.
00:43:50There were no final questions from either of you.
00:43:52You've already touched gloves.
00:43:53Come out ready to fight.
00:43:54Three rounds or less in the 155-pound lightweight division.
00:43:59Parnas has one-four straight, all via knockout.
00:44:02Cross has won four in a row, including a KO and an arm bar.
00:44:07This is round one.
00:44:10First round, you ready?
00:44:13You ready?
00:44:14Fight!
00:44:16Cross looking to derail the Parnas Express, and immediately attacks the body with a kick.
00:44:21Caught by Parnas, he dumps Cross.
00:44:24Immediately, round and pound, Hulk smash!
00:44:26But Cross immediately leaps to his feet.
00:44:29Lightning quick action to start this one.
00:44:31Yeah, great timing on that getup there from Cross, who's looking for the takedown.
00:44:36Excellent base there from Parnas, who gets the underhook, able to thwart that Cross attack.
00:44:40And he runs the pipe with a single leg, but the scramble, and immediately they're back on their feet.
00:44:46Excellent exchange of grappling right there from both men.
00:44:49Cross backs Parnas to the cage.
00:44:52A frenetic start to this, the second fight of the night.
00:44:57We're coming off a first-round knockout, and these two going at it from the jump.
00:45:03Yeah, Cross trying to use that larger frame early.
00:45:06Parnas able to turn the tables and get Cross' back up against the cage.
00:45:13Level change by Parnas, looking for that single leg.
00:45:17Back 10 foot, the scramble by Cross.
00:45:19Some excellent chain wrestling there from Parnas.
00:45:22Now Cross working from this butterfly guard, see if he can create space and get back to his feet.
00:45:27Potentially work for a reversal here, Parnas keeping the pressure on.
00:45:30Scrambling now back to their feet, a knee from Parnas, has that overhook.
00:45:34And they jockey for position, now it's Cross with Parnas against the fence.
00:45:38Yeah, Cross with that underhook.
00:45:41That's what saved him and allowed him to get back to his feet.
00:45:44Didn't allow for that strong connection from Parnas.
00:45:52Early grappling and now a stalemate in the standup along the fence.
00:46:00Parnas doing a good job with that overhook and wrist control.
00:46:03See if he can turn him here.
00:46:05He does, gets off the cage.
00:46:07Yeah, pummeling there, looking to get the underhooks.
00:46:13Two minutes have elapsed here in the opening round.
00:46:16They break, southpaw jab from Cross to the face of Parnas.
00:46:20And he splits the guard with another jab from the southpaw position.
00:46:24Now Parnas responds.
00:46:25Missed close stance, two southpaws going at it.
00:46:28Big left hand there.
00:46:29The left hand from Parnas hits him with the jab.
00:46:32And Cross firing back.
00:46:35Cross is getting a little wild here, Morrow.
00:46:37He's gotta be careful.
00:46:38Two-way exchange, reaching the midpoint of the first round.
00:46:41Level change stuffed by Parnas.
00:46:44Yeah, I'm not sure Cross liked that combination from Parnas.
00:46:47Now trying to wrestle him.
00:46:54Parnas turns him, leans in, goes to the body with the left hand.
00:47:02Now Parnas really utilizing...
00:47:04Oh, and a level change by Parnas.
00:47:06And going for that takedown, puts Cross on his back
00:47:11and delivers the left hand and the right hand,
00:47:13looking to pass the guard.
00:47:14Long range, strikes hit by Parnas.
00:47:17Rocking, Cross, Cross on his back, full mount by Parnas.
00:47:20Here, here, here.
00:47:22Parnas now trying to get that second hook.
00:47:24Gets the hooks in, looking for the rear naked choke.
00:47:27Now he needs to line up his shoulders with the shoulders of Cross.
00:47:31Here, here.
00:47:31Now Cross trying to miss a line and escape.
00:47:33Seven.
00:47:34He's got hold of that arm.
00:47:35Submission wins for Parnas, including five via rear naked choke,
00:47:39well defended by Cross.
00:47:41But it's still top position as Cross is back.
00:47:44Ground and bound from back position.
00:47:47Unloading on Cross, the referee.
00:47:50On the spot, Cross trying to defend intelligently.
00:47:53Now this is what we were talking about.
00:47:55He's so dangerous from every position.
00:47:58Whether addressing or getting top.
00:48:01Interessive fighter from top position continues to unload on Cross.
00:48:05That one landed underneath the armpit.
00:48:08Yeah, Cross has got to get back to his feet here.
00:48:09He looks like he's in trouble.
00:48:11He's on the verge of stopping this fight.
00:48:13Cross, up to his feet.
00:48:14The guts and determination as he gets lit up by Parnas.
00:48:22Unbelievable resilience by Kenneth Cross.
00:48:25And what a first round.
00:48:28Yeah, Cross is trying to brawl with Parnas.
00:48:31Oh, what a body shot.
00:48:32And the body shot did it.
00:48:34And Saladin Parnas as good as advertised as he overcomes an incredibly tough
00:48:42Kenneth Cross.
00:48:44Parnas improves to 23-2 with his eighth round knockout.
00:48:49They say don't believe the hype.
00:48:51You might want to do so when it comes to this French fighter.
00:48:54Parnas absolutely crushed Cross to the body.
00:48:59And while Cross was brawling, he kept it technical.
00:49:02He kept his punches straight and to the point.
00:49:06What a performance.
00:49:07One, eight.
00:49:14TKO.
00:49:16TKO, four, one, eight.
00:49:22TKO.
00:49:23Yeah, this guy is the real deal, Mauro.
00:49:26He's now won five in a row.
00:49:28All via knockout.
00:49:32Saladin Parnas.
00:49:35Hans Kenneth Cross, another loss.
00:49:40TKO.
00:49:43TKO.
00:49:44Ko ArAM, no, no.
00:49:46So back-to-back first-round stoppages.
00:49:52Saladin Parnas.
00:49:53It was incredible to see Cross get back on his feet.
00:49:56But not for long.
00:49:57The right hand.
00:49:59The left.
00:50:00The overwhelming offense.
00:50:02And before we knew it, it was over.
00:50:05Parnas with the knockout.
00:50:19So how do you start MMA on Netflix Kenny Florian with back-to-back first-round
00:50:25knockouts including this perfection from Parnas yeah both of these fighters
00:50:29really started off very aggressively Parnas with those body shots there's one
00:50:35and this is the second one throws it again just a nasty dig to the body there
00:50:44that one folded him like fresh laundry just nasty stuff from Parnas and that was
00:50:49the first time that cross has been knocked out but you wonder who wants to
00:50:54cross paths Saladin Parnas after seeing this offensive display just beautiful
00:51:02shots in tight did it get reckless stayed defensively responsible throughout
00:51:09those exchanges and despite being the smaller guy it was his speed and his
00:51:13precision that got it done tonight against cross let's make it official with Big Mo
00:51:23ladies and gentlemen referee Jason Herzog calls a stop to this contest
00:51:29at four minutes 18 seconds of the very first round declaring your winner by TKO
00:51:37to Todd answered strikes Saladin Parnas
00:51:48I don't know about you Kenny Florian I'm not paid by the hour so these back-to-back first round
00:51:53knockouts
00:51:53are just fine with me and I know the fans watching at home have to agree as well if you
00:51:58want action
00:51:58you've come to the right place and let's go to Ariel Helwani
00:52:02Morrow thank you so very much Wow Saladin what a performance what a body shot what a debut here in
00:52:10the United States is that how you were expecting the fight to play out
00:52:15Saladin est ce que c'est comme ça que tu voyais le combat se dérouler
00:52:19yes parce que art training big win you know just art training
00:52:26oui bien évidemment parce que il a fait un camp très intense et il a eu beaucoup de victoires dans
00:52:33le passé donc évidemment il savait qu'il allait rassurer
00:52:36it seemed like you were close to finishing him on the ground he escapes and then you unleash that body
00:52:42shot
00:52:43tell me what you were thinking and what you were looking for in that moment to put him away.
00:52:47When you did your batishat, what was your spirit to get out of it?
00:52:55My mentality is always to win my fights, whatever it happens.
00:52:59I've been working hard for a long time, and it's worth it.
00:53:02I won't talk too much, because I don't speak English.
00:53:06I'd like to thank my coaches, my team.
00:53:09Thank you, my team.
00:53:11Thank you, my coach.
00:53:13Thank you, my family, mom, sister.
00:53:17It's hard training.
00:53:19It's just what they pay.
00:53:21It's training.
00:53:22And a little teacher to all the French who look at me.
00:53:24Thank you, everyone.
00:53:26It's a great pleasure, the strength you give me.
00:53:29It's not the American dream that I live, but it's the French dream.
00:53:32Thank you very much.
00:53:33Thank you for everyone.
00:53:35Thank you to my coach.
00:53:36Thank you for my mentor.
00:53:36Thank you to my people in France.
00:53:38I've been working really, really hard.
00:53:41I gave my all, and I'm so happy to be here.
00:53:44It's such an honor.
00:53:45I had a hard training camp.
00:53:47I worked so hard, so many wins in the past.
00:53:49And, yeah, I'm grateful for everyone.
00:53:51Thank you, Jack, for the opportunity.
00:53:57I'm ready for the next fight.
00:53:59Boxing, MMA.
00:54:01I'm ready.
00:54:02I'm ready.
00:54:03I'm ready.
00:54:04Thank you to everyone at Netflix.
00:54:07And I'm looking forward for the next fight.
00:54:09I'm ready.
00:54:10Saladin, can I ask?
00:54:11There was so much buzz about your inclusion on this card.
00:54:14The hardcore MMA fans have been watching you in KSW for so many years.
00:54:18Did you feel that pressure?
00:54:19It didn't look like it.
00:54:21But going into the fight, did you feel like you had to produce in spectacular fashion?
00:54:38I'm the best fighter in the world.
00:54:40Yes.
00:54:41No pressure for me.
00:54:42I understood that.
00:54:43You consider yourself the best fighter in the world, 145, 155.
00:54:47And so now the big question is, what do you want to do next?
00:54:50And perhaps, who do you want to fight next?
00:54:52Who comes to mind?
00:54:52Everyone's so very excited about you fighting here in the United States.
00:54:56Okay.
00:54:57Tu as gagné à 66 kilos.
00:54:58Champion à 66 kilos, à 70 kilos.
00:55:01Donc, il comprend que tu n'es pas de pression, que tu es un grand champion.
00:55:04Et maintenant, en fait, c'est qui que tu dois combattre.
00:55:09Comment j'ai dit n'importe qui?
00:55:11Every year.
00:55:12Anyone.
00:55:13Anyone.
00:55:14Anyone.
00:55:14Anyone, anytime.
00:55:16Not Josh, Mike Perry.
00:55:18Nate Diaz, Mike Perry, it doesn't matter.
00:55:21They call him the Killian Mbappé of MMA.
00:55:24And he proved that tonight, Inglewood.
00:55:26Make some noise for France's Saladin Parnas.
00:55:40Tyron Parnas was among the biggest favorites on this entire card, and we saw why right away.
00:55:46Parnas threw everything with an attitude, threw everything with cruel intention.
00:55:50He dove through the body, but he set it up with relentless pressure and variety.
00:55:55We just saw it.
00:55:56He got crossed to the ground.
00:55:57Landed 23 power strikes before knocking him out with an arm strike to the head.
00:56:01And now moves to 23-2 in his MMA career.
00:56:05Do you think tonight's fighters know that, like, they've got more than one round?
00:56:07I don't know.
00:56:08Still to come.
00:56:09Francis Ngannou.
00:56:10Felipe Lins bring heavyweight danger with every punch.
00:56:13We've got Nate Diaz and Mike Perry promising pure violence and zero compromise.
00:56:19And then, of course, two pioneers who changed women's MMA forever.
00:56:23Ronda Rousey, Gina Carano finally meet in the cage.
00:56:27It will be an incredible night, if you can't already tell.
00:56:31And, in fact, we're going to go back to Ariel Helwani, who's with one of the men behind tonight's
00:56:37madness.
00:56:38That's right.
00:56:40Co-founder of MVP, the CEO of the company as well, Mr. Nikisa Badari.
00:56:44Nikisa, usually, historically, boxing promoters don't cross over to another sport at MMA less
00:56:51than five years into their existence.
00:56:53Why did you do this?
00:56:55Ronda Rousey.
00:56:56She's the reason that we got into women's boxing, and she's the reason that we're here
00:57:00today.
00:57:01I was fortunate enough to spend a lot of time with Lorenzo Fertitta, who, to me, is the
00:57:06godfather of MMA, the reason the sport exists the way that it does.
00:57:10So when the opportunity presented itself to work with Ronda, work with Gina, it was a
00:57:14no-brainer.
00:57:15And so we are moving towards that main event, but what about this main card?
00:57:19Two tremendous wins, first-round finishes.
00:57:22What do you think so far?
00:57:23I'm very happy with the product that's been put on display from the first fight of the
00:57:27night onto the main, and I'm grateful to our matchmakers, to media analysts and journalists
00:57:34who we spoke to, and I think we're delivering for the fans, and that's all we care about, and
00:57:37most importantly, delivering for the fighters.
00:57:39I know you've been asked this question a lot.
00:57:41Is MVP going to stick in the MMA business?
00:57:44Are you going to stay here, or is it going to be a one-and-done?
00:57:46After experiencing all this so far, have you made a final decision?
00:57:50Look, we're always transparent in our intentions.
00:57:52Just like when we did Paul Tyson, and we said boxing with Netflix, this is a test.
00:57:57This is a test to see how MMA does with Netflix and how we're able to function as promoters,
00:58:04how fighters feel about our capabilities.
00:58:06So far, it's going pretty well, and I hope we're going to do many more things within the
00:58:10sport.
00:58:10I do want to say before we go, a shout-out to my son, Barbad.
00:58:14I missed his music performance yesterday to be at the weigh-ins, but I saw you, my son,
00:58:18and I'm very proud of you.
00:58:19Much respect.
00:58:20You know, I've asked Rhonda this question maybe three or four times this week.
00:58:23I'd like to ask you the question as well.
00:58:25What if she wins in the first round?
00:58:26What if it's a great vintage armbar victory?
00:58:29She says she's done.
00:58:30She wants to have more babies.
00:58:31Will you try to convince her to stick around?
00:58:33I will certainly present her with options if they exist, and ultimately, her and I'm sure Travis
00:58:39will maybe talk about it, maybe they won't, I don't know.
00:58:42But what I can tell you unequivocally is that Ronda Rousey has a role with MVP after this
00:58:47fight, whether that's as a fighter, as a promoter, as an ambassador, whatever she wants it to
00:58:51be.
00:58:52Thank you so much, Nikisa.
00:58:53Good luck to you guys the rest of the way, and congratulations on this great accomplishment.
00:58:57Guys, back to you.
00:59:04Thank you, Ariel.
00:59:06All right, you guys, we're ready.
00:59:07The crowd is buzzing.
00:59:09It's a laser show inside the Intuit Dome.
00:59:11You can feel it.
00:59:12It's not just fight night.
00:59:14It's an event and one that only Netflix can bring.
00:59:17Stick around.
00:59:17Three more incredible fights are on the way as we get ready for Rousey Carano.
00:59:29And we are back with you here on Netflix.
00:59:31Final preps underway for the Predator.
00:59:34Francis Ngannou and Paripe Lenz, the biggest stage of Monstro's career as they're set to
00:59:39hit the cage in mere minutes.
00:59:42And based on our first two fights, I think it's safe to say that Ariel Hawane has done the
00:59:47most work of anybody here at the Intuit Dome.
00:59:51He's running stairs.
00:59:52He's doing interviews.
00:59:53He's on the desk.
00:59:54I'm living the literal dream.
00:59:56This is my dream.
00:59:58And it's such a huge honor to be here.
00:59:59Francis Ngannou is coming up.
01:00:01Yes.
01:00:01I've been watching him on internet streams for years.
01:00:04And he just did that in his American debut.
01:00:06Incredible.
01:00:07Olympic bronze medalist.
01:00:09And we still have two more fights after that one.
01:00:10Let's keep this show rolling, baby.
01:00:12I love this.
01:00:12We certainly do.
01:00:14I mean, certainly a lot of action right away tonight.
01:00:16But I really want to talk about the fight that we've got coming up.
01:00:19That being the heavyweights with Ngannou and Lenz.
01:00:22What is Ngannou trying to prove by coming back into the cage?
01:00:26That he is still the baddest man on the planet.
01:00:28Like I said earlier, there's a lot of pressure on a fighter in this position.
01:00:32When everyone's walking up to you being like, oh, you're fighting that guy?
01:00:35So what's it going to be, like, two minutes, three minutes?
01:00:38It's not going to go to the second round, right?
01:00:40He looked great in his last fight.
01:00:41But that was October of 2024.
01:00:43Francis beat a guy named Hennepaheta.
01:00:45They're expecting the same thing, a first-round finish.
01:00:48So he has to go out there and look the part.
01:00:51Look like the baddest man on the planet.
01:00:52Because I tell you what, there's some other great heavyweights fighting next month.
01:00:55Cyril Gana, Thomas Pereira, Tom Aspinall is in England,
01:00:58who all want to say they're the baddest man on the planet.
01:01:01Here's his chance to remind everyone that he is just that.
01:01:03You know, I can't vouch for Ariel.
01:01:05I did see him outside the hotel running around, hitting lean and lean.
01:01:09He was ready for this moment.
01:01:10When I look at Philippe Lenz, I talk to Conan Severo,
01:01:13one of the fondant members of American Top Team, he told me that
01:01:17Philippe Cardio is outstanding.
01:01:20He said his footwork is phenomenal.
01:01:22He knows he has to be the smaller fighter in this position.
01:01:25He got to be the faster fighter, excuse me.
01:01:27I was at American Top Team.
01:01:28I haven't been there in 10 years.
01:01:30I'm in the sauna.
01:01:31Philippe's in the sauna.
01:01:32It's flooded with heavyweights in the gym.
01:01:34Not only is he in JBS, it's at least 10 to 15 high-level heavyweights.
01:01:39He's planning to try to steal this moment.
01:01:42He knows that when you're fighting without the pressure,
01:01:45without having to be in your hometown,
01:01:47sometimes you can sneak under the radar.
01:01:49Can I ask Tyron a question?
01:01:50Yes.
01:01:51There's a 30-pound weight gap as of yesterday between these two.
01:01:55Philippe is 30 pounds smaller than Francis.
01:01:57Is that much ado about nothing?
01:01:59And some of that is by designers.
01:02:00I told you, what did I meet with the men?
01:02:02In the sauna.
01:02:03Why would he be in the sauna?
01:02:05Because some people, I know my natural weight.
01:02:07I know when I get around 190, 187, I'm violent.
01:02:11But I'm not too lean to get injured and fragile.
01:02:14Right?
01:02:14He wants to be lighter,
01:02:15because he knows he's going to be faster.
01:02:17Don't try to out-power-punch-press-Sangano.
01:02:20It's going to be a quick night for me, my man.
01:02:22Right?
01:02:22He has to stick, move, press, clicks,
01:02:26glue himself to him, try to go for takedown.
01:02:28Performance all not to him.
01:02:28Why would he be so awful in the area?
01:02:28See your golf hand and do strange things that were possible?
Comments