Joe Rogan Predicts Massive Payouts for Diaz & Ngannou on Netflix-MVP MMA Card

Rogan's Financial Speculation for Netflix-MVP Event

Joe Rogan, the renowned UFC commentator, has shared his thoughts on the potential earnings of fighters at the upcoming mixed martial arts event orchestrated by Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP). Rogan speculates that Nate Diaz could earn over $10 million, while Francis Ngannou might secure close to $20 million.

These financial predictions were made by Rogan during a UFC London Fight Companion stream, reportedly based on rumors circulating about the event's budget. He emphasized that Ngannou's substantial potential payout is justified by his status as the reigning lineal heavyweight champion who departed the UFC without losing his title in the octagon.

Netflix's Debut in Live MMA

Scheduled for May 16, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, this event marks Netflix's inaugural live MMA broadcast. It will be accessible to over 325 million subscribers at no additional cost beyond their regular subscription, signaling a shift from the traditional pay-per-view (PPV) model towards broader audience reach and brand visibility. The fight card features three significant matchups: Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano, Francis Ngannou vs. Philipe Lins, and Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry.

Diaz's Return and White's Comments

For Diaz, this bout represents his first MMA appearance since his departure from the UFC in 2022, following a stint in professional boxing. UFC President Dana White confirmed that Diaz had met with him to discuss a potential return to the organization, but ultimately "received an offer he couldn't refuse" from MVP and Netflix, for which White expressed his support.

Ngannou's Strategic Leverage and the Future of Fighter Pay

Ngannou's involvement in the Netflix event aligns with his strategy of leveraging his free-agent status after his split from the UFC. His PFL deal, which allowed him to pursue boxing and other external opportunities, underscores how a partnership between a streaming giant and an agile promoter like MVP can empower fighters with significant negotiating leverage regarding their purses, contrasting with traditional promotions. This event is viewed as a pivotal experiment to gauge the success of MMA on subscription-based platforms, prioritizing global scale over PPV sales.