Netflix and Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions announced that Saturday's MMA event in Inglewood, California, achieved a historic audience figure. Up to 17 million people followed it worldwide, with a peak of 11.6 million just in the United States.
The average during the triple main event reached 12.4 million viewers. In this way, the platform clearly surpassed the previous MMA record of 8.8 million set in 2011.
The main attraction of the night was the fight between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano. The former champion Rousey, 39, returned to an MMA cage after nearly ten years and defeated Carano, 44, in just 17 seconds with her famous armbar.
A Long-Awaited Return
Carano had not fought in 17 years, so the matchup between two of the most significant figures in mixed martial arts generated enormous anticipation. Rousey applied her signature submission and closed the fight decisively at the Intuit Dome.
In addition to the main event, the evening featured other notable fights. Mike Perry defeated Nate Diaz in a veteran UFC matchup by medical decision after causing a hemorrhage. Perry dominated the welterweight fight.
Meanwhile, former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou quickly knocked out Philipe Lins in the first round, adding another quick victory to his record.
Impact on Streaming
This event marks a milestone for Netflix in its foray into live combat sports broadcasting. The platform achieved numbers that far exceed previous records in the sport, demonstrating the massive interest that figures like Rousey and Carano still generate.
The quickness of the main fight surprised many, but it met the expectations of a clash between two legends. Rousey showcased her effectiveness on the ground again, while Carano tried to regain her rhythm on an emotional night for MMA fans.
The audience success confirms the potential of major fights to attract crowds through streaming. With this result, Netflix positions itself as a relevant player in the distribution of high-profile sports events.
The organizers highlighted the quality of the entire show and the global interest it sparked, especially in the United States where the highest peak of viewers was recorded. The combination of anticipated returns and recognized names proved key to the record.
