The viewership numbers are in for the MVP MMA Rousey vs. Carano event on Netflix, and Ariel Helwani broke down the details live on The Ariel Helwani Show.
A press release stated that over 12.4 million viewers around the world tuned in live on Netflix, with viewership peaking at almost 17 million during the Rousey vs. Carano match, making it one of the most watched MMA events of all time.
In the United States alone, the triple main card averaged 9.3 million viewers and peaked at 11.6 million viewers during the main event, making it the most watched MMA event ever in the US.
According to Helwani, the previous standard-bearer for US MMA viewership was the JDS vs. Cain Velasquez match on Fox, which averaged 5.7 million viewers and peaked at 8.8 million. The MVP Netflix event more than doubled that average domestically.
For further comparison, UFC 324’s Paramount Plus debut averaged 4.96 million viewers with a peak of 5.93 million and reached 7.18 million global households. As Helwani noted on air, MVP basically doubled up and more the Paramount debut.
Helwani and his co-hosts debated whether the numbers met internal expectations. “I think they’re happy, but I don’t think they’re over the moon,” said one co-host, suggesting 20 million had been the target.
The co-host added, “To have the most viewed MMA event on television is a significant thing. The power of Netflix is legit.”
Additionally, the statement noted that the company is currently reviewing all strategic options to do something very meaningful within MMA on a go-forward basis with a distribution partner like Netflix that shares their vision to create lasting impact.
Helwani read that as a strong signal that MVP intends to stay in the MMA business, though several doors remain open. “It sounds to me like they are leaning towards staying in the MMA business, but there’s still a lot that needs to be addressed,” he said.
