Most Valuable Promotions are preparing a major statement event. Their upcoming card features names such as Ronda Rousey, Gina Carano, Francis Ngannou and Nate Diaz.
The show, scheduled for 16 May and broadcast on Netflix, is expected to introduce MVP to the MMA market in a significant way.
However, not everyone is convinced by the approach. One UFC featherweight contender believes the strategy could have the opposite effect and benefit a rival event.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Melquizael Costa believes his upcoming fight could attract a larger audience because of the MVP card. He is set to face Arnold Allen at UFC Fight Night on the same day that Jake Paul's promotion will debut on MMA.
Speaking to Bloody Elbow's Filipe Guedes, Costa suggested the Netflix show may fail to deliver consistent action.
"I think they've set the stage for us without even realising it," he said.
"A lot of people who aren't into fighting will tune in on Netflix, but there'll only be one or two decent bouts, the rest will be boring.
"And when you're in that kind of mood, it's like watching an action film, you're not going to want a horror film straight after. It's the same thing. After a boring, scrappy fight, people will think: 'Hang on, there's another event on the other side,' and they'll switch over to ours.
Costa also pointed to scheduling as a factor. "Our event will likely be on a lot earlier, so I think they've inadvertently built the audience for us," he said.
Costa enters the fight in strong form. The featherweight contender is ranked number 12 and has won his last six bouts.
His recent performances include two consecutive knockout victories. That momentum has positioned him as a rising name in the division.
A win over Arnold Allen, who is ranked seventh, would significantly elevate his status. It would move him closer to the top contenders in the weight class such as Aljamain Sterling, Movsar Evloev and Jean Silva.
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