In an exclusive interview, Most Valuable Promotions co-founder and head of MVPW, Nakisa Bidarian, addressed swirling rumors regarding MVP MMA on Netflix, weighed in on a potential Claressa Shields versus Ronda Rousey debate, and evaluated a rising 160-pound contender as a prime opponent for Shields.

During the discussion, the conversation also explored a prospective cross-promotional event pitting MVP against Scott Coker's newly launched Ki MMA promotion.

The dialogue further touched upon the upcoming MVPW card on ESPN, highlighted by Alycia Baumgardner moving up to lightweight to challenge Elif Nur Turhan for her 135-pound championship. This marquee event serves as a focal point for the promotion's continued expansion on the ESPN platform.

Is MVP MMA Done With Netflix?

Recent reports suggested that MVP's streaming future with Netflix hung in the balance following executive shifts. When asked whether 2027 is strictly a Netflix-or-bust scenario for MVP MMA, Bidarian dismissed the notion.

I like the term Netflix and chill, but Netflix or bust doesn't sound as nice. We're in active discussions with a number of platforms, and Netflix is a long-term partner of ours and we'll continue to do events with Netflix.

He clarified that a massive full-season calendar was never part of their initial arrangement. Dismissing online rumors regarding a permanent split, Bidarian did not hold back:

I did see some tweets last week around, 'Oh, Netflix is never doing an MVP MMA event again.' That's rubbish. That's bulls---. That's just Twitter chatter, or X chat, or people who are trying to get attention and, I guess, go quote-unquote viral.

He underscored his point by highlighting the superficial metrics driving viral social media claims in the modern digital landscape.

Who Will Be MVPW’s Next Breakout Star?

Examining the future landscape of women's boxing, Bidarian identified the current elite tier while pointing toward emerging talent ready to capture mainstream attention.

I believe the only real household names in women’s boxing are Amanda, Katie and Claressa Shields today. And Alycia is right there with them, right? Ready to take over. But, no, boxing, not just women’s boxing, is not a mainstream sport. So the onus is on us and on these athletes to break through.

He spotlighted Elif Nur Turhan, who boasts a 14-0 record with eight knockouts, alongside a bold projection for Albina Moldazhanova, who stands at 5-0 with five quick finishes. Bidarian expressed immense excitement regarding Moldazhanova's raw power and long-term trajectory.

Addressing Ramla Ali ahead of her vacant WBO and IBF super bantamweight title clash against Mikiah Kreps on November 8, Bidarian acknowledged her distinct path and nearing career twilight, while praising the positive cultural impact she represents for underrepresented communities.

Can Anyone Challenge Claressa Shields at the Top?

Conversation quickly shifted toward newly crowned IBF, WBO, and Ring middleweight champion Tammara Thibeault, with Bidarian expressing eagerness to see her career develop toward a eventual showdown with Claressa Shields.

While recognizing Shields' supreme skills and self-promotional prowess, Bidarian noted that her division lacks deep competitive threats, a structural reality of women's boxing rather than a critique of Shields herself.

Claressa is a very skilled fighter, a great self-promoter, but she hasn’t faced a lot of tough competition. When she has, which was Savannah Marshall, she did win. So credit to her.

He noted that the deepest talent pools reside in lower weight classes ranging from 122 to 140 pounds.

Is Claressa Shields the Ronda Rousey of Boxing?

Pushing back against comparisons between Shields and mixed martial arts pioneer Ronda Rousey, Bidarian highlighted distinct differences in their competitive dominance.

I will stop you there. Ronda Rousey dominated definitively. She finished every opponent before she lost and did it in spectacular fashion. I think part of what’s remarkable about Claressa is she’s actually created a brand herself without having that decisive finishing power.

Addressing why knockouts remain rare in women's boxing, Bidarian advocated for longer bout durations.

Because of the two-minute rounds, it’s unbelievably exciting, the action is nonstop, but by the time someone’s actually able to finish, the round is done.

He argued that implementing three-minute rounds would allow athletes to execute more strategic, impactful combinations.

Would MVP Do a Cross-Promotion With Ki MMA?

Exploring the future of mixed martial arts promotion, Bidarian evaluated the feasibility of a collaborative mega-card uniting MVP and Scott Coker’s Ki MMA.

Boxing, as you know, is constantly filled with cross-promotion. It’s a part of the business. Massively successful event, 50,000 people in venue. And so, of course, we’d be open to doing that with Scott or any other promotion where it makes sense for the fighters and for the fans.

Reflecting on MVP's strategic roster building—which leverages access to nearly 300 fighters including Usman Nurmagomedov and Dakota Ditcheva—Bidarian confirmed that an alliance with Ki MMA remains entirely possible if structured correctly for both athletes and spectators.