Jake Paul Compares Rousey vs. Carano and UFC White House Buzz to Michael Jordan vs. LeBron Debate

Before the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House on June 14, Netflix's first-ever MMA card has the chance to steal the headlines.

Headlined by a five-round main event between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, Netflix's May 16 event is being promoted by Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions. While speaking to Matt Welty of Complex News, Paul was asked if he feels the Netflix card is stealing the buzz from UFC Freedom 250, and he declared that it will overshadow the UFC's event.

"Just the fact that everyone's comparing it, it's like LeBron [James] and [Michael] Jordan," Paul said (9:38 mark). "I think it's at the same level, but I know that it will get more views, and I think that's just because it's on Netflix and free with a subscription. But I do think it is a better card and more entertaining, so I think that's why people are comparing it. We'll see what happens, I guess."

Rousey, who is a UFC Hall of Famer, will be fighting for the first time since 2016. Carano is returning from an even longer layoff, as she hasn't fought since 2009.

The card also features the MMA returns of former UFC stars Francis Ngannou, Nate Diaz and Mike Perry, creating significant intrigue among longtime fans.

UFC Freedom 250 has an impressive card headlined by a lightweight championship unification fight between titleholder Ilia Topuria and interim champ Justin Gaethje.

Still, if the Netflix card goes well a month earlier, the UFC will fall short of having the most memorable MMA event of 2026.