The California sun, crashing Pacific waves, and the unmistakable energy of fight fans created a cinematic backdrop Tuesday afternoon as Most Valuable Promotions officially launched fight week for the highly anticipated Rousey vs. Carano event with explosive Open Workouts at the legendary Venice Beach.
With tourists, locals, media crews, and combat sports fans packed around the outdoor setup, the iconic beachfront transformed into a global stage for one of the biggest crossover fight cards of the year. Fighters rotated through drills, pad work, shadowboxing, and faceoffs while fans erupted with cheers throughout the afternoon.
Saturday’s blockbuster event streaming live worldwide on all Netflix plans at no additional cost to subscribers on May 16 at 6 PM PT / 9 PM ET from Intuit Dome has already generated enormous buzz, and Venice Beach only amplified the anticipation. At the center of the spectacle were two pioneers of women’s combat sports: Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano.
Rousey stepped onto the workout platform with her trademark intensity, firing through combinations and grappling movements with sharp precision. Fans crowded barricades holding signs and phones high in the air as the former UFC champion acknowledged the roaring audience before getting back to work. The atmosphere noticeably shifted the moment she appeared, underscoring her enduring star power and influence on women’s MMA.
Gina Carano, making one of the most talked-about returns in combat sports history, drew equally thunderous reactions. Relaxed but focused, she showcased crisp striking combinations and fluid movement while feeding off the energy of the crowd. The former Strikeforce star and Hollywood crossover figure looked comfortable under the California sun, embracing the moment while signaling she remains a dangerous competitor ahead of Saturday night. The stacked card also featured appearances from some of the biggest names in combat sports.
Nate Diaz brought his signature swagger to Venice Beach, instantly commanding attention from fans chanting his name throughout the session. Diaz kept things loose but sharp, casually peppering the mitts while flashing the confidence that has made him one of the sport’s most beloved icons.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou reminded everyone why he remains one of the most feared punchers in combat sports history. Every strike echoed through the venue as spectators reacted audibly to the sheer power generated during his workout.
Bare-knuckle fan favorite Mike Perry delivered one of the afternoon’s most energetic sessions, feeding off crowd chants and bringing his trademark aggression to the beachside stage. Additional standouts included Junior dos Santos, Philipe Lins, Salahdine Parnasse, Adriano Moraes, Namo Fazil, and Jake Babian, all of whom used the open platform to showcase their conditioning and sharpened skills ahead of fight night.
Beyond the workouts themselves, the event captured the essence of Southern California fight culture. Venice Beach’s famed boardwalk, street performers, skate culture, and oceanfront scenery merged perfectly with the raw intensity of combat sports. Fans lined rooftops, packed sidewalks, and filled nearby viewing areas, creating a festival-like atmosphere that felt larger than a standard promotional event.
For Most Valuable Promotions, the open workouts represented more than just final preparations — they served as a statement about the scale and ambition of Saturday’s event. By bringing elite combat sports talent to one of Los Angeles’ most recognizable landmarks, the promotion successfully fused mainstream entertainment with fight culture in a way few organizations can.
As fight week now officially moves into high gear, anticipation continues building toward what promises to be a historic night at Intuit Dome. And if Tuesday’s electric atmosphere at Venice Beach was any indication, the world will be watching when Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano finally step into the spotlight on Saturday night.
