Salahdine Parnasse vs. Kenny Cross Reportedly Targeted for Rousey-Carano Card
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The upcoming MMA card headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano continues to take shape, and a new matchup may have just surfaced.
Multiple signs point to a lightweight clash between Salahdine Parnasse and Kenny Cross being added to the historic event promoted by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and streamed live on Netflix.
The fight has not been officially announced. However, Cross recently posted about it on Snapchat, appearing to reveal the bout before any formal confirmation from MVP or media outlets.
While nothing has been signed yet, The Scrap can confirm that Salahdine Parnasse has been in negotiations with the promotion. Additionally, Kenny Cross has posted footage showing he is actively in camp. We break down everything we know so far in the video below:
If finalized, it would represent the third reported bout outside of the main event and co-main event, adding further intrigue to a night already packed with star power.
Many consider Parnasse (22-2) one of the most talented fighters outside the UFC. The French standout, and the youngest champion and two-division champion in KSW history, has built a reputation for his well-rounded skill set and finishing ability.
Cross (17-4), meanwhile, would enter the bout looking to make a massive statement on one of the biggest MMA platforms of the year. The surging prospect is currently riding a four-fight win streak after capturing the TUFF Lightweight Championship in October 2025. He has remained on the UFC’s radar in recent years following his appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2020.
Big Names Return
Francis Ngannou will also make his return to MMA after spending time competing in global boxing events and capturing a dominant victory at the 2024 PFL Championship.
Ngannou (18–3) is set to face Brazil’s Philipe Lins (18–5), who has not competed since 2024. Last time out, he defeated Ion Cutelaba under the UFC banner. Currently, he rides a four-fight win streak heading into the matchup.
Nate Diaz is also set to return to the sport for the first time since 2022. He’ll be taking on Mike Perry in a matchup that feels less like a traditional fight and more like a guaranteed spectacle.
Perry (14-8) has built a gritty, blood-and-guts reputation in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. Diaz (21-13), meanwhile, has only added to his mystique during his time away. In his last outing, he avenged his loss to Jorge Masvidal, but did so in the boxing ring.
This is one of those fights that doesn’t need stakes to sell it. It’s about two personalities who don’t back down, meeting in the kind of matchup fans can’t look away from.
Multiple bouts at the top of the card could headline events on their own. Even without a full announcement, the current lineup is already undeniably stacked.
A Historic Night for MMA
The event will mark several milestones for combat sports. It marks MVP’s first MMA show. It’s also Netflix’s first-ever live MMA broadcast, a move that could reshape how major fight events reach global audiences.
As more fights begin to surface, the event is quickly taking shape as one of the most unique and high-profile combat sports cards of the year.
Current Fight Card
- Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano (Featherweight)
- Francis Ngannou vs. Philipe Lins (Heavyweight)
- Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry (Welterweight)
- Lorenz Larkin vs. Jason Jackson (Welterweight)
- Salahdine Parnasse vs. Kenny Cross (Lightweight)
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