Main Event Overview
The main event between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson failed to deliver an electrifying performance. Paul managed to land 78 punches, while Tyson, at 58 years old and nearly two decades removed from professional boxing, landed just 18 out of 97 thrown. Tyson’s diminished form highlighted his departure from the prime days of his heavyweight championship reign.
Despite this, Nakisa Bidarian viewed the event as a resounding success.
“Jake envisioned this fight during an ayahuasca experience,” Bidarian shared with CNN Sport post-event. “What made it unique was how it brought together six generations, from boomers born in the 1940s to Jake Paul’s core audience of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, all engaging in a shared moment.”
Bidarian noted that families across generations discussed the fight, marking it as a cultural phenomenon.
Technical Issues and Record-Breaking Viewership
The event wasn’t without its flaws, as Netflix’s servers struggled to handle the unprecedented demand for its first-ever live boxing stream. Despite this, Netflix later revealed that 60 million households tuned in, peaking at 65 million concurrent streams.
Financially, the event broke records, generating $18.1 million in gate revenue—the largest for any boxing or MMA event outside Las Vegas and the ninth-highest in U.S. combat sports history.
“The event literally broke the internet,” Bidarian commented. “This wasn’t about maximizing pay-per-view revenue but creating an iconic moment to reinvigorate boxing.”
Bidarian’s Journey to Success
Nakisa Bidarian, a former UFC CFO, transitioned into boxing after meeting Jake Paul in 2019. He helped elevate Paul’s career, starting with the 2020 exhibition featuring Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr., where Paul gained attention with a KO win over Nate Robinson.
Shortly after, Bidarian and Paul co-founded Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), prioritizing fighter-first principles, empowering women’s boxing, and providing opportunities for young fighters.
Promoting Women’s Boxing
Through MVP, Bidarian and Paul have promoted Amanda Serrano, one of the most prominent names in women’s boxing. Serrano’s recent rematch against Katie Taylor in Texas—following Taylor’s 2022 win—showcased high-level talent. Despite Serrano appearing to control the fight, Taylor won via unanimous decision, sparking controversy.
While Bidarian disagreed with the outcome, he saw an opportunity. “Amanda is now positioned as the face of women’s boxing,” he said. “Though the trilogy isn’t happening, she’s in the strongest place of her career and poised for unprecedented financial success in women’s sports.”
Paul’s Legacy
Bidarian defended Jake Paul against critics who dismiss his career as mere spectacle. He emphasized Paul’s dedication, noting his progress despite having no amateur background and competing under intense pressure.
“Jake is a legitimate contender who has achieved more in four years than many boxers with similar experience,” Bidarian concluded.
