The welterweight clash at Netflix's MVP event highlighted Fazil's dominance with a second-round submission victory
Category: Local News
Namo Fazil secured a decisive victory over Jake Babian in a thrilling welterweight bout at the Netflix MVP MMA event held on May 16, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Fazil, known for his aggressive fighting style, finished Babian with an anaconda choke just 58 seconds into the second round, marking a successful return to the octagon after a hiatus from mixed martial arts.
The matchup was particularly anticipated as both fighters entered the cage with impressive records. Fazil, boasting a 9-1 record with seven finishes, was a -310 favorite according to DraftKings Sportsbook. Babian, on the other hand, held a 6-1 record, having achieved five finishes in his career, and was seen as a +250 underdog. The fight was part of the preliminary card leading up to the highly publicized main event featuring MMA legends Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano.
Both fighters were eager to make their mark, and the contest began with a flurry of activity. Fazil landed a series of powerful combinations early on, demonstrating his experience and skill. Babian responded with a big knee and attempted to control the pace of the fight. The first round was marked by back-and-forth exchanges, with Babian managing to take Fazil down at one point, but Fazil quickly regained control, landing effective strikes from the top.
Fazil's background in martial arts, beginning at age 15, has equipped him with a diverse skill set, including multiple championships in Muay Thai and kickboxing. His last fight before this bout was in Karate Combat in December 2025, where he defeated Guilherme Bastos. This fight marked his return to MMA after a year-long break, having last fought in the MMA circuit in June 2025 against Yakub Sulimanov.
Babian, who hails from the United States, is recognized for his explosive finishing ability, having won all his fights following a loss in his professional debut. His last victory was over Saad Ul-Hasan in September 2025, and he primarily competed in the Lights Out Extreme Fighting promotion before stepping into the MVP arena.
As the second round commenced, Fazil showcased his superior conditioning and strategy. After gaining momentum, he cornered Babian against the cage and unleashed a series of combinations that visibly hurt Babian. The fight concluded when Fazil successfully locked in an anaconda choke, forcing Babian to tap out, thereby securing his seventh finish and extending his winning streak to seven fights.
With this victory, Namo Fazil solidified his status as a formidable contender in the welterweight division and set his sights on future challenges within the MVP organization. His performance against Babian has drawn attention to his potential for title contention, especially as he continues to build on his impressive record.
For Jake Babian, the loss serves as a learning opportunity as he looks to rebound from this setback. Having shown promise in his previous fights, Babian will likely analyze this bout to refine his skills and strategy for upcoming matches. Both fighters have demonstrated their capabilities and resilience, making them exciting prospects for future events.
The Netflix MVP MMA event was a showcase of talent, and the bout between Fazil and Babian stood out as a highlight. With the main event featuring Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, fans were treated to a night filled with action and high-stakes competition.
As the MMA community reflects on this event, anticipation builds for what lies ahead for both Namo Fazil and Jake Babian in their respective careers. Fazil's next steps will be closely monitored, especially as he seeks to capitalize on this victory and aim for championship opportunities in the near future.