Most Valuable Promotions rejects Heather Hardy's $10M lawsuit over Serrano rematch neurological damage claim

Most Valuable Promotions has pushed back against a $10 million lawsuit filed by former world champion Heather Hardy, who claims she sustained permanent neurological damage from her August 2023 rematch with Amanda Serrano. In a formal statement, MVP cited Hardy’s medical clearance and athletic commission oversight as the basis for its defence.

Hardy’s complaint alleges that MVP proceeded with the bout despite an “extraordinary and foreseeable risk of serious neurological harm.” She claims the fight, which took place on the Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz card on 5 August 2023, left her with lasting conditions including traumatic brain injury, memory loss and double vision. She is seeking $10 million in damages from the promotion.

MVP issued a statement expressing sympathy for Hardy while firmly contesting the allegations. “MVP has great respect for Heather Hardy. We recognize the difficulty of her circumstances and extend our sincere sympathy and hope that she receives the care and support she deserves,” the promotion said. It added that Hardy’s participation on the card was arranged through her promoter, Lou DiBella, who contracted for the fight, and that Hardy “publicly expressed her gratitude for the opportunity both before and after the fight.”

On the question of safety protocols, MVP stated: “Heather was medically cleared to compete by the athletic commission overseeing the event, and the bout proceeded under the commission’s authority and supervision in accordance with their standard medical and safety requirements.” The promotion said it “remains committed to fighter safety and supporting the athletes who compete in our events in full compliance with commission standards.”

The lawsuit places a spotlight on the duty-of-care obligations of fight promoters and the role of athletic commissions in clearing competitors. Hardy’s legal team will need to demonstrate that MVP bore independent responsibility beyond the commission’s clearance process — a threshold that courts have historically treated as a significant hurdle in combat sports litigation.