Los Angeles – Former UFC champion Ronda Rousey has leveled sharp criticism at the organization’s current leadership, alleging a shift in priorities away from fighter welfare and competitive integrity. Speaking at a press conference Tuesday ahead of her upcoming fight against Gina Carano on Netflix, Rousey voiced concerns about the UFC’s direction, claiming the promotion is now driven by shareholder interests rather than the sport itself. The remarks represent a significant departure from Rousey’s previously reserved commentary on the UFC, and come as she prepares for her return to mixed martial arts after a nearly decade-long hiatus.
Rousey’s return to the cage, confirmed for May 16th on Netflix, initially involved discussions with UFC CEO Dana White. According to Rousey, she approached White about a potential fight with Carano, a matchup that had been discussed as early as 2014. “I reached out to Dana [White] and asked if he would be interested in it,” Rousey revealed, adding, “It didn’t exactly work out with the UFC, but it led us to here today.” She described the proposed deal from the UFC as offering “the best PPV structure ever,” and indicated it was slated to be the final pay-per-view event before the UFC’s broadcasting rights shifted to Paramount in January 2026, as first reported by ESPN.
Whereas, the fight ultimately didn’t materialize within the UFC framework, with Rousey attributing the impasse to Carano not being immediately ready to compete. She characterized this timing as “meant to be,” suggesting the circumstances ultimately led to the bout being arranged through Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions and streamed on Netflix. Rousey emphasized that White was among the first to learn of her decision to fight on Netflix, and that he offered his support. “He’s always been my friend first,” she stated, adding that White encouraged her to pursue the most financially advantageous opportunity.
Despite her positive relationship with White, Rousey’s criticisms were directed at the UFC’s current operational structure. She asserted that White “isn’t calling the shots” anymore, and that the organization is now prioritizing short-term profits over the long-term health of the sport. “They are bleeding talent due to the fact that of short-term greed,” Rousey stated. “They’re thinking about the next quarter. They’re thinking about the shareholders. They’re not thinking about their responsibility to be stewards of the future of the sport.” This sentiment reflects a growing concern within the MMA community regarding fighter compensation and the UFC’s control over athlete careers.
Rousey further elaborated on her belief that White’s influence has diminished within the organization, stating, “He knows the White House cards sucks. I guarantee he’s not happy with it either. He taught me through example to speak my mind.” She described White as “loyal to a fault,” suggesting his personal values are at odds with the current corporate direction. Her comments underscore a perceived disconnect between the UFC’s leadership and the needs of its athletes, a narrative that has gained traction in recent years as fighters have increasingly sought opportunities outside the promotion.
In a particularly pointed remark, Rousey cited the example of former UFC champion Valentina Shevchenko, who has reportedly supplemented her income through content creation on platforms like OnlyFans. “The UFC is one of the worst places to go,” Rousey declared. “So many of their top athletes are leaving to find pay elsewhere. It’s why their champions like Valentina (Shevchenko) are selling pictures of their titties on OnlyFans.” This statement highlights the financial pressures faced by even elite fighters in the UFC and the growing trend of athletes seeking alternative revenue streams. Shevchenko has indeed been active on platforms like OnlyFans, though the extent to which this is directly related to UFC compensation remains a subject of debate.
Looking ahead, Rousey indicated that her future in fighting is contingent on the outcome of her bout with Carano. She expressed a desire to spend more time with her family, acknowledging the personal sacrifices required for a competitive return. “I often ask myself, ‘When are you going to be impressed enough with yourself to spend more time with your family?’” she said. She framed the fight against Carano as a potential “grand finale,” a chance to “rewrite her ending” after a career marked by both spectacular success and devastating setbacks.
The press conference likewise featured the presence of former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou and fighter Philipe Lins. Ngannou, who left the UFC in 2023 to pursue opportunities in boxing, dismissed the possibility of a fight with Jake Paul, stating he was interested only in “beating his ass.” Paul subsequently responded, expressing his willingness to face Ngannou in a boxing match. This exchange underscores the increasing crossover between MMA and boxing, and the growing influence of promoters like Jake Paul in the combat sports landscape.
Rousey’s criticisms come at a pivotal moment for the UFC, as the promotion navigates a new broadcasting deal with Paramount and faces increasing scrutiny over fighter pay and working conditions. The shift to Paramount, finalized in late 2025, is expected to significantly alter the UFC’s revenue model and potentially impact its relationship with athletes. The move from pay-per-view events to a more traditional broadcasting structure has raised questions about how revenue will be distributed and whether fighters will receive a fairer share of the profits. The UFC’s parent company, Endeavor, has faced criticism for prioritizing shareholder value over the well-being of its athletes, a sentiment echoed by Rousey in her recent remarks.
The upcoming fight between Rousey and Carano, streamed live on Netflix, represents a significant departure from the traditional UFC model. The partnership with Netflix allows for greater creative control and potentially higher payouts for the fighters involved. This move has been interpreted by some as a sign of the growing competition in the combat sports market and the willingness of athletes to explore alternative platforms. The success of the Rousey-Carano fight on Netflix could pave the way for further collaborations between the streaming giant and other MMA promotions.
Rousey’s career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. She rose to prominence as the first female UFC champion, dominating the bantamweight division with a series of impressive victories. However, her reign came to an abrupt end with back-to-back losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Following her departure from the UFC, Rousey transitioned to professional wrestling, finding success in WWE. Now, she returns to MMA with a renewed sense of purpose and a willingness to speak candidly about the issues facing the sport.
The implications of Rousey’s comments are far-reaching. Her status as a former superstar and a vocal advocate for athletes gives her words considerable weight. Whether her criticisms will lead to meaningful change within the UFC remains to be seen, but they have undoubtedly sparked a conversation about the future of the sport and the need for a more equitable relationship between the promotion and its fighters. The industry will be watching closely to see how the UFC responds to these challenges and whether it can address the concerns raised by Rousey and other prominent athletes.
As Ronda Rousey prepares for her return to the ring, the MMA world awaits the outcome of her fight with Gina Carano and the potential impact of her outspoken views on the future of the sport. The May 16th event on Netflix promises to be a significant moment, not only for Rousey and Carano, but for the entire MMA community.
Stay tuned to World Today Journal for continued coverage of the Ronda Rousey-Gina Carano fight and the evolving landscape of mixed martial arts. Share your thoughts on Rousey’s criticisms and the future of the UFC in the comments below.