Los Angeles, CA – Former UFC champion Ronda Rousey didn’t hold back during a press conference Tuesday, leveling sharp criticism at the current leadership of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and asserting that it’s develop into a detrimental environment for fighters. Rousey’s comments came as she promotes her upcoming return to mixed martial arts against Gina Carano, a bout set to stream live on Netflix on May 16th.
The highly anticipated fight, years in the making, was initially pitched to the UFC as a potential New Year’s event, according to Rousey. She explained that she approached UFC President Dana White “out of love and respect for him,” envisioning the bout as a landmark event potentially marking the end of the UFC’s pay-per-view model before its transition to Paramount in January 2026. Rousey stated the proposed deal from the UFC included “the best PPV structure ever.”
However, the fight ultimately didn’t materialize within the UFC due to Carano’s readiness at the time, a situation Rousey described as “meant to be.” She revealed that White was the first person she informed about the decision to move the fight to Netflix, emphasizing their long-standing friendship. The move to Netflix represents a significant shift in how major MMA fights are presented to audiences, bypassing traditional broadcast models.
Rousey’s critique extended beyond the failed negotiations, focusing on what she perceives as a fundamental shift in the UFC’s priorities. She claimed White “isn’t calling the shots” anymore, alleging the organization is now driven by shareholder interests at the expense of the sport’s long-term health. “They are bleeding talent because 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.”
She didn’t shy away from expressing her opinion on the quality of recent UFC events, adding, “He knows the White House card sucks. I guarantee he’s not happy with it either.” Rousey characterized White as “loyal to a fault,” but argued that this loyalty is now misdirected.
UFC’s Current Climate Pushes Athletes Elsewhere
Rousey’s central argument is that the UFC’s current financial pressures are forcing athletes to seek opportunities elsewhere. She asserted that “the UFC is one of the worst places to go,” pointing to a growing exodus of talent seeking better financial compensation and more favorable conditions in other promotions. This sentiment echoes concerns raised by other fighters in recent years regarding revenue sharing and fighter treatment within the UFC.
While the upcoming fight with Carano feels like a “final chapter” for Rousey, she indicated that future bouts aren’t entirely off the table, contingent on the outcome of the Netflix event. She framed the fight as a chance to “rewrite her ending” and find personal fulfillment. “When are you going to be impressed enough with yourself to spend more time with your family?” she asked, reflecting on her priorities.
The press conference also featured appearances from Francis Ngannou and Philipe Lins. Ngannou, who previously competed in the UFC, voiced his disinterest in a potential boxing match with Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) promoter Jake Paul, stating he’d rather “beating his ass.” Paul responded via social media, expressing openness to the matchup in a boxing ring.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Women’s MMA?
Rousey’s return alongside Carano is being hailed by many as a pivotal moment for women’s MMA, bringing together two pioneers who significantly shaped the sport’s early development. The fight on Netflix is expected to draw a large audience, potentially setting a new standard for how combat sports events are delivered to fans. The success of this event could influence future negotiations and broadcasting strategies within the MMA world.
The outcome of the May 16th bout will undoubtedly shape Rousey’s future in the sport, but her recent comments have already sparked a broader conversation about the UFC’s direction and the welfare of its athletes. As the landscape of MMA continues to evolve, the voices of veteran fighters like Rousey will likely play a crucial role in advocating for positive change.
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