Ronda Rousey Delivers Blistering Critique of UFC Fighter Compensation
Former UFC champion Ronda Rousey has launched a scathing verbal assault on the promotion and its president Dana White, condemning what she describes as systemic underpayment of fighters. The American MMA pioneer made these explosive comments ahead of her highly anticipated return to the cage in May, where she will face fellow veteran Gina Carano in Los Angeles.
Rousey Accuses UFC of Pushing Fighters into Poverty
Rousey, who became the first-ever female UFC champion before departing the promotion following consecutive knockout losses, claims the organisation's current pay structure leaves many athletes struggling financially. Her criticism comes amid revelations that the UFC declined to meet former heavyweight champion Jon Jones' financial demands for a fight on the White House card.
"It's why their champions like Valentina Shevchenko are selling pictures on OnlyFans," Rousey stated bluntly. "It used to be that UFC was the best place that you could come in combat sports to make a living and be paid fairly, and now it's one of the worst places to go. It's why so many of their top athletes are leaving to find pay elsewhere."
Financial Disparity Despite UFC's Billion-Dollar Valuation
The Olympic judo bronze medallist highlighted the stark contrast between the promotion's financial success and fighters' compensation. "A lot of these people at the ground level can't support their families," she asserted. "They're living at poverty level while fighting full time, and this company just got $7.7 billion. There's no reason they can't afford to at least pay their athletes a living wage and match what athletes make in other sports."
Rousey warned that this approach threatens the sport's long-term viability. "Why would aspiring kids choose MMA over football, boxing, or anything else? They're bleeding talent because of short-term greed. They're thinking about the next quarter and shareholders, not their responsibility as stewards of the sport's future."
Historic Comeback Fight Against Gina Carano
The upcoming bout marks Rousey's first MMA appearance since 2016, while Carano hasn't competed since 2009. Rousey revealed the personal motivation behind their matchup. "Once I found that love again, and I saw her not doing well, I thought we both need to reclaim our bodily identity together and rewrite our own ending," she explained.
"That night, I reached out to her," Rousey continued. "It's been such a journey with so many obstacles. People tried to insert their own agenda. We went from barely knowing each other to deciding we're going to fight each other. I told her I'd train you to fight me if I had to. Luckily, I didn't have to do that."
This comeback fight represents not just a sporting event but a statement about fighter autonomy and fair compensation in mixed martial arts, with Rousey positioning herself as a vocal advocate for athlete rights as she prepares to re-enter the octagon.
