Throughout the annals of mixed martial arts, an intimate connection with the Ultimate Fighting Championship was rarely as profound as Ronda Rousey’s. Yet, in anticipation of her much-anticipated comeback bout on May 16, facing fellow trailblazer Gina Carano, Rousey asserts that the organization she was instrumental in elevating to widespread prominence—and which reciprocally boosted her—now bears little resemblance to the UFC she experienced in the past.
During the introductory press event on Tuesday, preceding the Netflix-hosted contest, the erstwhile UFC bantamweight titleholder detailed her initial attempts to arrange the fight under the UFC banner with its chief executive, Dana White, prior to the eventual collapse of those negotiations.
“I recognized our capability to independently organize this event, which likely represented the most financially rewarding path for us,” Rousey stated. “However, my profound affection and regard for Dana compelled me to present this opportunity to him initially. My words were, ‘I am capable of executing this autonomously, but I would prefer to compete for your organization rather than for myself. Simply ensure the terms are reasonable for me.’ Initially, the plan was for a New Year’s event, intended as the final contest within [UFC’s] pay-per-view framework, and he extended an unparalleled pay-per-view arrangement, for which I felt immense gratitude. Yet, Gina subsequently indicated a need for additional time to achieve optimal physical condition, expressing her desire for me to face her at her peak. I believe this turn of events was predestined, intended to transpire, and it ultimately steered us toward an alternative path.
“Upon [UFC’s] transition to a streaming format [in partnership with new broadcaster Paramount], the focus shifted away from simply orchestrating the most compelling matchups. Dana is now under legal obligation to the company’s investors, tasked with optimizing shareholder returns. Regrettably, with the operational control of the enterprise having been divested from [White], it has become almost entirely unfamiliar.
“This entity requires rescue from its own actions, and fortuitously, I am present to serve as their savior.”
The remarks made by Rousey underscore the continuing discussion surrounding the UFC’s organizational framework in 2026, especially after its substantial $7.7 billion agreement with Paramount for broadcast rights, marking a departure from the conventional pay-per-view system that historically characterized the promotion’s most significant spectacles.
Notwithstanding her critical observations, Rousey, age 39, clarified that her grievances are not directed at the enduring UFC figurehead White personally, whom she continues to regard as both an advisor and a companion.
“It was he who — upon their inability to present me with a fair arrangement within the streaming paradigm — expressed, ‘My desire is for you to earn the maximum possible. Do not remain here to accept a lesser sum from me,'” Rousey recounted. “He granted me his approval to pursue this independently, and if anyone has learned the art of promotion under his tutelage, it is I.
“Once I informed him, before anyone else, of my decision to partner with Netflix, I was anxious that he might be displeased with me. His response was, ‘I could never harbor resentment toward you. My affection for you is immense. I wish for this endeavor to prosper.’ His priority has consistently been our friendship above all else. And I believe the majority of my current critiques regarding the UFC stem from the fact that Dana no longer holds ownership, nor does he dictate strategies or manage operations according to his preferences, as he is now an employee of the corporation, not an proprietor. In my view, it was a significant misstep on their part to prevent him from managing affairs as he always has.”
Rousey further indicated that White himself harbors considerable dissatisfaction with certain prominent endeavors recently undertaken by the promotion, specifically citing the forthcoming UFC White House event slated for June 14.
“He is aware that the White House fight lineup is subpar,” Rousey stated. “He understands that efforts to promote this event spanned more than a year, yet it drastically failed to meet anticipated standards. He was profoundly distressed about it — he even mentioned a bout being canceled just the day prior, you understand? I can assure you that he, too, is displeased with it. He is the individual who, through his own conduct, instilled in me the courage to vocalize my opinions.”
On a broader scale, Rousey is convinced that the UFC’s economic framework has arrived at a critical juncture—a situation that is now compelling several of the sport’s most prominent figures to explore alternative avenues for their careers.
Jon Jones, a former titleholder in two weight classes, was the most recent individual to voice his discontent subsequent to being denied his much-desired chance to participate in the White House event. The legendary athlete has since called for his termination from the UFC, as discussions ultimately yielded no resolution.
“In the past, the UFC represented the premier destination within combat sports to earn a livelihood and receive equitable compensation,” Rousey remarked. “Currently, it ranks among the least desirable venues. This explains why numerous elite competitors are departing to pursue remuneration elsewhere. It is also why their titleholders, such as Valentina [Shevchenko], are disseminating intimate images on OnlyFans.
Ronda Rousey, Jake Paul and Gina Carano pose onstage during Netflix’s kickoff press conference.
(Melina Pizano via Getty Images)
“Many of these individuals, at the foundational level, are unable to adequately provide for their households. They exist at a subsistence income, dedicating themselves fully to combat. This corporation recently secured $7.7 billion. There is no justifiable cause for them to be incapable of affording their athletes at minimum a sustainable income. Furthermore, they should at least be able to equal the earnings these athletes command in different athletic disciplines.
“What rational basis exists for them to anticipate attracting premier athletes and ambitious youngsters who aspire to achieve prominence within MMA? Why not pursue careers in gridiron sports? Why not enter the realm of pugilism? Why not engage in any other competitive field? Consequently, they are hemorrhaging skilled individuals due to their immediate financial avarice. Their focus remains on the upcoming fiscal period and the interests of their investors, rather than on their duty to safeguard the sport’s future.”
To Rousey, Carano embodies more than merely a return to competition—her initial bout since December 2016. It concurrently serves as a declaration regarding the potential future venues where MMA’s most prominent figures might elect to conduct their professional activities.
