Ronda Rousey Slams UFC for 'Poverty Level' Fighter Pay

Former UFC champion says many fighters can't support their families due to low wages despite the promotion's $7.7 billion valuation.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 9:18pm

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In a scathing rebuke, MMA superstar Ronda Rousey criticized the UFC for its treatment of fighters, accusing the promotion of not paying a living wage to many of its athletes who are "living in poverty level" despite the company's massive $7.7 billion valuation. Rousey, who is returning to fight Gina Carano on Netflix, said the UFC is "one of the worst places" for fighters to make a living and blamed the new ownership regime for the poor compensation.

Why it matters

Rousey's comments shine a spotlight on the long-standing issue of fighter pay in the UFC, which has faced multiple antitrust lawsuits alleging the promotion has illegally suppressed compensation. As one of the biggest stars in MMA history, Rousey's criticism carries significant weight and could put further pressure on the UFC to address concerns over its treatment of athletes.

The details

Rousey, a former UFC champion, unloaded on the promotion during a press conference, saying many fighters "can't support their families" and are "living in poverty level" despite the UFC's $7.7 billion valuation. She blamed the new ownership regime, not UFC president Dana White, for the lack of fair pay, arguing the promotion is "bleeding talent" as fighters seek better compensation elsewhere, even in sports like boxing and football.

  • Rousey made the comments at a press conference on March 10, 2026 promoting her upcoming fight against Gina Carano on Netflix.
  • Rousey is set to return to MMA and face Carano on May 16, 2026 in the first-ever MMA event on Netflix.

The players

Ronda Rousey

A former UFC champion and one of the biggest stars in MMA history.

Dana White

The president of the UFC, who Rousey said is no longer the owner and is now just an employee of the company.

Valentina Shevchenko

A UFC champion who Rousey said is selling photos on OnlyFans to supplement her income.

Gina Carano

Rousey's upcoming opponent in a fight on Netflix's first-ever MMA event.

Zuffa

The parent company of the UFC that has faced antitrust lawsuits over alleged suppression of fighter compensation.

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What they’re saying

“It used to be that UFC was the best place in combat sports to make a living and get paid fairly, and now it's no longer. It's one of the worst places to go. It's why so many of their top athletes are leaving to go and find pay elsewhere.”

— Ronda Rousey, Former UFC Champion

“These people, a lot of them at the ground level, they can't support their families. They're living in poverty level fighting full-time, and this company just got $7.7 billion. Like, there's no reason they can't afford to pay their athletes at least a living wage, and not even that, at least to match what athletes are making in other sports.”

— Ronda Rousey, Former UFC Champion

What’s next

The UFC has not yet responded to Rousey's comments, but the promotion's treatment of fighter pay will likely continue to be a topic of discussion and scrutiny in the MMA world.

The takeaway

Rousey's scathing criticism of the UFC's compensation practices highlights the ongoing tensions between the promotion and its athletes over fair pay, especially as the sport continues to grow in popularity and revenue. Her comments could put further pressure on the UFC to address fighter pay concerns and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sport.