Ronda Rousey's UFC Criticism a 'Wake-Up Call' for MMA Community

Marina Shafir applauds Rousey's outspoken comments on fighter pay and the UFC's business practices.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 8:54pm

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Marina Shafir, a close friend and former MMA teammate of Ronda Rousey, praised Rousey's recent criticism of the UFC over fighter pay and the promotion's business practices. Shafir said Rousey's comments were a "wake-up call" for the MMA community, suggesting some have become "too comfortable" or "too greedy" with the money in the sport. Rousey, who is returning to MMA to fight Gina Carano on Netflix, has accused the UFC of no longer being the best place for fighters to make a living.

Why it matters

Rousey's outspoken comments come as the UFC faces ongoing legal battles over alleged antitrust violations and suppression of fighter pay. Her criticism of the promotion's business practices could put further pressure on the UFC to address fighter compensation issues, which have long been a source of tension in the MMA world.

The details

During a press conference for her upcoming Netflix fight, Rousey ripped into the UFC, saying the promotion is "no longer" the best place for fighters to make a living and get paid fairly. Shafir, who is currently signed with AEW, applauded Rousey for "leading the charge" and being a "trailblazer" in challenging the UFC's practices. Shafir said Rousey's comments are a "wake-up call" that suggests "some people got a little too comfortable" or "a little too greedy" with the money in MMA.

  • Rousey's press conference comments were made on March 10, 2026.
  • Rousey and Carano are scheduled to fight on May 16, 2026 on Netflix.
  • Shafir will face Toni Storm at AEW Revolution on March 13, 2026.

The players

Ronda Rousey

A former UFC champion and one of the biggest stars in MMA history, who is returning to the sport to fight Gina Carano on Netflix.

Marina Shafir

A current AEW star and one of the "Four Horsemen of MMA" alongside Rousey, Shayna Baszler, and Jessamyn Duke.

Dana White

The president of the UFC, who recently tried to reassure fighters about pay during a Zuffa Boxing event.

Francis Ngannou

A former UFC heavyweight champion who is set to face Philipe Lins on the undercard of Rousey's Netflix fight.

Gina Carano

A legendary MMA fighter who is set to face Rousey in the main event of the Netflix card.

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What they’re saying

“For her to swoop in and just get right in with the f–king s–t, but not only be right in with the f–king s–t, but she's just leading the goddam charge just like the trailblazer that she is. I think it's a wake-up call to a lot of people in the MMA world. Maybe some people got a little too comfortable. Maybe there are some people who got a little too greedy with some money. Maybe there are just some people who are trying to take advantage of fighters and performers who actually really f–king care about this and know they have more to offer.”

— Marina Shafir, AEW Star (Zoom interview)

“It's never a bad thing when guys make more money. It's always a good thing when there's more money in the sport. And since 2001, fighter pay has gone [up] nonstop. Obviously, we just got a great television rights deal, I promise you that fighter pay is gonna be just fine over the next seven years.”

— Dana White, UFC President (Zuffa Boxing event)

“This company just got $7.7 billion [from Paramount]. There's no reason they can't afford to pay their athletes at least a living wage.”

— Ronda Rousey (Press conference)

What’s next

The judge in the Rousey-Carano fight case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the fight to proceed on Netflix.

The takeaway

Rousey's outspoken criticism of the UFC's business practices and fighter compensation has struck a nerve in the MMA community, sparking a larger conversation about the promotion's treatment of its athletes. Her willingness to challenge the status quo could lead to meaningful changes in how the UFC operates and distributes its wealth.