Cris Cyborg Backs Ronda Rousey's Claims About UFC Pay

Cyborg says similar pay issues led her to sign with Bellator after leaving the UFC.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Former UFC champion Cris Cyborg has corroborated Ronda Rousey's recent comments about the UFC prioritizing cost-effective fights over the biggest possible matchups. Cyborg said she had a similar experience when negotiating with the UFC after her fight with Amanda Nunes, which ultimately led her to sign a record-breaking deal with Bellator MMA in 2019.

Why it matters

Rousey and Cyborg's comments shine a light on the UFC's approach to fighter pay and negotiations, which has been a point of contention for many top stars. As the UFC enters a new broadcasting deal with Paramount, there are concerns that the promotion may continue to focus on cost-cutting over delivering the most compelling matchups for fans.

The details

Rousey recently revealed that her talks with the UFC about a comeback fight collapsed due to the promotion's unwillingness to meet her pay demands. Rousey said the UFC is more interested in 'spending as little money as possible' rather than putting on the best possible fights. Cyborg echoed these sentiments, saying a similar mindset is what led to her departure from the UFC and signing a lucrative deal with Bellator in 2019.

  • Rousey is set to make her MMA comeback on May 16, 2026.
  • Cyborg signed with Bellator in 2019 after leaving the UFC.

The players

Cris Cyborg

A former UFC women's featherweight champion who signed the 'largest contract in women's MMA history' with Bellator in 2019 after leaving the UFC.

Ronda Rousey

A former UFC women's bantamweight champion who is set to make her MMA comeback in May 2026 after almost a decade away from the sport.

Dana White

The president of the UFC.

Gina Carano

A former MMA fighter who is also making a comeback and will fight Rousey in the first MMA event to be broadcast on Netflix.

Amanda Nunes

The current UFC women's featherweight and bantamweight champion, who defeated Cyborg in 2018.

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What they’re saying

“They didn't want to set a precedent of giving me the guaranteed money that I deserve because once I raise that tide it lifts all the boats. They just made a $7.7 billion deal at Paramount, so it's in their best interest actually not to put on the best fights possible but to spend as little money as possible so they can keep it.”

— Ronda Rousey (The Jim Rome Show)

“I had a similar experience after the Nunes fight when the UFC went to ESPN. My team felt PPV was a dying revenue model and was negotiating on a higher guaranteed. Ultimately we were told they weren't going to adjust the revenue model which led to me signing with Bellator.”

— Cris Cyborg (X)

What’s next

The UFC's new broadcast deal with Paramount will continue to be scrutinized as fans and fighters watch to see if the promotion prioritizes cost-cutting over delivering the most compelling matchups.

The takeaway

Rousey and Cyborg's comments highlight the ongoing tension between top fighters and the UFC over pay and the promotion's willingness to invest in the biggest possible fights. As the UFC enters a new era, there are concerns the promotion may maintain its focus on cost-effectiveness over maximizing the sport's potential.