Ronda Rousey Sparks UFC Discontent with Scathing Critique

Rousey's comments about UFC's shift to shareholder focus ignite backlash from fighters over pay and treatment

Mar. 10, 2026 at 11:19pm

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In a press conference for her upcoming fight against Gina Carano, former UFC champion Ronda Rousey unleashed a scathing critique of UFC president Dana White and the promotion's shift in priorities under new ownership. Rousey accused the UFC of prioritizing shareholder value over fighter pay and putting on the best fights, sparking a wave of discontent from other high-profile fighters like Jon Jones, Francis Ngannou, and Tom Aspinall.

Why it matters

Rousey's outspoken comments represent the growing unrest among UFC fighters who feel underpaid and undervalued by the promotion, which is now owned by the entertainment conglomerate TKO. This discontent could lead to more fighters seeking representation outside the UFC or even outright leaving the promotion, posing a significant challenge to the UFC's dominance in the MMA landscape.

The details

In the press conference, Rousey described UFC president Dana White as "loyal to a fault" to the promotion, even as it has shifted its focus to appeasing shareholders rather than putting on the best fights. She cited the recent "UFC Freedom 250" event at the White House as an example, saying it "fell extremely short of expectations." Rousey also mentioned that champions like Valentina Shevchenko are having to sell explicit content on OnlyFans to supplement their incomes, and that the UFC's $7.7 billion in revenue is no excuse for not paying fighters a living wage.

  • The press conference took place on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
  • Rousey and Carano are set to fight on May 16, 2026.

The players

Ronda Rousey

A former UFC women's bantamweight champion who is now headlining a fight against Gina Carano under the new MVP promotion.

Dana White

The long-time president of the UFC, who Rousey accused of being "loyal to a fault" to the promotion as it has shifted its priorities under new ownership.

Jon Jones

A former UFC light heavyweight champion who recently asked for his outright release from the promotion after disputes over his pay and treatment.

Francis Ngannou

A UFC heavyweight fighter who joined Rousey in criticizing the UFC's treatment of fighters as "independent contractors" who deserve better pay and opportunities.

Jake Paul

The co-founder of the new MVP promotion, which he says is aimed at disrupting the UFC and putting fighters first in terms of pay and platform.

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What they’re saying

“This company just did $7.7 billion, there's no reason they can't afford to pay their athletes at least a living wage.”

— Ronda Rousey

“We are not employees; we are independent contractors. And we should be able to get what we deserve — and if we don't get [it], we will be able to have a right to walk away and go look at other options.”

— Francis Ngannou

“I believe we have massive opportunity to disrupt the whole space, and to put fighters first, to get them to the pay they deserve, to the platform they deserve. Because I believe the UFC is dying and MVP is here to take over.”

— Jake Paul, Co-founder, MVP

What’s next

The judge in Jon Jones' case will decide on Tuesday whether to grant his request for release from the UFC.

The takeaway

Rousey's scathing critique of the UFC's shift towards prioritizing shareholders over fighters has ignited a broader wave of discontent among top MMA stars, who are increasingly willing to speak out against the promotion's business practices and seek alternative opportunities. This unrest could signal a significant challenge to the UFC's dominance in the sport if more fighters follow suit.