Ronda Rousey Launches Netflix Comeback Fight, Criticizes UFC

Former UFC star Ronda Rousey announces return to MMA against Gina Carano, blasts UFC for failing fighters financially

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Ronda Rousey, the former UFC champion, used the launch of her long-awaited comeback fight to deliver a scathing critique of the UFC, accusing the organization of failing its fighters financially. Rousey announced her return to MMA, set for May 16 on Netflix, where she will face fellow pioneer Gina Carano. Rousey emphasized her disillusionment with the current state of the UFC, stating that many fighters at the ground level cannot even support their families.

Why it matters

Rousey's comments highlight the ongoing tensions between fighters and the UFC over issues like fighter pay and treatment. Her high-profile return to MMA, coupled with her criticism of the UFC, could further fuel the debate around the promotion's treatment of its athletes and the need for reforms in the sport.

The details

Rousey, who made history as the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in judo, emphasized that the UFC is no longer the best place for fighters to make a living, with many living at poverty level. She pointed to the UFC's recent $7.7 billion deal with Paramount, suggesting the promotion is prioritizing shareholders over the well-being of its athletes. Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou echoed Rousey's sentiments, stating that fighters should be able to get what they deserve as independent contractors.

  • Rousey's comeback fight is scheduled for May 16, 2026 on Netflix.
  • Rousey's comments come a week after public disputes between the UFC and fighters like Jon Jones.

The players

Ronda Rousey

A former UFC champion and the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in judo, Rousey is making a comeback to MMA with a fight against Gina Carano on Netflix.

Gina Carano

A fellow pioneer in MMA, Carano is returning to the sport to face Rousey in the first women's fight to headline a major global streaming platform.

Francis Ngannou

A former UFC heavyweight champion, Ngannou echoed Rousey's criticisms of the UFC, stating that fighters should be able to get what they deserve as independent contractors.

Jake Paul

The co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), which is making its debut in MMA, declared that the UFC is in terminal decline and that MVP is here to take over and put fighters first.

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What they’re saying

“It used to be that UFC was the best place you could come in combat sports to make a living and be paid fairly. And now it's one of the worst places to go.”

— Ronda Rousey (taylorvilledailynews.com)

“We are not an employee. We are independent contractor(s), and we should be able to get what we deserve.”

— Francis Ngannou, Former UFC Heavyweight Champion (taylorvilledailynews.com)

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

— Jake Paul, Co-founder, Most Valuable Promotions (taylorvilledailynews.com)

What’s next

The highly anticipated Rousey-Carano fight is set to headline Netflix's first-ever live MMA broadcast on May 16, 2026, marking the first women's fight to do so on a major global streaming platform.

The takeaway

Rousey's criticisms of the UFC's treatment of its fighters, coupled with the high-profile nature of her comeback fight, could further fuel the ongoing debate around the need for reforms in the sport of MMA to ensure fighters are fairly compensated and supported.