Ronda Rousey Criticizes UFC Fighter Pay, Joe Rogan Agrees

UFC commentator Joe Rogan sides with Ronda Rousey after her comments about low fighter pay in the promotion.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 10:41am

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Former UFC champion Ronda Rousey recently spoke out about the low pay of UFC fighters compared to the promotion's overall earnings. UFC commentator Joe Rogan agreed with Rousey's comments, stating that she raised important points and that the conversation puts pressure on the UFC to increase fighter compensation. Rogan also speculated that if streaming services like Netflix get more involved in MMA, they could offer fighters better pay and draw talent away from the UFC.

Why it matters

Rousey's criticism of UFC fighter pay highlights an ongoing issue in the sport, where athletes reportedly earn only 15-20% of the promotion's total revenue, significantly less than the 50% revenue share typical in major sports leagues. This disparity has led to calls for the UFC to increase fighter compensation to be more equitable.

The details

Rousey is set to make her MMA comeback in May 2026 against Gina Carano. During a recent press conference, Rousey expressed her views on UFC fighter pay, particularly after Jon Jones was offered low pay to fight at an upcoming UFC event. UFC commentator Joe Rogan discussed Rousey's comments on his podcast, agreeing that she made valid points and that the conversation could pressure the UFC to increase fighter salaries. Rogan also speculated that if streaming services like Netflix get more involved in promoting MMA events, they could offer fighters better pay and potentially draw talent away from the UFC.

  • Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano are scheduled to fight on May 16, 2026 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California.
  • Rousey made her comments about UFC fighter pay during a press conference on March 10, 2026.

The players

Ronda Rousey

A former UFC champion who is scheduled to make her MMA comeback in May 2026 against Gina Carano.

Joe Rogan

The UFC commentator and host of the popular 'The Joe Rogan Experience' podcast, who agreed with Rousey's comments about low fighter pay in the UFC.

Gina Carano

A former MMA fighter who is scheduled to face Ronda Rousey in her comeback fight in May 2026.

Jon Jones

A UFC fighter who was reportedly offered low pay to compete at an upcoming UFC event, which prompted Rousey's comments about fighter compensation.

Netflix

A streaming service that Rogan speculated could get more involved in promoting MMA events and potentially offer fighters better pay than the UFC.

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What they’re saying

“She had this big, long speech about the UFC (partnering with Paramount) for $7 billion, and these fighters aren't making enough money – look, she made some good points.”

— Joe Rogan, UFC Commentator

“The most important thing is she gets the conversation out there, and it puts pressure on the UFC to pay people more. If Netflix can become successful at MMA, if they can become successful at putting cards together and pulling fighters away – like, right now they're doing a one-off, it's crazy money, but if anybody's got that kind of money, it's Netflix.”

— Joe Rogan, UFC Commentator

What’s next

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The takeaway

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