MMA Fighter Calls Ronda Rousey 'Tough to Deal With'

Rousey's comments on UFC pay structure have created a 'MVP vs. UFC' narrative, says Mike Perry.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 1:20pm

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In a recent podcast interview, MMA fighter Mike Perry described former UFC champion Ronda Rousey as 'tough to deal with.' Perry said Rousey's critical comments about UFC's pay structure have helped create a competitive edge for MVP, the promotion company founded by YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, as they prepare for Rousey's comeback fight against Gina Carano on May 16.

Why it matters

Rousey's return to MMA after a decade-long hiatus has generated significant buzz, especially with her recent controversial statements about UFC fighter pay. Perry's comments provide an insider's perspective on Rousey's reputation and how her outspoken nature is shaping the narrative around her upcoming fight and the broader rivalry between MVP and UFC.

The details

In the Overdogs USA podcast, Perry acknowledged Rousey's comments on UFC and called her 'tough to deal with.' He also addressed how Rousey's comments have turned the narrative into 'MVP vs UFC,' which has helped create a competitive edge for them as they prepare for the May 16 event that will feature Rousey's comeback fight against Gina Carano, as well as other high-profile matchups like Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry.

  • Ronda Rousey is set to face Gina Carano on May 16, 2026, at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California.
  • The May 16 event will be hosted by Jake Paul's promotion company, MVP (Most Valuable Promotions).

The players

Ronda Rousey

A former UFC women's bantamweight champion who is making her MMA comeback after a decade-long hiatus.

Mike Perry

An MMA fighter who recently commented on Ronda Rousey's reputation, describing her as 'tough to deal with.'

Jake Paul

A YouTuber-turned-boxer who founded the promotion company MVP (Most Valuable Promotions), which is hosting the May 16 event featuring Rousey's comeback fight.

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What they’re saying

“She's[Ronda Rousey] talking that s**t boy, she's tough to deal with, Ronda. I'm telling you, she's kind of making this MVP vs. UFC, and with Netflix, it's going to be huge for us. I just want to put on an exciting show and like really just all the blood, guts, and glory of it, man, all of it.”

— Mike Perry, MMA Fighter

What’s next

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The takeaway

Ronda Rousey's outspoken nature and critical comments about UFC's pay structure have created a competitive narrative between MVP and UFC, adding an extra layer of intrigue to her highly anticipated MMA comeback fight against Gina Carano.