Ronda Rousey Takes Aim at UFC Pay Structure Ahead of MMA Comeback

Former UFC champion criticizes low fighter salaries as she prepares to face Gina Carano in a Netflix-streamed bout.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:52am

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MMA and pro-wrestling star Ronda Rousey has continued to take public shots at the UFC and its president Dana White, criticizing the promotion's pay structure for fighters. Ahead of her upcoming fight against Gina Carano, which will be streamed on Netflix under Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions banner, Rousey has voiced support for up-and-coming fighter Kenneth Cross, who says he is earning five times more for his first fight than he would have in the UFC.

Why it matters

Rousey's comments highlight the ongoing debate around fighter pay in the MMA industry, with many athletes arguing that the UFC and other major promotions do not adequately compensate their fighters. As a high-profile former champion, Rousey's criticism could put further pressure on the UFC to address this issue.

The details

At a recent press conference, Rousey made controversial statements taking aim at the UFC's pay structure, prompting a response from UFC commentator Joe Rogan. Rousey has now doubled down on her criticism, voicing support for fighter Kenneth Cross, who says he is earning significantly more for his first fight under the MVP banner than he would have in the UFC.

  • Rousey is scheduled to fight Gina Carano on May 16, 2026 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California.
  • Rousey's recent comments about fighter pay were made in the lead-up to her comeback fight against Carano.

The players

Ronda Rousey

A former UFC women's bantamweight champion and MMA and pro-wrestling veteran who is making a comeback to fight Gina Carano under the MVP banner.

Dana White

The president of the UFC, the world's largest MMA promotion.

Kenneth Cross

An up-and-coming MMA prospect who says he is earning five times more for his first fight under the MVP banner than he would have in the UFC.

Jake Paul

A YouTuber-turned-boxer who founded the Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) company, which is promoting Rousey's comeback fight against Carano.

Gina Carano

A former MMA fighter who is returning to the sport to face Ronda Rousey in the main event of the MVP and Netflix-streamed event.

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What they’re saying

“If you're fighting on the biggest stage you deserve a living wage! So proud to be changing the industry with [Kenneth Cross] [Salahdine Parnasse] [Most Valuable Promotions] and [Netflix] May 16th!”

— Ronda Rousey

“I'm making five times what a UFC fighter would make in his first fight. I'm making the whole first contract outside of if they get a bonus. It's just like all my hard work is finally paying off, and no gatekeeping.”

— Kenneth Cross, MMA Prospect

What’s next

Rousey's fight against Carano on May 16, 2026 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles will be a highly anticipated event, as it marks Rousey's return to MMA competition. The bout will be streamed live on Netflix as part of Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions.

The takeaway

Ronda Rousey's continued criticism of the UFC's pay structure for fighters highlights the ongoing debate around fair compensation in the MMA industry. As a high-profile former champion, Rousey's comments could put further pressure on the UFC to address this issue, especially as she prepares to compete in a bout promoted by a rival organization that is offering more lucrative terms to its fighters.