Ronda Rousey Fires Back at UFC Champion Kayla Harrison

Rousey calls Harrison irrelevant ahead of her fight with Gina Carano

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:55am

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An abstract, expressionist painting depicting the intense energy and confrontation between two female MMA fighters, with bold, neon-colored brushstrokes capturing the raw emotion and physicality of their rivalry.The personal feud between two of the UFC's top female stars is fueling excitement and anticipation ahead of their upcoming bouts.Los Angeles Today

Legendary UFC star Ronda Rousey has fired back at current UFC women's Bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison, calling her 'irrelevant' and saying the only reason Harrison has a job in the UFC is because of Rousey. The two fighters have exchanged personal attacks in the lead-up to Rousey's upcoming bout against Gina Carano on May 16, 2026 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.

Why it matters

The feud between Rousey and Harrison highlights the ongoing rivalries and personal tensions within the UFC women's division. As two of the top stars, their war of words is generating significant attention and hype ahead of their respective fights.

The details

In a recent interview, Harrison called Rousey 'irrelevant' and criticized her for claiming that her fight with Carano is 'the best female fight of all time', given that Carana hasn't fought in 17 years. Rousey fired back, saying that Carano is 'so relevant she's the reason the 145-pound division even exists' and that 'the only reason [Harrison] has a job in the UFC is because of me.' Rousey also accused Harrison of lacking charisma and being in the 'shadows' of herself and Carano.

  • Rousey and Carano are set to fight on May 16, 2026 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California.
  • The comments from Rousey and Harrison were made in the lead-up to their respective upcoming fights.

The players

Ronda Rousey

A legendary UFC star who is set to fight Gina Carano on May 16, 2026.

Kayla Harrison

The current UFC women's Bantamweight champion who has exchanged personal attacks with Rousey.

Gina Carano

A former MMA fighter who is set to fight Rousey on May 16, 2026.

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What’s next

The highly anticipated fight between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano is set to take place on May 16, 2026 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. The bout will stream live on Netflix.

The takeaway

The personal feud between Ronda Rousey and Kayla Harrison highlights the intense rivalries and competitive nature within the UFC women's division. As two of the sport's biggest stars, their war of words is generating significant buzz ahead of their respective upcoming fights.