Ronda Rousey launched her highly anticipated return to MMA on Netflix with a sharp critique of the UFC, accusing the organization of failing its fighters financially. The 39-year-old will face Gina Carano on May 16, marking her first fight in a decade.
"It used to be that UFC was the best place you could come in combat sports to make a living and be paid fairly," Rousey stated at a press conference. "And now it's one of the worst places to go." She highlighted that many fighters struggle to support their families while competing full-time, despite the company's substantial revenue.
Her comments align with recent disputes, including Jon Jones' exit from the UFC over contract disagreements. Former UFC champion Francis Ngannou and Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Jake Paul echoed Rousey's sentiments, criticizing the UFC's fighter compensation and management.
The Netflix event will be the first live MMA broadcast for the streaming giant and the first women's fight to headline on a major global platform. Carano, who hasn't fought since 2009, described her return as "healing" and "exciting."
Rousey, a former Olympic judo medalist, expressed surprise at her own return, attributing it to regaining her passion for the sport and a desire to reclaim her identity alongside Carano.