INGLEWOOD — Ronda Rousey, the former UFC women’s bantamweight champion, took aim at the organization that once made her a global icon, criticizing its financial practices during a press conference Tuesday to promote her highly anticipated return to the sport. Rousey will face Gina Carano in a five-round bout at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood on May 16, presented by Most Valuable Promotions and streamed on Netflix.

Rousey Criticizes UFC’s Financial Practices

Rousey, 39, spoke candidly about the UFC’s current state, accusing the organization of underpaying fighters and forcing some to monetize their content on platforms like OnlyFans. ‘It used to be that UFC was the best place that you could come in combat sports to make a living and be paid fairly,’ Rousey said. ‘And now it’s one of the worst places to go.’

The comments came as Rousey reflected on her 2013-2018 tenure with the UFC, during which she became a household name and the first woman to win the bantamweight title. Rousey accused the organization of shifting its focus from fighters to shareholders, noting that the UFC’s recent $7.7 billion streaming deal with Paramount+ has not translated into better pay for athletes.

‘They’re thinking about the next quarter,’ Rousey said, referencing the UFC’s financial strategies. ‘They’re thinking about the shareholders and they’re not thinking about their responsibility to be stewards of the future of the sport.’

Carano’s Return and the Fight’s Significance

Gina Carano, 43, who last fought in 2009, expressed excitement about the matchup, which she called ‘the one’ after Rousey asked her to return to the octagon. Carano, known for her role in the first women’s headlining event in major MMA history, said the fight was the most important opportunity she had in years.

‘The motivation is Ronda personally asked me, and she was quite the charmer for so much,’ Carano said, recalling how Rousey’s outreach reignited her passion for fighting. ‘She inspired me to come back.’

The fight was originally set for New Year’s Eve but was postponed when Carano needed more time to prepare. Rousey also hinted that the UFC’s recent changes, including the loss of Dana White as a co-owner, have affected the organization’s direction, particularly in terms of matchmaking and fighter compensation.

UFC’s Current State and Fighter Departures

Rousey highlighted the exodus of top fighters from the UFC, citing Valentina Shevchenko, currently ranked No. 1 in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings, as an example of athletes forced to sell content on OnlyFans. ‘It’s why there are champions like Valentina selling pictures on OnlyFans,’ Rousey said, criticizing the UFC’s financial model.

She also took aim at the UFC’s upcoming card, which she said was underwhelming. ‘He knows the White House card sucks,’ Rousey said, referencing the June 13 event that has been met with mixed reviews. ‘He was so upset about it — he was talking about a fight falling out the day before.’

Rousey, who once considered White a mentor, said the UFC’s shift in power structure has had a negative impact on the organization. ‘He knows the White House card sucks,’ she said, referring to White’s former role and the recent disappointment with the event.

Rousey’s Post-Fight Plans and Personal Life

Rousey, who is raising her two daughters with husband Travis Browne, said the upcoming fight is likely to be her last in the octagon. ‘This is definitely the last one,’ she said, emphasizing her desire to focus on her family life. ‘I can’t be taking any more detours. I want to be fully present for my husband and my kids.’

She also hinted at a potential role with Most Valuable Promotions, saying she told co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian that ‘I can’t be your Conor, but I can be your Dana.’ Rousey has been training for the fight while balancing her responsibilities as a mother, a task she described as challenging but manageable.

Carano’s Career and the Fight’s Impact

Carano, who is married and lives in Montana, said the fight represents a culmination of her career. ‘To share this moment with her and to be the one that she would come back for,’ she said, acknowledging the significance of the matchup. ‘She’s my ‘one’ as well.’

Carano, who gained fame through her 2009 Strikeforce debut and became a trailblazer for women in combat sports, has been away from the sport for over a decade. Her return, alongside Rousey’s comeback, has generated significant buzz and is expected to be one of the most-watched MMA events in history.

The Road to May 16 and Future of MMA

Rousey and Carano have been working closely to prepare for the fight, with Rousey taking the initiative to reach out to Carano and secure the match. ‘I had to get her number and talk to her,’ Rousey said, recounting the process of making the fight happen. ‘Because of this, I had to meet up with her and find a way to make the contract work.’

The fight, which will take place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, has been as a historic event, with both fighters expressing hope that it will bring attention to the issues facing the UFC and the broader MMA community. Rousey said she hopes the event will impact the UFC, which she believes is ‘not about putting on the best fights.’

As the May 16 date approaches, the fight has become a focal point for fans and analysts alike, with many wondering how the event will affect the future of the sport and the direction of the UFC.