Ronda Rousey has launched a sharp critique of the UFC and its compensation of fighters, singling out champion Valentina Shevchenko in the process. The outspoken comments came ahead of Rousey’s highly anticipated return to the cage, and quickly drew a response from the flyweight titleholder.
The UFC continues to market itself as the premier organization in mixed martial arts, a place where the best compete against the best. However, a growing chorus of fighters have voiced concerns about inadequate pay, arguing that the financial rewards don’t align with the risks they take inside the octagon. Ronda Rousey, a pioneering figure in women’s MMA, recently added her voice to that debate.
“The UFC used to be the best place to go in combat sports for a good living, the compensation was fair,” Rousey stated during a press conference promoting her upcoming fight against Gina Carano. “Now it’s one of the worst places to be.”
Rousey didn’t stop there, directly calling out Valentina Shevchenko, the dominant flyweight champion. “That’s why so many of their best athletes are leaving and looking for money elsewhere… That’s why their champions like Valentina are selling pictures of their breasts on OnlyFans. A lot of those people, many of whom are on the lower card, can’t afford to provide for their families. They’re fighting full time, but living below the poverty line.”
Ronda Rousey just went on a rant about the UFC’s fighter pay 😳
“The UFC is one of the worst places to go. Their champions like Valentina are selling pictures of their t*tties on OnlyFans.
They just got $7.7 billion dollars. There’s no reason they can’t pay their athletes.” pic.twitter.com/TkaB6ljymb
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) March 10, 2026
Shevchenko was quick to respond, firing back via social media. “We are in 2026. Fighters using OnlyFans because it’s just a modern way to connect with fans,” she wrote in a post on X, suggesting Rousey is out of touch with current trends. “Looks like Ronda has been sleeping too long since her last fight in 2016.”
It’s worth noting that Shevchenko herself does not offer explicit content on the platform, leading some to suggest Rousey’s comments were somewhat of a mischaracterization. She could have pointed to other fighters who have taken a more explicit approach to generating income through the platform.
Rousey’s criticism of the UFC is widely seen as a tactic to generate interest in her comeback fight against Carano, scheduled for May 16th. The bout is notable for the lengthy layoff both fighters have endured; Rousey hasn’t competed since 2016, while Carano’s last fight was in 2009. This extended absence has raised questions about their current form and competitiveness.
The debate over fighter pay in the UFC is not new. For years, athletes have argued that the revenue-sharing model disproportionately favors the organization, while fighters bear the brunt of the physical risks. The UFC’s recent media rights deal, reportedly worth $7.7 billion, has only intensified these calls for a more equitable distribution of wealth.
Rousey’s return to MMA, after a period focused on professional wrestling and acting, is already generating significant buzz. Her outspokenness on issues like fighter pay adds another layer of intrigue to her comeback. Whether her criticisms will lead to tangible changes within the UFC remains to be seen, but they have undoubtedly sparked a renewed conversation about the financial realities faced by many mixed martial artists.
The upcoming fight between Rousey and Carano represents a clash of generations and a nostalgic return to a pivotal rivalry in women’s MMA history. While the competitive implications are uncertain, the event is guaranteed to draw attention and further fuel the ongoing debate about the future of the sport.
For fans following the story, the next key date is May 16th, when Rousey and Carano finally step back into the cage. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of this developing story and the latest updates from the world of MMA.
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