Ronda Rousey takes fresh swipe at UFC after revealing Netflix MMA card pay details

Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images

Ronda Rousey took centre stage last Wednesday during a press conference promoting the 16 May event she headlines alongside Gina Carano on Netflix. The appearance quickly shifted focus towards fighter pay.

The former UFC champion has been vocal since confirming her return, repeatedly criticising the organisation’s structure. That stance continued as she addressed ongoing debates around earnings in mixed martial arts.

Rousey used the platform to highlight differences with Most Valuable Promotions, the rival promotion hosting the event. Her comments directly targeted UFC standards, adding further weight to a growing conversation within the sport.

Ronda Rousey reveals minimum purse for MVP fight card

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Rousey stated that the lowest purse on the card will be $40,000, setting a clear benchmark for fighter compensation.

She said: “I think it’s really important that we raise the ceiling, but also raise the floor, and one thing that I’m really proud on this card is that the absolute minimum anybody will walk away with, even if they don’t have a big, long record, and even if they lose, it’s $40,000.”

‘Rowdy’ then added: “If you fight 3 times a year, that is much more than a living wage. That’s something the UFC cannot say.”

Her comments reflect a consistent stance since aligning with Jake Paul’s MVP, as she continues to draw comparisons with the UFC’s pay structure.

UFC pay structure remains under scrutiny

Reports have long suggested that entry-level UFC fighters earn around $12,000 to show, though no official figure has been confirmed.