Ronda Rousey Slams UFC, Promotes Netflix Fight with Gina Carano & Ngannou vs Lins
Ronda Rousey is making a statement – both inside and outside the cage. Ahead of her highly anticipated return to mixed martial arts against Gina Carano on on Netflix, Rousey has publicly criticized the UFC’s upcoming event at the White House, calling it “a suck” in a pointed social media post on .
The Netflix card, headlined by Rousey versus Carano, has added significant firepower with the announcement that former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou will face Philipe Lins. MVP Promotions confirmed the bout, setting the stage for a compelling co-main event. Rousey didn’t hesitate to leverage the addition of Ngannou, a major draw in his own right, to contrast the Netflix offering with the UFC’s White House showcase.
“#NgannouVsLins joins #RouseyVsCarano on @Netflix May 16th!
How’s THAT for a bamf laden double headliner?
That’s what happens when you put fighters and fans ahead of shareholders @MostVpromotions
P.S. @ufc’s White House card sucks 🖕🏼😎🖕🏼
,” Rousey wrote on Twitter, accompanying the message with a link to a promotional image.
Rousey’s criticism extends beyond simply promoting her own event. She has previously voiced concerns about the UFC’s business priorities, specifically alleging that the organization prioritized shareholder value over securing her fight with Carano under the UFC banner. According to Rousey, discussions with UFC President Dana White initially showed promise, but ultimately stalled when the UFC’s financial considerations shifted with its new broadcasting deal with Paramount.
“Gina needed more time,” Rousey explained in a recent interview. “And it happened to go to the other side of when ESPN’s deal and their PPV model would be ending and they would be going to streaming [with Paramount]. And you know, they’re now a publicly traded company. And they — how do I put it? They didn’t wish to set a precedent of giving me the guaranteed money that I deserve, as once I rise that raise that tide it lifts all the boats. And they just made a 7.7 billion dollar deal at Paramount. So it’s in their best interest actually not to put on the best fights possible, but to spend as little as money as possible so that he can keep it. Dana’s now legally obligated to maximize shareholder value.”
This perspective frames Rousey’s current venture with Netflix as a deliberate choice – a platform willing to prioritize the quality of matchups and fighter compensation over strict financial constraints. The addition of Ngannou, a fighter who recently left the UFC in part due to similar concerns about fighter pay and promotional control, further reinforces this narrative.
The UFC’s White House event, scheduled for June, features two title fights: Ilia Topuria versus Justin Gaethje and Alex Pereira versus Ciryl Gane. While these matchups are undoubtedly significant, Rousey’s comments suggest a belief that the event lacks the same fighter-centric focus as the Netflix card.
Ngannou’s return to MMA is itself a notable development. After a successful foray into boxing, including a highly competitive fight against Tyson Fury, he is returning to his roots. His presence on the Netflix card alongside Rousey significantly elevates the event’s profile and adds a layer of intrigue for fans.
The contrast between the two events – the UFC’s White House card and the Netflix offering – highlights a growing tension within the combat sports world. The debate over fighter compensation, promotional control, and the prioritization of fan experience versus shareholder value is becoming increasingly prominent. Rousey’s outspokenness and her decision to partner with Netflix represent a clear stance in this evolving landscape.
The May 16th Netflix event is shaping up to be a significant moment, not just for Rousey and Carano, but for the broader conversation surrounding the future of combat sports. The inclusion of Ngannou, coupled with Rousey’s pointed criticism of the UFC, positions the event as a potential alternative model – one that prioritizes fighters and fans, and challenges the established norms of the industry.
The implications of this shift remain to be seen, but Rousey’s actions and words are undoubtedly sparking a dialogue that could reshape the landscape of MMA for years to come. The success of the Netflix card could serve as a proof of concept, demonstrating that a fighter-focused approach can be both commercially viable and critically acclaimed.