Ronda Rousey made her return to MMA at the Netflix MVP event, defeating Gina Carano and walking away on her own terms. But beyond the match itself, Rousey had plenty to say in a recent interview about her compensation and what she believes the sport needs moving forward.
When asked about her pay for the event, Rousey explained that the figures released by the California State Athletic Commission did not reflect the full extent of her deal.
“My compensation? Well, I was compensated not just for my MMA services,” Rousey said. “I also was promoting this event as well. So I think it’s literally on the contract that I’m not supposed to tell people, but I’m very happy and very grateful, and me and my husband are going to go house shopping in Hawaii after this.”
According to figures released by the California State Athletic Commission, Ronda Rousey led the payroll for MVP’s Netflix MMA debut with a guaranteed purse of $2.2 million, while Gina Carano earned $1.05 million.
Francis Ngannou reportedly secured $1.5 million for his appearance against Philipe Lins, who was guaranteed $100,000, while Nate Diaz and Mike Perry earned $500,000 and $400,000 respectively. It was also revealed that every athlete competing on the card received a guaranteed minimum payout of at least $40,000.
Rousey also reacted to the UFC announcing a Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway rematch during Francis Ngannou’s walkout at the MVP event, suggesting the move revealed how seriously the promotion views MVP MMA as competition.
“It’s kind of catty,” she said, “but it also shows that they see MVP MMA as a threat, that they would do it in that moment and spend, do it at that time.”
Rousey continued by saying she viewed the situation as a positive sign for the promotion.
“So I feel like it’s also a compliment because it elevates MVP MMA and makes, they’re declaring that they see us as a real rival, and I think that’s such a compelling story, and now they’re helping us tell it,” Rousey added.
The former UFC champion made it clear that she believes MMA benefits from having a legitimate alternative to the UFC.
“The UFC needs competition,” Rousey said. “It’s the best thing for them, and I think MVP would be the best organization for that role.”
She also emphasized why she hopes the promotion succeeds long-term.
“I want to help, but even if I don’t stick around, I really hope that MVP does in MMA because I think it’s important, and this event was incredible, and it breathed new life into the sport,” she explained.
When the discussion shifted to Jon Jones reportedly wanting out of his UFC contract, Rousey addressed what she sees as a larger issue surrounding athlete treatment and independent contractor status.
“I feel like if you’re an independent contractor, you should be able to be independent,” Rousey said. “I think it’s unfair that he’s not paid as an employee, but he can’t go out and work for whoever he wants.”
She then added, “I just feel like it’s wrong to hold him hostage like that.”
Despite her criticisms of the UFC’s business structure, Rousey revealed that UFC CEO Dana White still reached out to her ahead of the match.
“He did send me a text this morning,” Rousey said. “He said good luck, and that he hopes me and Gina k*ll it.”
Rousey admitted the gesture meant a lot to her personally.
“And I just told him about how much it meant to me to hear that from him,” she continued. “He’s been an incredible friend to me, and I’m here because of him, and I am eternally grateful, and I really appreciate him giving me his blessing to go out and do this on my own.”
Asked whether she would consider staying involved with MVP as a promoter, Rousey said she was open to the possibility, though uncertain about what the role would require.
“It’s interesting,” she said. “I don’t know if I can really commit to it because I don’t really know exactly what that would entail, how much they would want me to be around, how much they would want from me.”
Looking back on the experience, Rousey admitted the promotional side of the event helped her rediscover a skill she genuinely enjoys.
“One thing I realized throughout this,” Rousey said, “man, I’m really good at promoting, and I was actually having a good time with it.”
