MMA star Ronda Rousey believes mixed martial arts is approaching a turning point, and in her view, the UFC’s evolution from rebellious upstart to industry giant has come with consequences.
Speaking about the state of the sport ahead of her comeback match against Gina Carano, the former UFC champion said MMA is at a crossroads. She said that the organization is growing too comfortable with its dominance.
“I feel like we’re at a crossroads for this sport,” Rousey said. “And this is the beginning of a big change that is long overdue.”
According to Rousey, the UFC’s commanding position in the market has reduced competitive pressure, allowing the company to dictate terms to athletes with little fear of losing them to rival promotions.
“I meant it when I said that UFC is suffering from a lack of competition because they have become too comfortable with being the dominant force in the industry,” she explained. “They’re just making athletes offers where they’re going to go, take it or leave it. What else are you going to do?”
For years, competing in the UFC was widely considered the most lucrative opportunity in combat sports. Rousey now believes that perception has shifted dramatically.
“It used to be that UFC was the best way to make money in combat sports,” she said. “And now it’s becoming like the worst place to make money in combat sports. It used to be anti-establishment, and now it’s become the establishment.”
Despite her criticism, Rousey made it clear that her relationship with the promotion is not rooted in bitterness. She described herself as grateful for the opportunities she received during her career but argued that leadership changes and corporate confidence have altered the company’s direction.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m a company woman and very grateful for my time there,” she said. “But I feel like since they’ve taken the reins away from Dana, they really lost their way.”
Rousey also warned that relying heavily on broadcast and streaming revenue could create a dangerous sense of security, especially if fan dissatisfaction continues to grow.
“I think they need to be reminded of the precariousness of their situation,” she said. “They need to start appreciating the athletes that give everything that they do any value at all. And I think they’ve forgotten that. I’m coming to remind them.”
