Ronda Rousey criticizes TKO leadership: ‘The UFC is one of the worst places to go’
While it was known the upcoming Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano MMA fight on Netflix was originally pitched to the UFC, what wasn’t known was that a date range was attached.
During Tuesday’s pre-event press conference in Los Angeles, Rousey was asked by event host Ariel Helwani about what happened in the UFC and she said a lot about that and other topics including her thoughts on TKO leadership.
She said she spoke to Dana White about it first due to her love and respect for him. She explained that it originally was being slated to be the final fight under the pay-per-view model that ended in December 2025 prior to UFC’s move to Paramount in January 2026.
An actual date wasn’t announced, but she said “New Year’s.” She also said the offer to her was “the best PPV structure ever.”
The reason that didn’t happen was Carano wasn’t ready, something Rousey said “was meant to be.” The two will fight on Netflix on Saturday, May 16.
She said White was the first one to know she was taking the fight to Netflix and that he gave it his blessing and that “he’s always been my friend first.” She said he wasn’t upset and that he was the one who wanted her to make as much money as possible.
Rousey said that her criticisms of the UFC over the last few days is because White “isn’t calling the shots” and is an employee of a company that isn’t focused on making the best fights possible but is beholden to their shareholders first.
“They are bleeding talent because of short-term greed. They’re thinking about the next quarter. They’re thinking about the shareholders. They’re not thinking about their responsibility to be stewards of the future of the sport,” he said.
“He knows the White House cards sucks,” she said. “I guarantee he’s not happy with it either. He taught me through example to speak my mind.”
She later was asked to describe White and said, “loyal to a fault.”
“The UFC is one of the worst places to go. So many of their top athletes are leaving to find pay elsewhere. It’s why their champions like Valentina (Shevchenko) are selling pictures of their titties on OnlyFans.”
Rousey said future fights depend on how the Carano fight goes, but that she wants more kids and to be more present for her family.
“When are you going to be impressed enough with yourself to spend more time with your family?” she said, adding this is a grand finale and a way to “rewrite her ending.”
Francis Ngannou and Philipe Lins were also at the presser and Ngannou was asked about fighting MVP promoter/owner Jake Paul in the future. Ngannou said he wasn’t interested in fighting him, but rather “beating his ass.” Paul later said he also wanted to do it which would be in boxing if it happens.
Since 2011, Josh has been a contributing editor to Wrestling Observer/F4WOnline.com and also hosts the Punch-Out podcast. He has also written for Fight Magazine, Bloody Elbow, Bleacher Report, and other websites. He's a 2000 graduate of the University of Maine, worked in pro sports, and once was an indie ring announcer.