Ronda Rousey has openly criticized the UFC’s recent event lineup while endorsing the upcoming Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) fight card set for May 16. The event, which will be streamed on Netflix, features a main event between Francis Ngannou and Philipe Lins, alongside Rousey’s own highly anticipated comeback bout against Gina Carano. Rousey’s remarks highlight her dissatisfaction with the UFC’s prioritization, positioning the MVP card as a fighter- and fan-focused alternative.
Rousey Endorses MVP Card and Voices Frustration With UFC
On social media, Rousey expressed strong approval of the MVP card, calling the combination of fights a
“bad ass motherf*cker laden double headliner.”
She specifically praised MVP’s approach of putting fighters and fans first, contrasting it with her criticism of the UFC’s White House event. Her tweets included pointed language and gestures underscoring her displeasure:
“Ngannou vs. Lins joins Rousey vs. Carano on Netflix, May 16! How’s that for a [bad ass motherf*cker] laden double headliner?” – Ronda Rousey, MMA Fighter
“That’s what happens when you put fighters and fans ahead of shareholders. P.S. UFC’s White House card sucks!” – Ronda Rousey, MMA Fighter
Her message was accompanied by double middle finger emojis, a clear sign of her strong disapproval of the UFC’s recent decisions. This public statement reflects her growing distance from the promotion that helped launch her career.
Ngannou and Rousey Lead a Star-Studded Double Main Event on Netflix
Francis Ngannou, recently released from the Professional Fighters League (PFL), will headline the MVP event against former UFC competitor and PFL heavyweight tournament winner Philipe Lins. This clash is set to be a five-round battle marking Ngannou’s return to MMA. Meanwhile, Rousey’s heavyweight matchup with Gina Carano is positioned as the co-main event, creating a rare double headliner for fight fans to enjoy on a major streaming platform.
Rousey has spoken favorably about working with MVP’s management, led by Jake Paul and Nakissa Bidarian, emphasizing the positive environment and promotional effort surrounding her comeback fight. The event’s Netflix broadcast provides a globally accessible platform, contrasting with the UFC’s traditional pay-per-view model.
Upcoming Media Engagements and Broader Industry Reactions
Rousey is scheduled to participate in a press conference ahead of the event, where she is expected to further discuss her experiences with MVP compared to the UFC. Her outspoken stance has stirred discussions within the MMA community, drawing attention from fighters and analysts alike.
Notable figures such as Alexander Volkanovski have also commented on the significance of the Rousey versus Carano bout, calling it a beneficial development for the sport. Meanwhile, former WWE star CM Punk has acknowledged the challenges of returning to fighting after a long hiatus, referencing Rousey’s comeback.
Implications for MMA Promotions and Fighter Prioritization
Rousey’s criticism of the UFC’s “shareholder-first” approach sheds light on an ongoing debate about how MMA organizations balance business priorities with fighter welfare and fan engagement. Her outspoken support for MVP highlights a shift toward promotions that emphasize fighter treatment and innovative event delivery, like Netflix streaming.
This dispute hints at a more competitive landscape in MMA promotions, where fighters and fans may increasingly seek alternatives to the UFC’s established model. As Rousey and Ngannou headline the MVP event, many will watch closely to see how this double main event performs and how it might influence future promotional strategies in the sport.
#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 🖕🏼😎🖕🏼 pic.twitter.com/FAFrLFMTfg— Ronda Rousey (@RondaRousey) March 9, 2026
