Ronda Rousey, former UFC women’s bantamweight champion and UFC Hall of Fame inductee, has recently voiced sharp criticism toward the UFC concerning its ongoing legal issues. Speaking in a promotional video for her upcoming bout against Gina Carano on Netflix, Rousey addressed the series of UFC class action lawsuits that have affected the organization since 2014.
The earliest lawsuit, Le vs. Zuffa, was settled for $375 million in 2024 with disbursements completed last year. However, other lawsuits from fighters like Kajan Johnson and Misha Cirkonov remain active. Cirkonov’s case challenges UFC contracts restricting fighters from joining class action suits.
Rousey’s Comments Highlight UFC’s Legal and Competitive Challenges
In conversation with MVP’s Nakisa Bidarian, Rousey jokingly offered her perspective on the UFC’s struggles.
“We’re helping them [UFC], because they’re suffering from a lack of competition. They can’t just make a class-action lawsuit every couple years the cost of doing business. I’m really trying to help Dana [White] out,”
she said with a laugh.
If anyone has been groomed to be his apprentice, it’s been me. I think I’d be the most favorite adversary he’s ever had.
Although Rousey’s tone was playful, her remarks underscore the significant financial and competitive pressures the UFC faces. If the pending lawsuits resolve similarly to previous cases, the promotion could pay out close to or exceed $800 million to over a billion dollars over several years.
UFC’s Financial Backing and Upcoming Events
Despite these legal challenges, the UFC, under Zuffa and parent company TKO Group, recently secured a lucrative seven-year broadcast deal worth $7.7 billion with Paramount+. While the influx of capital strengthens the organization, the legal payouts remain substantial.
Rousey also took a direct shot at UFC’s card promotion for the Freedom 250 event at the White House. On Monday, she tweeted,
P.S [UFC]’s White House card sucks.
Fans have expressed mixed reactions to the announced lineup, criticizing the absence of high-profile stars such as Conor McGregor, Jon Jones, and Jorge Masvidal.
Rousey’s Return and Event Details
Rousey, who last competed in 2016 with a loss to Amanda Nunes, is set to fight Gina Carano, retired since 2009, on May 16, 2026. The match will take place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, CA. The bout is highly anticipated as both fighters return under notable circumstances within the evolving UFC landscape.
