A Public Feud Erupts
Ahead of her highly anticipated return to MMA at a Netflix mega-event on May 16, Ronda Rousey addressed recent disparaging comments made by UFC bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison. The tension originated from Harrison's appearance on the Death Row MMA podcast, where she disputed a story Rousey shared regarding their past judo training sessions and went on to label both Rousey and her upcoming opponent, Gina Carano, as irrelevant due to their time away from the sport.
Rousey, currently 39, did not hold back in her response during a press conference in New York, defending both her own legacy and that of Carano.
Defending a Legacy
Rousey emphasized that her career was the foundational catalyst for the current landscape of women's MMA. Addressing Harrison’s remarks, she stated:
«Gina is so relevant that she's the whole reason that the 145-pound division even exists. I am so relevant that the only reason Harrison has a job at the UFC is because of me. Kayla is so irrelevant that she couldn't even keep the 145-pound division around.»
Rousey further addressed Harrison's skepticism regarding her past training in Canada, dismissing the champion's accusations of dishonesty. She highlighted the irony of Harrison calling her a liar after previously claiming to be grateful for Rousey's past support, including help with groceries during their time in Japan.
Questioning the Status Quo
The conversation shifted toward the current state of the industry and fighter pay. Rousey challenged the narrative surrounding Harrison’s scheduled bouts, specifically pointing out that Harrison's high-profile fights are often relegated to co-main events.
«If she thinks that her fight is the biggest women's fight of all time, why is she getting paid less now than I was 10 years ago? Riddle me this — are you overvalued or are you underpaid?» Rousey asked.
A Shift in Industry Standards
Rousey views her upcoming fight with Carano as more than just a return to the cage; she believes it serves as a platform to demand better conditions for all athletes. She noted that the fighters on the Netflix card are guaranteed a minimum of $40,000, a significant increase from standard entry-level pay in other major promotions.
«Fighting for MVP and on Netflix, it makes this fight bigger than us. It's a game-changer for the entire industry,» Rousey stated. She argued that the event represents an attempt to shift power back to the athletes, forcing organizations to compete for talent and providing fighters with greater bargaining leverage in the future.