Ronda Rousey, the former UFC women's bantamweight champion, has expressed strong opinions regarding the direction of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Speaking at a press conference for her fight against Gina Carano, Rousey stated that UFC's affiliation with media company Paramount and the adoption of a streaming model has led to significant changes in the organization. She believes that the focus has shifted from showcasing the best fights to prioritizing shareholder value, arguing that this transformation is detrimental to the sport.

Rousey, 39, stated that UFC's pursuit of a lucrative seven-year media partnership valued at $7.7 billion has altered its core mission. She feels that UFC has lost its grip on what made it popular and that the leadership, represented by Dana White, is more concerned with maximizing stock value than maintaining the integrity of the fight promotion. This change, according to Rousey, makes the UFC almost unrecognizable compared to its original form, and she suggests that someone must step in to rescue the organization from itself.

As a prominent figure in UFC's history, Rousey's remarks carry weight, given that she helped propel the sport into mainstream consciousness. Her passionate defense of the sport's integrity raises critical questions about corporate influence in sports and the paramount importance of quality competition versus financial interests. Rousey's willingness to play the 'hero' role in advocating for the sport's future speaks to her enduring influence within the mixed martial arts community.