Ronda Rousey took aim at the UFC after the promotion announced the full UFC 329 card in the middle of MVP MMA’s debut event in Inglewood, Calif.
Rousey returned to fighting after 10 years away and scored a quick submission win over Gina Carano in the headliner of MVP MMA’s inaugural show, which took place Saturday night at the Intuit Dome and streamed live on Netflix. As Francis Ngannou walked out for his bout against Philipe Lins, UFC president Dana White went live on Instagram to unveil the entire UFC 329 lineup.
Reacting to the timing, Rousey said, "I mean, it's kind of catty," before framing it as a backhanded compliment. "But it also shows that they see MVP MMA as a threat, that they would, you know, do it in that moment and spend, like, do it at that time. So I feel like it's also a compliment because it elevates MVP MMA and makes – they're declaring that they see us as a real rival. And I think that's such a compelling story. And now they're helping us tell it."
A UFC Hall of Famer and former women’s bantamweight champion, Rousey has criticized UFC contracts and fighter pay while praising MVP MMA’s fighter treatment. "I think that the UFC needs competition. It's the best thing for them, and I mean, I think MVP would be the best organization for that role," she said, adding that she hopes MVP "breathed new life into the sport" and hinting she may continue helping the promotion in some capacity.
