Ronda Rousey Blasts UFC, Hunter Campbell Ahead of MMA Return Against Gina

UFC Wanted to Retire the Division

One of Rousey’s biggest frustrations reportedly came when the UFC proposed making the fight for the vacant women’s featherweight title with plans to eliminate the division afterward. “Yeah, and then we can get rid of that division,” Rousey recalled Campbell saying.

That approach deeply upset the former champion. Rousey argued the comments reflected disrespect toward larger female fighters and the division itself. “This is what you think of women who are heavier than 135 pounds? They’re worthless?”

MVP MMA vs. UFC

Throughout the buildup to the fight, Rousey has openly framed the event as more than just a comeback.

She sees it as:

• MVP MMA challenging the UFC model
• A statement about fighter value
• A direct response to how she says negotiations were handled

The event streams live on Netflix from the Intuit Dome.

Direct Shot at Hunter Campbell

Rousey’s harshest comments were reserved for Campbell personally. She accused him of dismissing the fight’s commercial potential and questioned his qualifications. “I’m going to put on a bigger fight with Gina than you have your entire career,” Rousey said.

She even vowed to continue working with MVP while remaining a “thorn in the side” of the UFC leadership.

Regardless of the controversy, Rousey’s comeback remains one of the biggest stories in combat sports. The former UFC bantamweight champion helped transform women’s MMA into a mainstream attraction and became one of the biggest stars the sport has ever produced.

Now, years after leaving MMA competition, she returns in one of the highest-profile crossover fights possible against fellow pioneer Gina Carano.

The Bigger Picture

The public feud also highlights the growing tension between traditional MMA promotion structures and newer organizations attempting to challenge the UFC’s dominance.

For Rousey, the fight is personal. For MVP MMA, it’s a chance to make a statement. For the UFC, the criticism from one of its biggest former stars creates another spotlight on long-running debates about fighter treatment and business practices.