Rousey blames UFC decline on White stepping back from control

Ronda Rousey has linked the UFC's recent struggles to Dana White's reduced involvement in day-to-day operations. The former bantamweight champion offered a blunt assessment of the promotion's current state in a new interview.

“Dana's not in charge anymore, which is why UFC sucks.”

— Ronda Rousey, via Bloody Elbow

What Ronda Rousey said

Rousey retired from MMA in 2016 after back-to-back losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes. She headlined multiple UFC pay-per-views during the promotion's mainstream breakthrough and remains one of its biggest stars. White announced in 2023 that he would scale back his role, with Ari Emanuel and Mark Shapiro taking more control under TKO Group Holdings.

What it moves

The comments arrive as the UFC faces questions over star power and declining pay-per-view numbers. Rousey has not ruled out a combat sports return, with MVP Promotions said to be exploring matchmaking options. White has yet to respond to the criticism.

Source: themmadraw.com. Full Ronda Rousey fight history and recent news at boxingnews.com.