Ronda Rousey explains why Gina Carano fight isn’t happening in UFC: ‘They didn’t want to pay us the money we deserve’
MMA Fighting
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Ronda Rousey’s highly anticipated UFC comeback against Gina Carano has fallen through due to changes in the promotion’s business model and compensation structure. Initially, Rousey and Dana White were on the same page about her return, with White expressing excitement over the potential fight. However, after Rousey gave birth and as negotiations continued, the UFC announced a new $7.7 billion deal with Paramount that eliminated pay-per-view (PPV) sales—a key component of Rousey’s compensation. This shift significantly impacted her financial terms, as she would no longer receive PPV-based bonuses, which were crucial to her earnings.
Rousey revealed that under the original agreement, she was offered a deal where her per-PPV buy earnings would surpass historical records, potentially matching her career income. However, after the UFC’s transition to Paramount and streaming, White faced pressure to maximize shareholder value, shifting priorities from promoting top fights to minimizing costs. Rousey felt this change directly, as the new leadership prioritized cost-effectiveness over fighter compensation, leading to a breakdown in negotiations.
Frustrated by the lack of a fair deal, Rousey decided to pursue opportunities elsewhere. She signed with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), where her fight against Carano was secured for Netflix. The streaming platform’s model aligns with Rousey’s goals, as it offers significant financial benefits without relying on PPV sales—a stark contrast to the UFC’s new approach.
This situation highlights a broader shift in how fighters are compensated and valued in combat sports. Rousey’s case underscores the challenges fighters face when promotions prioritize corporate interests over fighter earnings, particularly under new ownership structures like the UFC’s sale to Disney and subsequent deal with Paramount. Her decision to leave the UFC for greener pastures reflects a growing trend of athletes seeking alternative opportunities that better align with their financial and career goals.
The Rousey-Carano fight’s move to Netflix also signals a potential paradigm shift in how major boxing and MMA events are distributed, moving away from traditional PPV models toward streaming platforms. This could have far-reaching implications for the sport, influencing fighter negotiations, event promotion
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/21/2026