Former champion criticizes UFC lineup ahead of her MMA return
Summary
– Ronda Rousey criticized the UFC’s planned White House fight card on social media
– Rousey is set to fight Gina Carano on May 16 under Most Valuable Promotions
– The event will stream on Netflix and feature Francis Ngannou vs Philipe Lins
Ronda Rousey is preparing for a return to mixed martial arts, but she is already stirring controversy with sharp criticism directed at the UFC.
The former UFC champion is scheduled to face Gina Carano on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The fight will headline an event promoted by Most Valuable Promotions and will stream on Netflix.
As the bout approaches, Rousey has been making several media appearances while discussing her return to competition. She revealed that she initially explored staging the comeback through the UFC but was unable to finalize an agreement with Dana White.
Soon after the UFC announced a special event scheduled for June 14 at the White House, Rousey responded publicly on social media. While promoting her upcoming fight, she criticized the UFC lineup bluntly.
Rousey promoted her own card by highlighting a second high-profile matchup between Francis Ngannou and Philipe Lins. She described the show as a stacked double main event while taking a direct shot at the UFC’s planned card.
The May 16 event is shaping up to be a major showcase for Most Valuable Promotions, with two headline fights designed to attract mainstream attention. Rousey’s return against Carano marks her first MMA appearance since leaving the UFC years earlier.
The UFC’s planned White House event has already generated significant discussion because of its unusual setting. The show is expected to take place on the White House grounds as part of a special fight card announced earlier in the year.
With Rousey openly criticizing the lineup, tensions between the former champion and the promotion she once helped elevate appear to remain unresolved. Her comments have added another layer of intrigue as both events approach.
#NgannouVsLins joins #RouseyVsCarano on @Netflix May 16th!
How’s THAT for a bamf laden double headliner?
That’s what happens when you put fighters and fans ahead of shareholders @MostVpromotions
P.S. @ufc’s White House card sucks 🖕🏼😎🖕🏼 pic.twitter.com/FAFrLFMTfg— Ronda Rousey (@RondaRousey) March 9, 2026
