Ronda Rousey dismissed age-related criticism ahead of her MMA comeback fight against Gina Carano, insisting her return is about rewriting her legacy. At a New York press conference, Rousey emphasized fighter pay equity, stating all card participants would receive a minimum of $40,000 regardless of outcome. She contrasted this with boxing’s lucrative deals, citing Conor Benn’s £11m Zuffa Boxing contract to highlight disparities in combat sports compensation.

Rousey framed the event as a collective stand for athlete value, praising fighters like Nate Diaz and Francis Ngannou for leaving the UFC over pay issues. UFC’s 20% revenue allocation to fighters—compared to boxing’s 60%—remains a flashpoint, with Rousey calling the event a step toward parity. Carano’s involvement adds narrative heft, as the rivalry-turned-respect storyline underscores MMA’s evolving cultural and financial landscape.