Ronda Rousey has delivered a sharp rebuke to critics questioning her age as she prepares for her first mixed martial arts bout in a decade, quipping that her reproductive system isn't stepping into the cage.
The 39-year-old MMA pioneer, who became the UFC's first female signee in 2012 and dominated the sport during her championship reign, will face fellow American Gina Carano on May 16 at California's Intuit Dome. With Carano, 44, returning after a 17-year hiatus, some have questioned the competitiveness of the matchup.
Rousey pointedly noted the double standard in how aging athletes are discussed, highlighting former UFC champion Jon Jones as an example.
"I never hear Jon Jones' age being brought up as a disqualifying factor. Why are we even talking about this?" Rousey told CBS Mornings. "It's not like my ovaries are fighting."
The six-time UFC bantamweight title defender retired in 2016 following consecutive losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, later revealing that repeated concussions forced her exit from the sport. Both Rousey and Carano will undergo additional neurological testing before their bout, which will be promoted by Jake Paul's MVP and streamed live on Netflix.
During a New York news conference on Wednesday, Rousey expanded on her motivation for returning, stating she wants to "rewrite her ending" in MMA while criticizing what she sees as shortcomings in the modern UFC. She dismissed suggestions that her fight with Carano amounts to a "charity" exhibition.
The event has become a platform for athlete advocacy, with Rousey announcing that every fighter on the card will receive a minimum $40,000 purse regardless of outcome.
"I hope that everyone sitting here today is getting the biggest pay day of their career," Rousey declared. "I hope after this event we can raise that ceiling higher and higher until it is on par with the highest-level boxers, because that is where the holy grail for us is."
Her comments come amid growing scrutiny of fighter compensation in combat sports. Boxer Conor Benn recently secured a reported £11 million one-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing—owned by UFC president Dana White—while UFC fighters typically receive only about 20% of revenue compared to boxers' 60% share.
Fellow fighters on the card echoed Rousey's sentiments. Nate Diaz, who faces Mike Perry on the same event, described the assembled athletes—including former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou—as "free fighters" who left the UFC over pay disputes.
"Everybody on this stage is a leader because they took a stand and said 'no' and they're worth more," Rousey concluded. "The reason we're all here together is because all of you led the way."