Ronda Rousey believes Conor McGregor should be upset about what she calls a dumb move by the UFC. The former UFC champion weighed in on the promotion's handling of McGregor.
Ronda Rousey has publicly criticized the UFC over a decision she believes directly affects Conor McGregor, arguing the promotion made what she described as a dumb move in its handling of the Irish star.
Rousey, 39, is one of the most decorated fighters in MMA history, finishing her career with a 12-2-0 record. The American orthodox striker out of Team Hayastan was a dominant force during her time in the UFC's bantamweight division, averaging 4.17 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy while also showcasing elite grappling with 6.26 takedowns per 15 minutes and 4.8 submission attempts in the same span. Though no longer competing, she remains a prominent voice in the sport.
McGregor, 37, holds a 22-6-0 professional record and has long been one of the UFC's most marketable names. The Irish southpaw from SBG Ireland stands five-foot-nine with a 74-inch reach and carries a notable offensive output of 5.32 significant strikes landed per minute. His influence on the promotion's commercial success has been substantial, making any UFC decisions surrounding him a topic of wide interest.
Why it matters
- Rousey's criticism puts public pressure on the UFC's front office at a time when McGregor's relationship with the promotion is already under scrutiny.
- As a former champion and cultural crossover figure, Rousey's voice carries weight beyond the average retired fighter.
- McGregor's standing as a 22-fight winner means any organizational misstep involving him has immediate divisional and business implications.
Rousey stopped short of detailing exactly what the UFC decision entailed, but her willingness to frame it as something McGregor should be upset about signals a pointed rebuke of the promotion's recent conduct.
