Valentina Shevchenko found herself on the receiving end of some unexpected criticism from Ronda Rousey earlier this week.
During a press conference ahead of her return bout against Gina Carano set for May 16, ‘Rowdy’ voiced her frustrations over UFC fighter pay in a lengthy outburst.
She mentioned Shevchenko by name, pointing out that even some of the organisation’s top fighters need side jobs to get by.
Valentina Shevchenko tells Ronda Rousey she ‘slept too long’
Back in December 2024, Shevchenko signed up for OnlyFans, a platform better known for adult content.
The UFC flyweight champion posts behind-the-scenes access and lifestyle updates rather than anything explicit.
Rousey did not seem aware of that before her comments on fighter pay.
“It used to be that the UFC was the best place that you could come in combat sports to make a living and be paid fairly. Now, it’s one of the worst places to go,” she said.
“It’s why so many of their top athletes are going to find pay elsewhere. It’s why their champions, like Valentina, are selling pictures of their t–ties on OnlyFans.”
Shevchenko hit back by referencing Rousey’s quick defeat to Amanda Nunes and clarifying the nature of her OnlyFans content.
She published on X: “It’s 2026. Fighters using OnlyFans is just a new way to connect with fans.
“Looks like Ronda slept too long after her last fight in 2016.”
Has Ronda Rousey damaged her relationship with Dana White?
During her time in the UFC, Ronda Rousey was known to have a good relationship with Dana White.
She tried to keep her criticism of the company separate from her views on White himself.
According to Rousey, the organisation has changed significantly since White handed over control to shareholders.
She also credited him for advising her to accept a more lucrative comeback offer from Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions rather than staying with the UFC out of loyalty.
Rousey seems keen to preserve their friendship, but it remains unclear how White feels about her recent comments directed at the company he has been building since 2001.
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