Rousey: UFC Not Always Needed?
Ronda Rousey claims, “'We didn't need UFC,'” promoting her independently produced MMA fight as the “most viewed of all-time” [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB7HCLPlK3o] — suggesting a shift in MMA event organization.
Rousey's claim hinges on viewership numbers for her independently produced fight, which she alleges surpassed those of major UFC events. It’s unclear if this claim can be verified, as independent events often have different metrics than UFC's established tracking. This statement comes as Rousey steps away from WWE and focuses on her own projects, indicating a desire for more control. Her history with UFC, including a dominant run and later losses, adds complexity to her perspective on the organization's necessity. The shift towards independent MMA events could offer fighters more leverage and creative control outside of established promotions. Whether this model becomes a viable alternative to UFC remains to be seen, as UFC has established marketing and financial resources.
