Dana White Reacts To Rousey-Carano Netflix Deal: ‘It Just Didn’t Work Out’

February 24, 2026

2 weeks

Instagram: _www.fight.tv https://www.instagram.com/p/DU7wYnND0v2/

UFC CEO Dana White addressed Ronda Rousey’s May 16 return to MMA against Gina Carano, which will take place on Netflix, stating this fight did not make sense for the UFC.

Rousey and White were in talks that would have seen her make a return to the UFC for the first time since 2016. However, once the Paramount+ deal kicked in, the UFC transitioned to a “flat-fee” model as opposed to a PPV model. Rousey noted that while White was personally supportive, it was not enough to give her a massive guaranteed purse. White confirmed that while conversations took place throughout 2025, the UFC is currently focused on a new strategy.

White Reacts

Instagram: happypunch

“Her and I have been talking about this since last year. It just didn’t work out. But I’m happy for her. Listen, me and Gina are in a really good place, we weren’t at one point. I’m happy for both of them,” White

“It no longer made sense for me to go over there because they didn’t want to pay us the money we deserve. Because then from the rest of the time the deal, they’re going to have to pay everybody else more. So then I decided to look elsewhere,” Rousey

The fight will naturally draw comparisons between Netflix and the UFC. Netflix has a reported subscriber base of over 325 million globally. The platform has also hosted some of the biggest combat sports events in terms of viewership, namely Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson which became the most-streamed boxing fight ever.

UFC Rivalry

Dana White Reacts To Rousey-Carano Netflix Deal: 'It Just Didn’t Work Out' 2

Instagram: mmafighting

Although the UFC will host the UFC White House card on June 14, Netflix will arguably attract a bigger casual fanbase. Rousey admitted there is a rivalry to see if MVP (Most Valuable Promotions), which will promote Rousey’s fight, can outdo the UFC.

“It’s a dream fight and a superfight and everything, but I feel like the story and everything behind it is not just this fight. A lot of it is MVP vs. UFC. That’s where I’m going to go real hard in the f***ing trenches. We’re helping (the UFC) because they’re suffering from a lack of competition. They can’t just make a class-action lawsuit every couple years the cost of doing business. I’m really trying to help Dana out. If anyone has been groomed to be his apprentice, it’s been me. I think I’d be the most favorite adversary he’s ever had,” Rousey stated