Valentina Shevchenko Slams Ronda Rousey Over "OnlyFans" Comments

UFC star Valentina Shevchenko has publicly criticized Ronda Rousey following Rousey's recent remarks regarding fighter compensation within the UFC. Rousey had highlighted the issue of underpaid athletes, even in light of the promotion's substantial new $7.7 billion deal with Paramount, and controversially brought Shevchenko's name into the discussion.

Ronda Rousey is scheduled to return to MMA on May 16, facing Gina Carano in a highly anticipated event. This bout will serve as the main event for Netflix’s debut live MMA broadcast and Most Valuable Promotions' (MVP) first MMA show.

During a recent press conference for her upcoming fight against Carano, Rousey, known as "Rowdy," cited Valentina Shevchenko's additional income streams as evidence that UFC athletes cannot subsist solely on their fight earnings. Rousey's remarks contribute to a growing chorus of criticism regarding UFC fighter compensation, following similar concerns raised by figures like Jon Jones, Zuffa's signing of Conor Benn, and Eddie Hearn's calls for reform. At the presser, Rousey openly criticized her former boss, Dana White, stating that the UFC is one of the worst places for fighters.

She asserted, "The White House Card sucks… The UFC is one of the worst places to go. So many of their top athletes are leaving to find and pay elsewhere." She then specifically mentioned Shevchenko, adding, "It’s why their champions like Valentina [Shevchenko] are selling pictures of their ti*ties on OnlyFans."

Valentina Shevchenko Schools Ronda Rousey After OnlyFans Comment

Ronda Rousey's provocative comments quickly drew a sharp retort from Valentina Shevchenko, the two-time and reigning UFC women's flyweight champion. Shevchenko took to X (formerly Twitter) to address Rousey directly, writing, "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 😴".

Shevchenko, known as "Bullet," clarified that her OnlyFans page, launched in December 2024, features training clips, travel vlogs, and insights into her life beyond the octagon, directly contrasting Rousey's assertion about its content.

Fellow fighter Cris Cyborg also expressed support for Shevchenko, commenting, "❤ I love your @OnlyFans page and following your travels." This exchange highlights a broader misunderstanding, as many assume OnlyFans is exclusively for adult content. However, as Shevchenko's post implies, the platform has evolved into a popular subscription service for a wide array of creators, including athletes and musicians, to engage with their fanbase and share diverse content.