Ronda Rousey used a media appearance during fight week to call out UFC executive Hunter Campbell. The former champion, now preparing to return to the ring against Gina Carano in a Netflix event, spoke sharply about how Campbell treated her and other women fighters.
Rousey speaks out
On The Ariel Helwani Show, Rousey said the dispute was personal with Hunter Campbell. She described him as dismissive and accused him of being a “chauvinist prick.” Rousey said Campbell tried to downplay her and Carano from the start.
What she said about Hunter Campbell
Rousey recalled an early meeting where she did not even know who Campbell was. She said he dismissed her and Gina for being “so much older” and questioned how they would perform. Rousey said she told him she would prove him wrong and that she liked having pay based on performance.
She criticized Campbell’s attitude on the 145-pound division, saying he spoke of getting rid of that weight class. Rousey said the way he talked about fighters at 145 — and about women who are not 135 pounds — showed disdain. She added that people in different shapes and sizes can still offer value in the sport.
Division talk and company leadership
Rousey said Dana White had floated the idea for her and Gina to fight for the vacant 145-pound title as a way to retire that belt. She said Campbell responded by saying they could get rid of the division, a comment that angered her. Rousey said it bothered her that someone with that attitude would be helping to run the company she helped build.
She also attacked Campbell’s background, saying he has his role because of family connections. Rousey said he was an intern when she was with the company before, and she accused him of rising through connections rather than merit.
What comes next
Rousey used strong language to promise a big performance against Gina Carano. She said she would “put on a bigger fight with Gina than you have your entire career” and warned Campbell she was “coming for your job.”
The comments add heat to Rousey’s return and put a spotlight on how fighters and some executives view the future of women’s weight classes in the sport. More reactions may follow as fight week continues and fans watch the matchup on Netflix.
