Valentina Shevchenko has responded sharply after Ronda Rousey mentioned her name during a rant criticizing the UFC’s fighter pay.
Rousey is preparing for her return to combat sports in a high-profile bout against Gina Carano on May 16. The fight will headline an event promoted by Most Valuable Promotions and streamed on Netflix rather than under the Ultimate Fighting Championship banner.
During a recent press conference promoting the event, Rousey criticized the UFC’s business model and claimed fighters are increasingly forced to find additional income streams. In doing so, she referenced Shevchenko’s presence on OnlyFans.
“It used to be that the UFC was the best place to go in combat sports to make a living and be paid fairly, and now the UFC is one of the worst places to go,” Rousey said.
“It’s why so many of their top athletes are leaving to find pay elsewhere, and their champions like Valentina Shevchenko are selling pictures of their t—– on OnlyFans.”
The remarks did not sit well with Shevchenko, who quickly responded on social media.
“It’s 2026,” Shevchenko wrote. “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’s response highlighted the changing landscape of athlete branding, where fighters increasingly use subscription platforms to engage directly with their fanbase.
While the online exchange grabbed headlines, Shevchenko continues to dominate inside the Octagon. The longtime champion remains one of the most accomplished fighters in the women’s divisions.
Shevchenko last defended her flyweight title in November 2025, retaining the belt via unanimous decision after a hard-fought contest. The champion has remained a cornerstone of the UFC roster since joining the promotion in 2015 and is widely regarded as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in women’s MMA.
Meanwhile, Rousey’s upcoming bout with Carano marks her first fight in nearly a decade. At the peak of her career, Rousey was one of the biggest stars in the UFC, holding the women’s bantamweight title for over two years and helping push women’s MMA into the mainstream.
Now, as she promotes her return, Rousey has become increasingly vocal about fighter pay and the UFC’s compensation structure. However, Shevchenko made it clear she was not pleased to be dragged into that debate.
With the May 16 event approaching, attention remains on Rousey’s comeback. But for now, Shevchenko’s fiery response ensured that the reigning champion did not stay silent after her name was brought into the conversation.
