TLDR
- Ronda Rousey criticized Valentina Shevchenko’s OnlyFans account during a press conference about UFC fighter pay
- Shevchenko responded that OnlyFans is a way to connect with fans and told Rousey she ‘slept too long’ since 2016
- Shevchenko uses OnlyFans for behind-the-scenes content, not adult material as Rousey suggested
- Rousey will return to MMA on May 16 against Gina Carano after nearly 10 years away from fighting
- The UFC flyweight champion has been with the promotion since 2015 and is ranked No. 1 pound-for-pound among women
Sources: mmafighting.com | mmajunkie.usatoday.com | sports.yahoo.com
UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko fired back at Ronda Rousey on Wednesday after the former champion made comments about her OnlyFans account during a press conference.
Rousey mentioned Shevchenko by name on Tuesday while criticizing UFC fighter pay at a Los Angeles press conference for her upcoming fight. She claimed that low pay forces fighters to seek income elsewhere.
“It’s why their champions, like Valentina, are selling pictures of their titties on OnlyFans,” Rousey said during her rant about fighter compensation.
Valentina Shevchenko denies Ronda Rousey's OnlyFans accusation, saying it's for fan connection. Details: https://t.co/74yCz86ylN pic.twitter.com/QhO70I0G6m
— Complex (@Complex) March 11, 2026
Shevchenko Defends OnlyFans as Fan Connection
Shevchenko responded quickly on social media, defending her use of the platform and taking a shot at Rousey’s long absence from MMA. “It’s 2026. Fighters using OnlyFans is just a new way to connect with fans,” she wrote on X.
She added a pointed reference to Rousey’s last UFC fight: “Looks like Ronda slept too long after her last fight in 2016.” That fight ended with Rousey getting knocked out by Amanda Nunes in December 2016.
Shevchenko joined OnlyFans in December 2024. She uses the platform to post behind-the-scenes content and lifestyle updates, not adult material as Rousey’s comments suggested.
The UFC currently ranks Shevchenko as the No. 1 pound-for-pound women’s fighter. She has been with the promotion since 2015 and has held the flyweight title during two separate championship reigns.
Rousey Returns After Nearly 10 Years
Rousey’s comments came as she promotes her return to MMA after almost a decade away from the sport. She will face Gina Carano on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
The fight will be part of Netflix’s first-ever MMA event. Rousey holds a record of 12-2, while Carano stands at 7-1.
During her UFC career, Rousey served as women’s bantamweight champion for over two years. She was one of the biggest stars in the sport at her peak.
Rousey has recently started criticizing the UFC and its fighter pay structure as she prepares for her comeback fight. She stated that the UFC used to be the best place for fighters to make a living but is now “one of the worst places to go.”
“It’s why so many of their top athletes are leaving to go and find pay elsewhere,” Rousey said. “These people, a lot of them at the ground level, they can’t support their families. They’re living poverty-level fighting full-time.”
Shevchenko clearly didn’t appreciate being pulled into Rousey’s criticism of the UFC. Her response made it clear she views OnlyFans as a legitimate platform for connecting with fans, not a sign of financial desperation.
Rousey reportedly left the UFC on good terms with president Dana White. According to her statements, White advised her to accept a more lucrative offer from Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions for her comeback rather than staying with the UFC out of loyalty.
The event on May 16 will mark Rousey’s first MMA fight in nearly 10 years.
