The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and its president Dana White are facing fresh criticism, this time over a social media post intended to celebrate Women’s History Month.
The backlash comes shortly after controversy surrounding a separate White House-related event announcement, putting the promotion under intensified scrutiny.
In the post, the UFC highlighted prominent female fighters with the caption “Breaking barriers, one round at a time 👊.” The images featured Amanda Nunes, Valentina Shevchenko, Rose Namajunas, and Cris Cyborg.
However, fans quickly noticed the absence of Ronda Rousey—arguably one of the most influential figures in women’s MMA history. While other notable fighters like Holly Holm and Miesha Tate were also missing, Rousey’s omission drew the strongest reaction.
Rousey’s impact on the sport is widely recognized. Before joining the UFC, she had already built a reputation in Strikeforce. Following the UFC’s acquisition of that promotion, she became the organization’s first female signee and headlined UFC 157, marking a historic moment for women in the company. She went on a dominant winning streak before losing to Holm in 2015. A comeback fight in 2016 ended in defeat against Nunes, after which she stepped away from MMA and transitioned to professional wrestling with WWE.
Now, nearly a decade after her last UFC appearance, Rousey is reportedly preparing for a return to combat sports in a bout against Gina Carano at an MVP–Netflix event scheduled for May 16. Some observers speculate that her recent criticism of UFC fighter pay may have contributed to her exclusion from the tribute.
Fans reacted strongly online. Many pointed out that leaving out the promotion’s first women’s champion undermines the message of celebrating women’s contributions. One sentiment widely echoed was that women’s divisions in the UFC may not have gained traction without Rousey’s early success and star power.
Others accused Dana White of holding grudges, suggesting the omission might be tied to past disagreements. Some also noted that both Rousey and Cyborg—who was included—are no longer affiliated with the UFC, as Cyborg moved on to compete in organizations like Bellator after leaving in 2019.
Despite differing opinions on the reason behind the omission, the reaction highlights Rousey’s lasting legacy. Even with her strained relationship with the UFC, many believe her role in elevating women’s MMA remains too significant to overlook—especially during a celebration meant to honor pioneers in the sport.