“Most Unlikeable Person” – Ronda Rousey Rudely Dismissing Holly Holm Rematch Sparks Fury from MMA Community

Former UFC champion Ronda Rousey has a heated response to former rival Holly Holm's recent comments.

“Most Unlikeable Person” – Ronda Rousey Rudely Dismissing Holly Holm Rematch Sparks Fury from MMA Community

Ronda Rousey declines Holly Holm fight (via Fox News 5, X)

In Short
  • Ronda Rousey defeated Gina Carano in a comeback fight but announced her retirement from combat sports.
  • Holly Holm expressed interest in a rematch but was met with Rousey's dismissive comments.
  • Rousey's remarks sparked backlash from fans, labeling her as "unlikable" despite Holm's respectful approach.

Ronda Rousey remains one of the biggest names in women’s MMA despite her final UFC appearance coming back in 2016. However, the former bantamweight champion recently returned under the MVP MMA banner and defeated fellow veteran Gina Carano via submission. Holly Holm then called out her former rival following the comeback victory, while Rousey’s response quickly gained major attention.

Rousey’s comeback fight against Carano became one of the biggest women’s MMA headlines in recent months. The bout featured two former stars returning to competition years after leaving the sport. Despite her long absence, Rousey secured a submission victory over Carano in just 17 seconds. After the win, ‘Rowdy’ revealed that she won’t be returning to combat sports and is officially retired.

Holm reacted positively to Rousey’s return and revealed she would always remain open to a rematch from their UFC 193 clash. She also showed respect toward Rousey’s comeback and wished her well moving forward. Holm additionally dismissed claims suggesting the MVP MMA fight was rigged and defended the legitimacy. However, Rousey recently delivered a demeaning response to those comments.

I definitely have the ability and the opportunity to be able to clean her clock and rewrite all of that, but it’s no longer important to me anymore. It doesn’t haunt me. It’s not the most important thing in my life, and these people’s perceptions and people knowing how great I am, and all this stuff.

Ronda Rousey via Up And Adams Show

Rousey and Holm fought at UFC 193 in 2015 during one of the biggest events in women’s MMA. ‘The Preacher’s Daughter’ shocked the sport by knocking out Rousey with a head kick in the second round of their title fight. The loss ended Rousey’s title reign and marked her first professional MMA defeat. The former champion later revealed that she had also dealt with concussion-related issues before the bout.

Holm has also stepped away from MMA following the end of her lengthy UFC career earlier this year. The former bantamweight champion last competed at UFC 300 in April 2024 against Kayla Harrison. Holm lost the fight via submission before later parting ways with the UFC roster in 2025. Since then, the former champion has shifted her focus back toward professional boxing opportunities outside MMA.

Holm currently competes under MVP Boxing, which is the same promotion where Rousey’s comeback fight against Gina Carano took place. The 44-year-old former UFC champion is now set to rematch Stephanie Han at MVP 03 on ESPN. However, Ronda Rousey’s recent comments placed Holly Holm in an awkward position after the respect she previously showed her former rival.

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Fans react to Ronda Rousey’s demeaning comments towards Holly Holm

Ronda Rousey has gone all in ever since the fight against Gina Carano was officially announced. The women’s MMA pioneer repeatedly called out the UFC and its top executives, particularly Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell, in heated rants regarding fighter contracts and wages. Her comeback run has also showcased a completely no-holds-barred attitude toward the MMA industry.

Ronda Rousey goes off at UFC executive
Ronda Rousey goes off at a UFC executive (via Bloody Elbow)

Rousey has also taken shots at several fighters who opposed her recent views on the MMA industry and the treatment of fighters. Khamzat Chimaev publicly criticized her comments about the UFC, while Dakota Ditcheva admitted she could no longer support Rousey following the controversy. Her recent response to Holly Holm’s respectful comments also sparked major backlash from fans online.

Ronda Rousey drew significant criticism for her comments directed at Holly Holm, despite the former champion’s respectful approach. Many observers viewed the remarks as unnecessary given Holm’s positive reaction to Rousey’s recent MMA comeback. However, the tension between the two former rivals has also fueled speculation about a potential future rematch under the MVP banner.

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