Ronda Rousey believes UFC’s decision to reveal Conor McGregor’s return fight during Francis Ngannou’s walkout speaks volumes about how the promotion feels about MVP MMA.
Most Valuable Promotions held its first MMA event this past Saturday inside the Intuit Dome. Rousey headlined the card against Gina Carano in a comeback bout for both women’s MMA pioneers. “Rowdy” took Carano down quickly and secured a 17-second armbar finish. It’s Rousey’s first pro MMA win since 2015.
Also featured on the card was former UFC heavyweight titleholder Ngannou taking on Philipe Lins. “The Predator” knocked Lins out in the first round, but something interesting happened during his walkout outside of the MVP MMA 1 broadcast. As Ngannou was making his way down to the cage, UFC dropped its big UFC 329 announcement unveiling that McGregor will be competing against Max Holloway on July 11.
Rousey was asked about the timing of the announcement during the MVP MMA 1 post-fight presser. “Rowdy” was a bit amused, but she also views it as a sign that UFC is taking MVP MMA seriously.
“I mean, it’s kind of catty, but it also shows that they see MVP MMA as a threat that they do it at that time,” Rousey said. “I feel like it’s also a compliment because it elevates MVP MMA and they’re declaring that they see us as a real rival. I think that’s such a compelling story, and they’re helping us tell it.”
MVP and Rousey appear to be working together for the long haul regardless of whether or not “Rowdy” will ever return to the cage again. What Rousey would be doing behind the scenes remains to be seen.
Do you think UFC views MVP MMA as real competition, or was the timing of the Conor McGregor return announcement just done just to pester Jake Paul and perhaps even Francis Ngannou? Sound off in the comments below.