The main battle of Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano might not even be Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano. And according to one half of that equation, the real storyline of this event is UFC vs. Most Valuable Promotions.
Despite her cordial relationship with Dana White, even in the aftermath of this fight being booked, Rousey admits that her focus is establishing competition in a baron MMA landscape.
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“It’s a dream fight and a superfight and everything, but I feel like the story and everything behind it is not just this fight,” Rousey told MVP chief Nakisa Bidarian in a behind-the-scenes “MVP UNCUT” video released Monday. “A lot of it is MVP vs. UFC. That’s where I’m going to go real hard in the f*cking trenches.
“We’re helping (the UFC) because they’re suffering from a lack of competition. They can’t just make a class-action lawsuit every couple years the cost of doing business. I’m really trying to help Dana out. If anyone has been groomed to be his apprentice, it’s been me. I think I’d be the most favorite adversary he’s ever had.”
Rousey is referring to a string of antitrust lawsuits filed against the UFC by former fighters, who claimed the promotion has created a monopsony in the industry with its business practices.
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White commented on the bout for the first time Saturday after UFC Fight Night 267 and wished Rousey and Carano well, saying he’s “happy for both of them.”
Rousey vs. Carano takes place May 16 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif. No other fights have been announced for the event.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Ronda Rousey: UFC vs. MVP is real story of Gina Carano fight
