Rousey and Paul Criticize UFC Over White House Viewing Figures
9 reported
Ronda Rousey and Jake Paul have publicly criticized the UFC and its president Dana White after the promotion’s White House event failed to surpass the audience record set by Most Valuable Promotions. Paramount reported that UFC 250 Freedom reached 7 million people in the US on Paramount+ on Sunday. In contrast, Netflix stated that Rousey’s 15-second victory over Gina Carano in May drew a US average audience of 9.3 million and a peak of 11.6 million. Paul, co-founder of MVP, wrote on X that he felt good being the biggest MMA promoter as a boxing promoter. Rousey reacted to the viewing figures by targeting UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell with a dismissive comment. The UFC White House event, held on the south lawn of President Donald Trump’s home, averaged 8.2 million viewers across the US and Latin America, with 17 million watching at least one minute in those countries. Paramount stated that the live audience figures were verified by Nielsen and Adobe Analytics, while Netflix did not release figures outside the US or confirm third-party verification.
What’s reported
Paramount said UFC 250 Freedom reached 7 million people in the US on Paramount+.
Netflix said Rousey’s 15-second win over Gina Carano had a US average audience of 9.3 million and a peak of 11.6 million.
Jake Paul wrote on X: "As a boxing promoter it feels good waking up today being the biggest MMA promoter."
Ronda Rousey said: "Lmao! Kiss my ass, Hunter Campbell," referring to the UFC chief business officer.
The UFC White House event averaged 8.2 million viewers across the US and Latin America.
Paramount said 17 million people watched at least one minute of the event in those countries, including 15.3 million in the US.
Paramount said live audience figures were verified by Nielsen and Adobe Analytics.
Netflix did not release figures outside the US or confirm third-party verification.
Justin Gaethje beat Ilia Topuria in the main event on President Trump’s 80th birthday.
Key figures
Ronda Rousey, former MMA fighter and MVP athlete
Jake Paul, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions
Dana White, UFC president
Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of MVP
Hunter Campbell, UFC chief business officer
Justin Gaethje, UFC lightweight title winner
Ilia Topuria, UFC fighter
Donald Trump, US President
Sources: BBC News
