Former UFC superstar Ronda Rousey has never been one to mince words — and her latest comments about MMA fans have once again set social media ablaze. During an appearance on Bert Kreischer’s podcast, the former bantamweight champion shared her unfiltered opinion on how quickly fans turn on fighters once they’re no longer at the top.

“In MMA, the second that you’re not on top, you’re not sht and you never were sht,” Rousey said, bluntly addressing what she perceives as a toxic, short-memory culture among mixed martial arts followers. She then took it a step further, referencing retired UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov: “The only reason why MMA fans have their lips so firmly planted at the base of Khabib’s cock is because he retired before he reached his limit.”

Rousey’s explosive statement highlights a frustration many fighters have expressed — that MMA fans can be brutally fickle, celebrating dominance one moment and ridiculing decline the next. Her words instantly divided the combat sports community, with some defending her point as honest commentary on the sport’s cutthroat nature, while others called it disrespectful toward Khabib and his undefeated legacy.

The Olympic judoka turned UFC icon knows the dark side of fan backlash firsthand. After two dominant years as women’s bantamweight champion, Rousey suffered consecutive knockout losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, which dramatically shifted public perception. Once hailed as the face of women’s MMA, she became the target of online mockery and criticism — an experience that likely shapes her current views.

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Khabib Nurmagomedov, in contrast, retired undefeated at 29-0 after defending his lightweight title multiple times, earning universal respect for leaving the sport on top. Rousey’s comparison seems aimed not at Khabib himself, but at the fans who, in her eyes, only respect fighters who retire before they ever falter.

Whether you agree with her or not, Rousey’s raw honesty has reignited discussion about the brutal relationship between fighters and fans — one where dominance is worshipped, downfall is mocked, and few get to leave the cage with both glory and grace.

READ MORE: Ronda Rousey Net Worth in 2025? A Deep Dive Into Her Net Worth and Lifestyle

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