Ronda Rousey Could Replace Dana White as Next UFC CEO
Former UFC fighter believes the promotion is ripe for a change in leadership if MMA wishes to revive its energy.
UFC CEO Dana White has been involved in multiple ventures recently. From Power Slap to Zuffa Boxing, the promoter who made MMA mainstream seems to have lost much of that gusto. Ex-UFC star Dan Hardy thinks White is no longer the best person to steer MMA's premier promotion.
Dan Hardy Predicts Ronda Rousey to Take Over Dana White's Chair
With confusing headliners like UFC 332's Silva vs. Cong bout and the current head honcho's glaring oversights, fans have been forced to wonder whether White still has any interest in MMA. Hardy, who had only 10 UFC fights before Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome cut short his career, definitely finds a huge difference.
“I’m thankful that I got version of Dana because he was a fan just like everybody else,” Hardy told Submission Radio, via Bloody Elbow. "I don’t know whether he’s lost a bit of the hunger for that because the promoting is not necessarily that difficult anymore."
The PFL Head of Fighter Operations rightly pointed out the mainstream appeal of UFC. With revenue barely taking a hit despite disappointing matchups that may upset hardcore fans, Hardy feels White has taken his foot off the gas for a while to focus on emerging ventures.
The English fighter, however, believes MMA still needs a push, even if he's not banking on White for the job.
“I was kind of getting the vibe that Ronda was going to be gunning for the UFC face job at some point in the future. So, we’ll see how that plays out. I could see Ronda going for it.”
While the retired fighter also named Hunter Campbell, UFC Hall of Famer Ronda Rousey remains his strongest guess.
Ronda Rousey's Own MMA Ambitions Add Weight to Dan Hardy's Suggestion
The former bantamweight queen has already shown interest in heading an MMA promotion herself.
Ronda Rousey returned for a final stint earlier this year against Gina Carano at MVP's anticipated May 16 fight. But 'Rowdy' clarified that she wasn't exactly done with MMA, showcasing her willingness to expand Jake Paul's promotion in the mixed martial arts scene.
“I’m definitely more qualified than Hunter f*cking Campbell. I think that MVP would be an incredible partner and that Nakisa and Jake Paul really believe in making sure the fighters are compensated fairly," Rousey told TMZ ahead of her comeback fight.
“I would love to be their Dana and shepherd them into the future."
Moreover, having first-hand knowledge of the ins and outs of the sport, the former UFC champion has the exact insight that might help her advance MMA and sign cream-of-the-crop fighters. Still, Dan Hardy's speculation remains a personal suggestion for now, and the current UFC president hasn't yet stepped down.
