Ronda Rousey Defends Position as UFC's Highest-Paid Fighter

Ronda Rousey, the self-proclaimed highest-paid fighter in the UFC, has insisted that despite her lucrative earnings, she provides value for the money she earns.

The UFC women's bantamweight champion has been promoting her Nov. 14 fight with Holly Holm in Melbourne, Australia, at UFC 193 and insisted the reason she rakes in the most is because she makes the most, per Damon Martin of Fox Sports:

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I think how much you get paid should have something to do with how much you bring in. I'm the highest paid fighter not because Dana (White) and Lorenzo (Fertitta) wanted to do something nice for the ladies.

They do it because I bring in the highest numbers. They do it because I make them the most money. I think the money that they make should be proportionate to the money that they bring in.

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The figures speak for themselves when it comes to Rousey's pulling power. Her bout with Holm is set to attract 70,000 spectators to the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, which would make for the highest attendance ever at a UFC event.

Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images

As Rousey recently revealed on social media, the Australian public has gravitated to her during the promotion of the upcoming fight:

It's no surprise Rousey has become a superstar. She's one of the most honest fighters in the UFC, and she seems to genuinely relish spending time with her fans. Needless to say, when supporters see someone who shares their enthusiasm for the sport, it rubs off.

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But the primary reason for Rousey's massive success is her work inside the Octagon. As noted here by BreatheSport, she has become an expert at shutting down opponents quickly and in spectacular style:

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Ronda Rousey​'s last 5 fights have lasted a total of 3 mins & 8 secs. Her average fight length? 38 seconds #UFC190 pic.twitter.com/nX1xbkakSi

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) August 2, 2015"

Indeed, the amicable persona Rousey emits away from the Octagon quickly disappears when she steps inside. There's a steely determination on her face in the minutes preceding bouts, and she takes a pugnacious, all-action approach when downing the woman across from her. So while her fights may be short in time, they are bursting with action.

Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images

Chamatkar Sandhu of MMAjunkie noted, in his opinion, Rousey's efforts are much more entertaining than another illustrious name in sport who makes a lot of money:

The encouraging thing for Rousey and MMA is that her reputation continues to soar. That she can travel to the other side of the globe and potentially sell out such a massive venue is a sign of her popularity. In addition, it's something that'll assist in supplementing the UFC as the banner continues to grow as a world brand.

There may be concerns that Rousey will soon run out of credible opponents, especially if she makes light work of Holm. But the frantic manner in which she's finished fighters so far has propelled Rousey to this lucrative position, and as is evident by the clamour to watch her in the flesh, her style is something UFC fanatics around the world have an insatiable thirst for.