Ronda Rousey, renowned for her fierce demeanor inside the octagon, recently made waves with her fiery critique of the UFC’s treatment of fighters. As she gears up for a thrilling comeback against Gina Carano on May 16, Rousey didn’t mince words. Highlighting the financial struggles of fighters, she cited UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko, suggesting that many top athletes are turning to alternate income streams like OnlyFans to make ends meet.
Valentina Shevchenko didn’t hesitate to fire back, defending her choice to use the platform and cheekily reminding Rousey about her knockout defeat to Amanda Nunes in 2016. "She slept too long after her last fight," Shevchenko quipped, adding fuel to the fiery exchange.
Enter Taylor Starling, the BKFC star who has embraced OnlyFans as a financial lifeline. While she agrees that fighters are underpaid, she found Rousey’s attempt to use OnlyFans as an insult laughable. "At the end of the day, we’re all trying to do the same thing: Provide for our families," Starling shared with MMA Fighting.
“If you are not paying my bills and you’re not the man laying by me in my bed or the woman laying next to me in my bed, then your opinion is nothing to me.”
Starling, who is set to light up the Blood4Blood card in Florida, credits OnlyFans for transforming her life. With the platform's support, she was able to move from juggling three jobs and driving a failing car to focusing entirely on her training and providing for her children.
Despite facing criticism from other fighters, including those on the BKFC roster, Starling remains unfazed. She pointed out the irony that OnlyFans has even sponsored some events, contributing to the paychecks of fighters who disparage the platform.
"There are much more things that people do on OnlyFans than just show their boobs," Starling remarked. "It’s just a way for people to do what they want to do. Keep your nose out of my business. That’s it and I’ll keep my nose out of yours."
As Rousey continues her journey, Starling is content to forge her own path, undisturbed by outside opinions. She’s focused on her priorities: fighting, family, and financial stability.