During a news conference last month to promote the fight, Rousey said she wanted to “rewrite her ending” in the sport, criticised the modern UFC and hit back at claims that her encounter with Carano is a “charity” fight.
At a news conference in New York on Wednesday, a typically outspoken and charismatic Rousey expanded on those themes.
She said each fighter on the card would earn a minimum of $40,000 (£29,500) whether they win or lose.
“I hope that everyone sitting here today is getting the biggest pay day of their career, and I hope after this event we can raise that ceiling higher and higher until it is on par with the highest-level boxers, because that is where the holy grail for us is,” said Rousey.
Fighter pay has been questioned by athletes and the media recently after boxer Conor Benn secured a reported £11m one-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing.
Zuffa Boxing is owned by UFC president Dana White, and critics have asked why he does not pay similar amounts to his MMA fighters under contract.
The UFC gives about 20% of revenue to fighter pay, compared with boxers’ 60%.
Nate Diaz, who fights fellow American Mike Perry on the Rousey card, described the athletes at the news conference, which included Francis Ngannou, as “free fighters”.
American Diaz and Cameroon’s Ngannou, who is set to face Brazil’s Philipe Lins, left the UFC after criticising fighter pay.
“Everybody on this stage is a leader because they took a stand and said ‘no’ and they’re worth more,” said Rousey.
“The reason we’re all here together is because all of you led the way.”
