UFC champion Ronda Rousey launched a dig at boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr by hinting at his violent past during an appearance at the ESPY Awards in Los Angeles.

During ESPN's pre-show, Rousey was named the Best Fighter, beating out pound-for-pound champion Mayweather, who extended his unbeaten run to 48 fights with victory over Manny Pacquiao in May.

While accepting the award on the red carpet, Rousey wondered how the American boxer felt about getting "beat by a woman for once," which was in reference to Mayweather's previous convictions for domestic violence.

Rousey also won the award for Best Female Athlete, trumping Wimbledon champion Serena Williams and Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn.