Jake Paul is once again clashing with UFC president Dana White, this time following the success of his Netflix boxing match against Mike Tyson. Despite a lackluster performance in the ring, Paul’s fight with the legendary boxer proved to be a massive business triumph. Prompting a sharp response from Paul aimed at White and UFC star Conor McGregor.
The boxing event, which aired on Netflix, attracted over 60 million live viewers and generated an impressive $18 million gate, setting a new record for a combat sports event held in Texas. However, the match itself left much to be desired, as Paul cruised to a decision victory over Tyson, leaving some critics, including White, unimpressed. White had previously criticized the bout, stating, “Jake Paul couldn’t do shit to him.”
Jake Paul Strikes Back
On Sunday, Paul hit back at White’s criticism, targeting the UFC president’s past business failures. He also accused White of stifling Conor McGregor’s career by restricting his opportunities outside of the UFC.
“Dana White has been a boxing promoter his whole career,” Paul tweeted. “All these nut riders need to do their research. His TV show failed. Couldn’t sell 4K tickets in Dublin with that useless Irish boxer [Callum Walsh] he’s promoting.”
Paul continued, “He’s not fighters first. He’s Dana first. Builds you up and tears you down. Now Conor McGregor is a hostage. Free Conor.”
Paul’s comments about McGregor come amid ongoing tensions between the influencer-turned-boxer and UFC. The YouTuber-turned-fighter has frequently criticized the UFC for its treatment of fighters, specifically accusing White of underpaying athletes. Paul also views McGregor, a former UFC champion, as a prime example of White’s control over careers of UFC fighters. Paul has expressed interest in fighting McGregor in the future.
Paul Takes Pride in Fight Success
Despite the criticisms of the match, Paul has been vocal about the business success of his fight with Tyson. He took to social media to highlight the massive financial and viewership records the event broke.
“Crazy that we did a bigger gate than every UFC event in history and that company is 30-plus years old,” Paul tweeted. “Biggest gate of Mike Tyson’s career. Biggest attendance of Mike’s career. Biggest viewership of Mike’s career. Biggest combat sports gate in U.S. combat sports history outside of Las Vegas.”
The Netflix-broadcasted event set a new standard for combat sports, with significant viewership and revenue generated for Paul and his team. Paul, who is currently signed to the PFL (Professional Fighters League), continues to fuel the rivalry with White, particularly as Paul plans to transition to MMA in the future.
The Ongoing Feud Between Paul and White
This ongoing feud between Jake Paul and Dana White highlights the larger tension between the worlds of influencer boxing and traditional MMA promotion. Paul’s business success continues to challenge the UFC’s dominance, as he makes his mark in combat sports both inside and outside the ring.
With the PFL as his next stop, Paul is looking to continue his rise while calling attention to what he views as the shortcomings of UFC’s pay structure and management.
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