The ongoing rivalry between Jake Paul and Dana White has once again come to the forefront, with both figures continuing to take public jabs at each other over the years. What started as criticism over fighter pay and business practices has evolved into a long-running feud, with Paul frequently targeting the UFC president in interviews and on social media.
While White also dismissed Paul as a professional boxer, he is one of the critics of ‘The Problem Child’s ’ boxing career.
Recently, Paul has reignited his feud with White. He claimed that the UFC boss still owes him $1 million following his knockout win over Ben Askren.
Paul referenced a long-standing bet linked to his 2021 fight with Askren, noting that White had confidently backed the former MMA star to win during an interview alongside Mike Tyson, even joking about the outcome.
Paul calls out Dana White over unpaid bet
In his recent appearance on Complex News, Paul did not hold back as he recalled the situation.
“This is the guy who was paying Ben Askren in training camp, getting him coaches and then tried to place a $1 million bet that Ben Askren would beat me,” Paul said.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer then pointed to the outcome of the fight.
“And then no-showed after I knocked him out in the first round… so Dana, where’s my money? You still owe me $1 million.”
The YouTuber-turned-boxer faced Askren at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. He knocked out the MMA fighter in the first round.
Paul believes White is checked out as MMA competition rises
Paul has repeatedly criticized White and the UFC’s business practices, highlighting fighters’ pay. Now, ‘The Problem Child’s Most Valuable Promotion is scheduled to host an MMA event on May 16 at Intuit Dome, Inglewood, which will be streamed on Netflix. And it’s guaranteed minimum purse of $40000, which is significantly more than a new fighter gets in the UFC.
Fans are already calling it the biggest MMA card of the year, and it will be a triple headliner, with MMA’s biggest female star, Ronda Rousey, taking on Gina Carano. It will also feature Francis Ngannou vs. Philipe Lins and Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry. And many more great fights on the card.
Many analysts say that the MVP could become a threat to UFC, the biggest MMA organization.
In the interview mentioned above, Paul suggested that White may not be actively concerned about emerging threats. He went on to describe White as someone who has already achieved significant financial success and may no longer feel the same pressure.
“I don’t think [Dana is getting nervous], he’s already checked out. He’s a billionaire, he’s just going and gambling, he’s happy with his life, and I also think that everyone in my whole career underestimates me, and then I surpass expectations… So he probably doesn’t think we’re gonna take over MMA so I don’t think he’s nervous.”
White has taken one step back from the UFC and has been promoting his boxing venture, Zuffa Boxing, backed by significant Saudi funding from Sela and Turki Alalshikh.
