Jake Paul Continues His Barrage Against UFC CEO Dana White
Social media personality and boxing promoter Jake Paul has once again set his sights on UFC CEO Dana White, continuing his outspoken criticism of the organization’s business practices. Paul is actively involved in promoting a significant upcoming bout between former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou and current PFL Heavyweight Champion Renan Ferreira. This matchup is scheduled for October 19th and will headline a pay-per-view event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, adding another layer to Paul’s ongoing public feud with White.
The Unlikelihood of Ngannou vs. Jones Under UFC
It’s no secret that Jake Paul is a vocal critic of how UFC fighters are compensated. When asked about the possibility of a superfight between Francis Ngannou and UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones, Paul expressed strong doubts, attributing White’s reluctance to fear. „I think Dana is scared to do it,“ Paul stated after a PFL press conference. He elaborated, suggesting White’s apprehension stems from a desire to protect his star asset, Jon Jones. Paul acknowledged Jones’s skill but framed the potential fight as too high-risk for White, given Ngannou’s reputation as one of the toughest men on the planet. Paul believes White prioritizes his own interests over what the MMA fanbase desires, asserting that White would never make a move solely for the fans.
Conflicting Narratives on Ngannou’s Departure
The differing accounts between Dana White and Francis Ngannou regarding Ngannou’s exit from the UFC add complexity to the situation. White has publicly stated that Ngannou chose to leave the organization rather than face Jon Jones. However, Ngannou has consistently maintained that he was the one pushing for that highly anticipated matchup. Regardless of who is telling the complete truth, White’s well-known aversion to co-promoting fights presents a significant hurdle, making any potential collaboration, especially for a superfight involving a fighter no longer under UFC contract, highly improbable. This history further fuels Paul’s narrative that White is not prioritizing the biggest fights for the sport.
Ferreira’s Shot at „The Baddest Man on the Planet“
Paul views Francis Ngannou as embodying the title of „The Baddest Man on the Planet,“ and he sees Renan Ferreira as having a genuine opportunity to claim that crown in their upcoming October clash. „Absolutely,“ Paul responded when asked about Ferreira’s chances. He acknowledged that a significant upset is always possible in combat sports, which is precisely what makes the fight so compelling. Paul highlighted Ferreira’s formidable power as a key factor. Should Ferreira emerge victorious, Paul suggested it would be a monumental achievement, instantly elevating Ferreira to the status of the most dominant heavyweight in MMA, a narrative Paul is clearly eager to promote.
