Jake Paul and UFC CEO Dana White have been in a contentious back-and-forth since Paul started his boxing career.
The former Disney star`s next fight is just days away, as he is set to face Julio Cesar Chavez Jr at the Honda Center in Anaheim on June 28.
Although this upcoming bout will be Paul`s 12th as a professional, he still faces significant skepticism from many fans and fellow fighters. As `The Problem Child` aims for his sixth consecutive win since his only defeat, these familiar criticisms are likely to resurface.
According to Paul, the two main baseless accusations used to discredit his boxing career are a result of White`s actions.
Paul Points to White as Source of Fight-Rigging and Steroid Accusations
The UFC CEO has been a very outspoken critic of the Cleveland native`s venture into combat sports, frequently targeting Paul before his previous fights.
White has often echoed the sentiments of many of Paul`s critics, alleging that he deliberately chooses aging MMA and boxing veterans who he is likely to defeat.
However, while appearing on The Iced Coffee Hour, the 28-year-old brought attention to some of White`s more severe and “ludicrous” allegations.
“Accusations of rigged fights and steroid use are probably the most absurd,” Paul stated. “Dana White initiated both of those rumors.”
“After I defeated Mike Tyson, so many people claimed it was rigged… The average person simply doesn`t understand boxing.”
“That is definitely the top (least deserved criticism).”
White publicly demanded that Paul undergo drug testing during their intense feud in 2022.
Paul Set Goal to `Embarrass` White`s UFC Fighters
While Paul`s selection of opponents is frequently a point of criticism from his detractors, `The Problem Child` has fully embraced his boxing record, which features many MMA fighters.
So far, the Cleveland native has beaten five veterans of the cage, notably knocking out Tyron Woodley and securing decision victories against Anderson Silva and Nate Diaz.
In December 2020, early in his boxing career, Paul suggested he would not stop pursuing fights against UFC stars.
Paul told ESPN that his aim was to “embarrass” as many of White`s fighters as possible.
The latest fighter to fall victim to this goal was Mike Perry, who lost by TKO in the sixth round of his July 2024 bout against Paul.
