Jake Paul has boldly stated that `UFC is dying` following claims by Dana White that he was unaware their respective fight events would go head-to-head this weekend.
Paul is scheduled to fight Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on Saturday night in Anaheim, California. Simultaneously, UFC 317 is headlining International Fight Week in Las Vegas. Despite the parallel events, UFC President Dana White recently told Bloody Elbow he had no knowledge of Paul`s event even taking place.
A long-standing rivalry exists between Paul and White, characterized by years of public jabs. This weekend marks a direct competition as both promote major pay-per-view events on the West Coast.
Jake Paul Counters Dana White`s Dismissal of the Clash
While Jake Paul`s previous fight against Mike Tyson was a monumental event distributed by Netflix, his upcoming bout with Chavez Jr. is a smaller scale. After a potential fight with Canelo Alvarez fell through, the Chavez Jr. fight was arranged.
In contrast to the unavoidable publicity of the Tyson fight, Dana White claimed ignorance about his own event, headlined by Ilia Topuria vs Charles Oliveira, having any pay-per-view competition.
However, Paul and his business partner Nakisa Bidarian expressed skepticism about White`s claim. Bidarian told Bloody Elbow, “That’s a definite lie that he didn’t know about it because he pays attention to every little thing that Jake Paul does to the 20th degree.”
Bidarian further highlighted their rapid ascent in the promotion world: “We’ve been in this business for less than four years and we’ve already put on the biggest event [Paul vs Tyson]… They’re 40 years in the game, we’re four years in. I’d hope that they do bigger revenue than us, they should. But you can’t discount what he’s done in four years. I know Dana watches every single thing this kid does. 100 per cent.”
Paul then made his provocative statement, asserting that “UFC is dying.” He argued they lack major stars and are becoming less exciting. “They don’t have any current stars, they have skillful fighters but it’s all boring wrestling where the Dagestani fighters are winning everything by taking everyone to the ground.”
Addressing White`s supposed ignorance, Paul added, “He can say whatever he wants, but you told him about the fight right? So now he knows. That’s what press and media is. We’re selling the pay-per-views, so maybe people don’t know about it today or tomorrow but on Saturday they’re all going to know.”
Dana White Claimed Ignorance Regarding the Schedule Conflict
During a media discussion last weekend, Dana White was specifically asked by Bloody Elbow about his thoughts on competing head-to-head with the Paul vs Chavez Jr. event. He insisted he was unaware the fight was happening and seemed particularly surprised to hear Oscar De La Hoya was involved in its promotion.
“I didn’t even f—ing know that,” White responded. “I didn’t even know he was fighting so that’s how concerned I am about it.” When asked if he considered it a `proper fight` for Paul, who often faces criticism for his opponent choices, White labeled it an “interesting” contest while reiterating his lack of awareness.
Upon being informed that Oscar De La Hoya was promoting the event, White reacted with disbelief – “No f—ing way,” – before ultimately dismissing the event as a “S— show.”
