Jake Paul has launched a fresh round of criticism at the UFC and Dana White while pushing Most Valuable Promotions as a different path in MMA.
According to Paul, the current MMA landscape has opened a lane for MVP, with pushback mounting over stagnant fighter pay and what is described as a decline in UFC card quality. Fans who were initially excited about a Paramount deal that removed monthly pay-per-view charges are now said to be frustrated by adverts and glitchy streams, even as the deal is described as a massive financial windfall for the UFC.
Paul took specific aim at the upcoming UFC White House card, which was promoted as the baddest card of all time but is described as a six-fight lineup featuring Bo Nickal vs. Kyle Daukaus. “Not smart enough,” Paul said, before adding, “… Just look at what he’s doing! You don’t get Jon Jones on the White House card? First of all, Justin Gaethje is going to lose to Ilia [Topuria] on the White House card. So you have a Spaniard beating a white American on the patriotic White House card? Big mistake. Why are you not going to pay Jon Jones? They’ve gotten greedy, and they’ve forgotten their hearts as a company.”
MVP is promoting a Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano-led fight card on Netflix that has received positive reception in contrast. Paul also blasted wrestling-focused fighters, saying, “It’s dying, because the best people in the sport become wrestlers and they just hold on,” and, “Look at Khabib, Khamzat. Boring! No one wants that …who has Paramount?”
Despite the criticism, the article notes that fan backlash has not significantly affected the UFC’s financial performance, with UFC Seattle recently selling out and delivering the highest-grossing North American Fight Night ever. Dana White is described as fully removed from fighter negotiations, with Hunter Campbell handling that area, while the PFL is mentioned as another major MMA organization that has not met expectations according to the article.
