Jake Paul Hits Out At Dana White Over UFC Fighter Pay – ‘Change And I’ll Shut Up’
Jake Paul has continued to be vocal against Dana White as the Problem Child speaks out against the current UFC fighter pay.
Paul and White have not had the best relationship over the years. The Problem Child has called out what he believes to be a lack of UFC fighter pay. He singled out the base rate of $12,500 per fight, indicating that is not enough to live off it. Paul has suggested that the minimum be increased to $50,000. This would allow fighters to live off that wage, even if they fight once a year.
White Vs. Paul
White has been very vocal against Paul, accusing him of using performance-enhancing drugs. There were also suggestions that Paul had been banned from attending UFC events. Paul recently snuck into UFC 306 to watch his friend Sean O’Malley take on Merab Dvalishvili. O’Malley ultimately lost a unanimous decision.
Dana White reacted to the footage of Paul sneaking in dressed as an old man, later stating that there was no issue with Paul. He revealed that the Problem Child was free to enter UFC events, shutting down any suggestion that he is banned. However, Paul is continuing to speak out, stating that he will only go silent once the issue of UFC fighter pay is addressed.
Paul’s comments hold some credibility when we look at the UFC’s latest figures. The UFC 306 card at The Sphere produced the biggest live gate of $22 million, although the event cost $20 million. Some of that revenue could be used to reinvest back into the fighters. The UFC is also facing two lawsuits which have alleged that they breached antitrust laws to control how much fighters could earn.
Paul Reacts
This was on the grounds of forming a monopoly, thus ruling out any competition. While a $335 million settlement had been reached, the courts refused to approve it, stating that the figure was too low. If the settlement is not reached, a trial will be scheduled. Paul has indicated that he is willing to draw a line under everything, provided that White responds to his call for fairer fighter pay.
“The only thing I’ve really asked for is for the minimum fighter pay, which is $12,500, to be changed to $50,000. So that fighters who have to work multiple jobs, if they fight once a year even, they would still be able to live off of that. If they were twice a year, they would make $100,000, which is great.
“Now, if they’re fighting once a year, it’s like $12,500 or twice a year would be $25,000. That’s been my only ask to Dana to change and that would only cost the UFC $20 million annually. So, it seems like, ‘Oh, you made $3-$4 billion why not just give a little bit more to the fighters? It’s only $20 million.’ That’s been my biggest thing. Make that change and I’ll shut up,” Paul said
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