Jake Paul Rekindles Conflict With Dana White, Says He Is Worried By The PFL
Jake Paul has hit out at the CEO of the UFC, Dana White’s comments in response to the PFL’s recent acquisition of Bellator.
Donn Davis, the PFL chairman, confirmed that there were significant plans in place for 2024 now that the sale has gone through. This included a ‘champions vs. champions’ and a ‘Bellator International Champions Series,’ allowing champions from both franchises to face off against each other.
The merger also followed shortly after the PFL acquired over $100 from the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund via SRJ Sports Investment, as the PFL’s presence in the Middle East expands. Their recent signings have also shown progress.
Francis Nagnnou, Claressa Shields, Amanda Serrano, and Paul have crossed over to join them. Even Nate Diaz, a fighter known for the UFC, has been offered $15 million to face Paul in MMA under the PFL. While the offer has not been taken up, it does show a lot of ambition. And yet, White dismissed concerns that the PFL were major players.
White On The PFL
“It’s f****ing hilarious, but yeah, good for them. I wish ’em all the luck in the world. One sh***y organization that sells no tickets and nobody watches buys another sh***y organization that sells no tickets and nobody watches. Sounds like a f*cking winner to me, boy, right? Woo,” White said
Paul has now responded to those comments by suggesting that White is concerned. The UFC does have a lot of background noise going on. A class-action lawsuit has been filed against them by ex-UFC fighters, claiming that the UFC breached anti-trust laws.
As such, that allegedly allowed the organization to get a monopoly and exploit how much fighters could get paid. Since the PFL is offering bigger paydays, as Ngannou’s deal allowed him to box and get his biggest purse, Paul was clear that White was looking over his shoulder.
Paul On White
“It’s a massive deal. Of course, Dana is going to say that to protect his business but the UFC is falling. What big fights are they putting on? Their biggest star and heavyweight champion of their organization came to the PFL for better opportunities. The fighters are going where the better opportunities are.
“That’s what 2023 and 2024 is all about. The PFL is the best place for fighters. So you know, ESPN is crushing it, massive numbers. They just keep on getting bigger and bigger, new investments infused into the company. So, [there are] just massive plans, massive things going on. Dana White’s concerned trust me,” Paul stated
Outside of that, Paul continues to make waves in his boxing career. He knocked out Andre August in the first round with a brutal uppercut to give him his first win over a professional boxer. If he continues that trajectory, boxing fans can expect more significant PPV events in 2024.
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