White Credits Paul For Joshua Fight

Dana White gave Jake Paul credit for stepping into the ring with Anthony Joshua, though the UFC president made clear he has no interest in promoting the YouTuber-turned-boxer through Zuffa Boxing.

Paul survived five rounds with the former unified heavyweight champion last December before getting knocked out in the sixth round, sustaining multiple jaw fractures in the process. White, who has clashed with Paul throughout his boxing career, told the Plan Bri Uncut podcast he was surprised Paul went through with the bout, per MMA Fighting.

White On Paul's Future In Zuffa Boxing

"I literally didn't think that was going to happen," White said. "And I said — when you go in there and box a guy like AJ, this isn't a joke. This isn't a game. That could kill him. And look, he literally broke his face. It was a ballsy move getting in there with Anthony Joshua."

Despite the grudging respect, White shut down any notion of bringing Paul into the Zuffa Boxing fold. He said that style of matchmaking is not his focus, adding that his approach centers on matching top-level talent regardless of stage in their career.

"There's always going to be a place for the Paul brother type fights, but that's not what I do," White explained. "The best. I'm looking for the best fighters in the world."

Paul remains out of action while recovering from the jaw injury. His promotion, Most Valuable Promotions, recently announced a merger with the PFL.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Morning Report | Dana White credits Jake Paul for ‘ballsy move’ fighting Anthony Joshua, but has no interest in promoting him