YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul didn’t shy away from the chance to criticize UFC president Dana White when given the opportunity.
On Thursday, Paul hosted a press conference for a Professional Fighters League event titled “Battle of the Giants: Prepare to Impact.” Paul, who has had numerous exchanges with White over the years, reignited his anger toward UFC executives. Among his complaints against UFC are fighter pay issues and his desire to have boxing matches with current UFC fighters.
When asked about the possibility of the winner of Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira facing current UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones, Paul said he doesn’t think White would take that risk. Paul, who is now a rival businessman in the combat sports world, suggested the top MMA leagues aren’t treating their fans right.
“Dana [White] “I’m scared that’s going to happen,” Pak said of Ngannou or Ferreira vs. Jones. “He doesn’t want to lose his horse to Jon Jones. I like Jon Jones, but that’s too much of a risk for Dana. Francis is one of the baddest guys on the planet. I think Dana is scared and doesn’t want to do that, but the MMA fans want that, and Dana doesn’t do anything for the fans.”
Former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou left the organization and the sport to compete in two bouts in the boxing ring. The Cameroon-born fighter nearly won a decision against pound-for-pound legend Tyson Fury before falling to a knockout at the hands of Anthony Joshua. His return to MMA in October will be his first bout under the PFL banner and Ngannou’s first MMA fight since January 2022. In his most recent bout, Ngannou outpointed Ciryl Gane to defend his heavyweight title, but later vacated the title and became a free agent.
Brazil’s Ferreira earned his chance to face “The Predator” after defeating Ryan Bader at the Bellator vs. PFL: Champion vs. Champion event in February. The hulking 6’8″ striker handily defeated the Bellator MMA heavyweight kingpin, closing the show with a 21-second knockout to claim the event’s “Superbelt.” The man who calls himself “Problema” has won 12 of his 13 career victories inside the distance.
As both fighters prepare for their fight at Mayadeen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the debate over who is the best heavyweight in the world will continue. Sheldog’s official rankings do not include Ngannou in their heavyweight rankings due to his lack of MMA activity, but they rank Jones second behind Tom Aspinall. Paul believes this is not the case and is adamant that the winner of Ngannou vs Ferreira should be considered the best heavyweight in the sport.
