Ariel Helwani explains the challenges Jake Paul might face to get fighters on board for a union
Jake Paul and Anderson Silva agreed to a bet prior to their fight last weekend. The wager consisted of Paul rematching Silva in kickboxing or MMA if 'The Spider' was victorious. With a win for 'The Problem Child', Silva agreed he'd join Paul in his quest to create a MMA fighters' union.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer won the fight via unanimous decision, and now talks of a fighter union have begun.
Ariel Helwani, a longtime MMA journalist and host of The MMA Hour, recently discussed the potential problems that Jake Paul may face when creating the union.
Helwani pointed out that 'The Problem Child' will be calling for the help of the same MMA fighters whom he has been calling out for boxing matches. Considering the provocative nature of Paul's callouts, Helwani feels that MMA fighters may not be inclined to help him:
"Being Jake Paul doesn't make it easier. Because on the one hand, you're feuding with these guys and on the other hand, you're trying to get them onboard [with the fighters' union]. It's tough, 'cause now you have people who think, 'You're disrespecting our legends.' So that doesn't really mesh with trying to bring everyone together."
Watch Helwani's comments in the video below:
Jake Paul speaks on the likelihood of the MMA fighters' union actually happening
Jake Paul has been a vocal critic of the UFC for some time now, particularly focusing on the issue of fighter pay.
With Paul's victory over Anderson Silva last weekend, the wheels are now in motion for the inception of the first ever MMA fighters' union. Some have been skeptical of how successful the idea will turn out to be.
However, 'The Problem Child' has chosen not to focus on the obstacles themselves, and rather on how to overcome them..
Paul was interviewed by Ariel Helwani following the boxing match against 'The Spider'. Helwani asked 'The Problem Child' how confident he is that Silva will help him create the union:
"I'm very confident it happens and that Anderson will help. I think he is a man of his word. This is needed, it's been needed for so long. Right now we're talking with lawyers to get everything set up..."
Helwani then asked Paul how confident he is that MMA fighters will join his quest for a fighters' union, considering how 'The Problem Child' has taunted the MMA community:
"I think that's where people like Anderson Silva joining really helps, 'cause they respect him. I think that fighters, regardless of if they hate me or love me, I'm trying to help them."
Watch the interview below: