"The UFC is falling" - Jake Paul on Dana White's dismissive reaction to PFL taking over Bellator
Jake Paul thinks the PFL is making UFC's figurehead sweat a bit.
'PFL buys Bellator' was a headline that took over every major MMA news site when the acquisition became official.
Dana White, when asked about the merger, had some less than savory things to say about the business metrics both MMA companies have historically generated.
On being asked to share his thoughts on the PFL acquiring Bellator MMA and White's merger comments by Mike Heck of MMA Fighting, 'The Problem Child' said:
"It's a massive deal. Of course Dana's going to say that to protect his business. But the UFC is falling. Like what big fights are they putting on?Their biggest star and the 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, 2024 is all about and the PFL is the best place for fighters. So ESPN crushing it, massive numbers, and they just keep on getting bigger and bigger. New investments infused into the company. So just massive plans, massive things going on. Dana White's concerned, trust me."
Check out Paul's response to White's PFL-Bellator merger remarks below:
Jake Paul and his path toward a PFL MMA bout
Jake Paul is signed with the PFL and has been entertaining stepping into the SmartCage to partake in a mixed martial arts bout since the first quarter of 2023.
In an initially given timeline in April, Paul mentioned how it was likely he would make his MMA debut in late 2023. This obviously did not come to fruition, but names like Nate Diaz have been put out there by Paul as potential opponents under MMA rules.
The two have a history in the boxing world, with Paul garnering a points win over the Stockton icon in the summer. The former Disney star wants to go 2-0 over the former UFC title challenger in two combat sports.
'The Problem Child' has a professional boxing record of seven wins and one loss with four KOs. He has notched wins over names like Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley twice, and Ben Askren.
Jake Paul dons the big gloves once again and steps into the ring on December 15 to take on Andre August. This is his most experienced opponent within the sport of boxing so far, and on Friday night, the two will throw down in an eight-round affair under Queensberry rules.
Check out the Paul-August face-off below: