TLDR
- Jake Paul claims Dana White is ‘checked out’ from UFC and unconcerned about MVP MMA’s launch
- MVP MMA’s debut card features Ronda Rousey, Francis Ngannou, and Nate Diaz
- Paul promises to pay fighters more than UFC, citing Ngannou makes ‘more than the whole UFC roster combined’
- The promotion has secured a streaming deal with Netflix for its debut event
- Dana White has dismissed Paul’s $1 million wager about MVP MMA’s success against UFC
Sources: Bloody Elbow | BJ Penn | ESPN | Sherdog
Jake Paul believes UFC president Dana White is completely disengaged from the promotion he built. The controversial YouTuber-turned-boxer says White’s lack of interest in MVP MMA’s launch creates an opening for his new fight company.
Paul made the comments ahead of MVP MMA’s first event, which features some of the biggest names in combat sports history. Ronda Rousey, Francis Ngannou, and Nate Diaz are all set to compete on the debut card.
The new promotion has secured a streaming partnership with Netflix to broadcast its events. Paul points to this deal as proof that MVP MMA can offer fighters both better pay and equal or greater exposure than the UFC.
Jake Paul doubts Dana White feels threatened by MVP MMA: 'He's checked out' https://t.co/KPMYgDRXOm
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) April 29, 2026
Paul Targets UFC Fighter Contracts
Paul did not hold back when discussing his strategy for building MVP MMA’s roster. “I think we just poach all of them, honestly,” Paul said in a recent interview.
He argues that UFC fighters are drastically underpaid compared to boxers. “That’s why a lot of the UFC guys want to box, because they can get 10, 15, 20 million dollars for a fight versus $1.5 million for being the champion,” Paul explained.
The rivalry between Paul and White has existed for years. Paul has repeatedly criticized the UFC for what he considers unfair fighter compensation.
White has responded to Paul’s latest provocations, dismissing a $1 million wager Paul offered regarding MVP MMA’s success. The UFC president questions Paul’s experience in promoting MMA events despite the hype surrounding the debut card.
Paul holds up Francis Ngannou as the model for UFC fighters to follow. The former heavyweight champion left the UFC after his contract expired rather than re-signing.
“Hopefully, UFC fighters can start to follow the path of Francis Ngannou, where he fought his way out of his contract, and went on to do multiple boxing matches for 20, 30, 40 million dollars,” Paul said. “Now he’s fighting for MVP MMA, making more than the whole UFC roster combined.”
Breaking the UFC Monopoly
Paul frames MVP MMA as a necessary alternative in what he calls a monopolized sport. “It’s needed. It’s very, very needed in the sport,” Paul said.
He argues that the UFC has dominated MMA for too long without competition. “I think it’s been a monopoly for so long, run by the UFC, and the fighters haven’t had another place to go where they get the exposure and more pay,” Paul explained.
The young promoter wants fighters to realize they have options beyond the UFC. He believes the excuse that UFC provides the best platform for fame no longer holds true.
“I think the reason they’ve wanted to stay is, ‘OK, the pay is not good, but this is the best place to become famous.’ And it’s like, no, not anymore,” Paul said.
Paul describes the current moment as a “monumental shift in the timeline for MMA fighters.” He promises MVP MMA will deliver “the best and the biggest fights” while going “head-to-head with the big dogs.”
The promotion’s strategy relies on signing established stars who can attract viewers and legitimize the brand. With names like Rousey and Ngannou attached to the first card, Paul hopes to prove MVP MMA can compete immediately.
Paul recently underwent another surgery for a broken jaw caused by his boxing match with Anthony Joshua. Despite the medical setback, he has continued promoting MVP MMA’s launch and attacking White’s business practices.
