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Tag: Jake Paul

  • Sean Strickland Wants UFC Exit To Fight Jake Paul After Influencer Boxer Lands Spot On Forbes’ Highest-Paid Athletes List

    Sean Strickland isn’t shy about speaking his mind, and his latest comments make it clear he’s seriously tempted by the kind of money being made outside the UFC.

    The reigning middleweight champion reacted to Jake Paul landing on Forbes’ highest-paid athletes list after reportedly earning around $70 million, and the numbers clearly caught his attention.

    Speaking during a livestream with Nina Drama, the outspoken MMA star openly floated the idea of leaving the UFC altogether to chase a payday against “The Problem Child”.

    “I gotta leave the UFC and go beat up Jake Paul. That’s it. Cut my contract, UFC. It’s time for me to leave,” Strickland said on Nina Drama’s livestream.

    The comments weren’t just made in passing. Strickland doubled down on the financial disparity between MMA and boxing, suggesting that even a partial payday from a Jake Paul fight would eclipse his UFC earnings.

    “If I made even a fraction of that, I’d be making more than the UFC is paying me,” he said. “I’d f—ing beat the s— out of Jake Paul.”

    Strickland also took aim at “The Problem Child’s” in-ring credentials, pointing to his loss against Tommy Fury as evidence that the YouTuber-turned-boxer isn’t operating at a high level.

    “Jake Paul lost against pretty much a reality star named Tommy… He’s not a real boxer,” Strickland added.

    Despite the bravado, Strickland acknowledged that the financial upside is the real driving factor behind his interest. He even claimed a single fight with Paul could surpass what he’s earned throughout his entire UFC career.

    “I’ll make more money f—ing up Jake Paul than I would my entire UFC career. How f—ed up is that?” he said.

  • Did Rousey vs Carano Just Break All-Time U.S. MMA Viewership Record? Numbers Might Surprise You

    Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano delivered massive numbers for its debut on Netflix, rewriting the record books in the United States.

    According to figures released by Most Valuable Promotions, the event averaged 9.3 million viewers in the U.S., with a peak of 11.6 million during the main event. That officially surpasses the long-standing benchmark set by Cain Velasquez vs Junior dos Santos on FOX in 2011, which drew 8.8 million viewers.

    Globally, the numbers were even more impressive. The card pulled in 12.4 million live viewers worldwide, with peak viewership reaching nearly 17 million as Ronda Rousey secured a quick submission victory over Gina Carano in just 17 seconds.

    Beyond viewership, the event also generated a $2.2 million gate and reportedly produced over one billion impressions across Netflix’s global platforms, signaling strong engagement beyond the broadcast itself.

    The card featured several notable names alongside the headline bout. Francis Ngannou made his return to MMA, while Mike Perry picked up a stoppage win over Nate Diaz, helping maintain momentum throughout the night.

    While the event did not reach the same scale as some of Netflix’s biggest boxing broadcasts, it still marked a significant step forward for MMA on the platform. Previous combat sports events featuring names like Anthony Joshua and Canelo Álvarez have posted larger figures, but few MMA cards outside the UFC ecosystem have approached this level of reach.

  • Jake Paul Blasts Dana White Over Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway UFC 329 Announcement

    Jake Paul recently fired back at UFC President Dana White as the latter announced Conor McGregor’s return.

    The boxing promoter accused White of attempting to steal attention from his MVP’s debut MMA card.

    On Saturday, White went live on Instagram to officially announce McGregor’s Octagon return, confirming a July 11 main event clash against former rival Max Holloway at UFC 329. The announcement will serve as the headline attraction for this year’s International Fight Week.

    The timing raised eyebrows across the combat sports world. White’s reveal coincided exactly with Francis Ngannou’s walk to the cage at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California for his heavyweight bout against Philipe Lins on the undercard of the debut MVP MMA event streaming on Netflix.

    Jake Paul Accuses Dana White of Piggybacking Off MVP Event

    During the MVP MMA post-event press conference, Paul was asked about White’s announcement timing. The co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions didn’t hold back in his response.

    “Oh, the cokehead is back,” Paul said, according to LowKickMMA. “That’s cool, bro. Drop it during our event. Insecure boys trying to piggyback.”

    Paul appeared largely unfazed by the tactic despite fans and pundits anticipating White might attempt to divert attention from the MVP card. The boxing promoter has maintained an ongoing public feud with the UFC president, including past criticisms of fighter pay and UFC business practices.

    The MVP MMA debut event featured a card headlined by Ronda Rousey versus Gina Carano and streamed on Netflix.

  • The Netflix Era Begins: Will MVP MMA Be The New Threat To UFC?

    The Netflix Era Begins: Will MVP MMA Be The New Threat To UFC?

    Saturday, May 16, marks an important day in the world of MMA, as Most Valuable Promotions holds its highly anticipated inaugural MMA event.

    The Jake Paul-led promotion, after putting on various boxing cards over the years, now looks to start a run in promoting MMA. It looks to be the latest alternative product to the UFC, starting things off with a bang by featuring a mix of star names and up-and-comers.

    The main event will feature the returns of two women’s MMA legends — Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano. The bout is scheduled to be a five-round women’s featherweight contest.

    This will be Rousey’s first fight since her loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207 in December 2016. The former UFC and Strikeforce champion has since had a pair of stints with the WWE, earning women’s championships.

    Carano, meanwhile, has not fought since her loss to Cris Cyborg in Strikeforce in 2009. After MMA, Carano made a career for himself in film and television.

    The co-main event will be a five-round welterweight bout featuring Nate Diaz taking on Mike Perry.

    Diaz has not fought in MMA since his win over Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 in September 2022. Diaz has since fought in a pair of boxing matches, losing to Jake Paul and defeating Jorge Masvidal. Perry has not fought in professional MMA since parting with the UFC in 2021, but he’s made a name for himself in BKFC.

    Francis Ngannou also makes his return on this card, taking on Phillipe Lins. This is the former UFC heavyweight champion’s first MMA bout since defeating Renan Ferreira in his lone PFL bout in October 2024. Lins won the PFL heavyweight title in its inaugural 2018 season. He then went to the UFC, losing his first two bouts before winning four straight, before parting ways with the promotion. Lins has not fought since his UFC 299 win over Ion Cutelaba.

    Ahead of the MVP MMA card, MMANews’ Thomas Albano and Pranav Pandey shared their thoughts on the event.

    What do you think this Saturday’s MVP MMA event needs to do to be considered a success?

    Thomas Albano: When I heard Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano was going to happen under the MVP banner on Netflix, my head was scratching. Then they added Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry and Francis Ngannou to the card, and I wondered if this was going to be a one-and-done gimmick show. Then the other names came in, and I’ve seen the pre-event hype behind this card. And I can honestly say I’m super pumped to tune in to MVP’s first MMA card on May 16.

    I think for this card to be a true success, MVP has to remember the mission of being an alternative product. Is there going to be Netflix crossover? Of course. That happens with a lot of Netflix products and broadcasts. Does having two people who haven’t fought in MMA in 10+ years each sound concerning? It can be.

    But ultimately, it just comes down to the fights delivering. Strong performances and fun fights up and down the card, even if not every fight is a home run, and highlight finishes will gain more traction. The better this card does, the stronger of a start for MVP MMA. And that can mean upward trajectory for future events.

    Pranav Prandy:  I think MVP has been pretty smart in how they’ve built this card. Stacking the main card with recognizable names who’ve already made a mark in the UFC almost guarantees attention. There’s a built-in audience there, and with the event streaming on Netflix, the reach alone could push it into “success” territory purely on numbers.

    That said, I’m not entirely convinced the fight week buzz will match that scale. The pre-fight press conference turnout might not be anything special, which could hint at a softer on-ground presence. But in today’s landscape, that doesn’t necessarily matter as much as digital traction, and I do expect this event to pull solid viewership on Saturday night.

    As for what MVP needs to do to be considered a success, in my opinion, most of the heavy lifting is already done. The promotion has been adequate, the names are there, and the platform is massive. Now it really comes down to delivering entertaining fights. If the action lives up to expectations, this event won’t just be a success, it might even force the UFC to pay attention a little more closely.

    Do you think Rousey vs. Carano will be a hit or a flop?

    Thomas Albano: If we were living in the early 2010s right now, this would be an all-time barnburner for women’s MMA. Carano is a pioneer of this sport for its female athletes. Rousey, meanwhile, built a legacy for herself with each fight, and she is one fighter who helped bring the UFC more and more mainstream in the previously mentioned decade.

    But time has not done this matchup any favors. It’s unique, it’s nostalgic, but that’s all. It’s been a decade since Amanda Nunes obliterated Rousey. It’s been longer since Carano ran into Cris Cyborg. The two have name value and star power, especially Rousey, but we shouldn’t expect a war in the cage.

    This fight, along with the other names of this card, will certainly bring eyeballs to the point where the event is a hit. The competitiveness and quality of the fight, however? Probably a different story.

    Pranav Prandy: I’m not entirely sure this is the fight fans were really asking for, especially when you consider the combined hiatus of both fighters, which is well over two decades. Personally, I’m not that excited for it from a competitive standpoint.

    Rousey’s name still carries serious weight, no doubt about that. In fact, this fight could serve as a reality check to see whether she still commands the same level of star power she had during her UFC run. With Carano, I think her presence adds more to the overall spectacle and glamour of the event, which isn’t a bad thing, but it does shift the focus slightly away from pure competition.

    When it comes to the actual fight, I don’t expect a high-level MMA showcase. The ring rust is likely to be quite evident on both sides. If they end up delivering an entertaining scrap, then full credit to them, but I’m not counting on it.

    So in terms of name value and mainstream attention, I think it will be a hit. But if we’re judging it strictly as a competitive MMA contest, I don’t see it being particularly engaging.

    What is the fight you are most looking forward to?

    Thomas Albano: I don’t want to discredit the rest of the MVP MMA card. I, for one, actually am looking forward to a Francis Ngannou return. And I want to see the prospective talents that MVP MMA has signed, because the promotion needs talent of the future to be the kind of alternative product it wants to be.

    But, come on, there’s only one choice for the people’s main event: Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry.

    Of the three major fights on this main card, which have taken a lot of the hype, this is the one I’m most uncertain about. Diaz is always fun to watch, and he’s not going to be afraid to go to war against “Platinum” Perry.

    He and Perry will probably have some of those fun exchanges; however, Perry’s aggressiveness and his striking, which he’s developed with the BKFC, might cause a problem and risk opening up a cut on Diaz. Diaz is definitely the better grappler, and getting Perry to the ground should be a mission for him.

    However long it lasts, I hope this ends up being the best fight of the night.

    Pranav Prandy: For me, it has to be Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry. Both guys are pure entertainment and have built their reputations on bringing chaos every time they step in to compete. It’s always a pleasure watching Diaz fight. There’s a certain unpredictability and toughness he brings that never really fades. On the other side, Perry is coming in with serious momentum, especially off his success in BKFC, and that makes this matchup even more intriguing.

    I do think Perry is going to pose some real problems with his aggression and current form. But at the same time, Diaz is not someone who goes away quietly. He thrives in those gritty, drawn-out battles. This one just feels like it has all the ingredients to steal the show.

    What name outside of the big 3 fights should people look out for?

    Thomas Albano: The obvious answer is going to be Salahdine Parnasse, given how he’s on the main card and how he fared for himself in KSW, becoming a two-division champion.

    Parnasse has the opportunity to be that kind of future talent MVP needs beyond established names. He’s 28 years old and comes into this bout with a 22-2 record, one of the top names outside the UFC. He’s been a featherweight and lightweight champion in KSW, and he once challenged for the welterweight title.

    For variety’s sake, I’ll also throw in Jason Jackson and Aline Pereira. If you never watched Bellator or PFL, or The Ultimate Fighter season 21, you’ll enjoy Jackson’s abilities in the cage. You know you have a solid card when a former Bellator champion is on the prelims. Pereira, meanwhile, is the sister of Alex Pereira. If she can deliver a knockout, she’ll definitely have some eyes on her in MVP.

    Pranav Prandy: One name I’m definitely keeping an eye on is Salahdine Parnasse. He’s already built a serious reputation in KSW as a two-division champion, and this feels like a big moment for him to introduce himself to a wider audience.

    What makes his story even more interesting is that the UFC has been interested in him for quite some time, but he’s turned those opportunities down, largely due to financial reasons. That’s not something you see often, and it says a lot about the position he’s built for himself in the European scene.

    He’s already a proven draw over there, but this card gives him a real chance to break into the U.S. market in a meaningful way. If he can deliver a standout performance against Kenny Cross, it could shift the conversation around him entirely.

    Does the UFC attempt to steal momentum with a Conor McGregor announcement on Saturday night?

    Thomas Albano: I’d be more surprised if there wasn’t an announcement. Ariel Helwani mentioned last week that he expected an announcement at UFC 328, but that event came and went with just an update from Dana White that things were looking good for McGregor’s return.

    But here’s the thing: If you really think about it, it makes more sense strategically for the UFC to do something like that this week. It’s a way for them to try to drag attention away from MVP. And this theory might have some legs now that the New York Post has reported on details being finalized for McGregor vs. Holloway.

    When McGregor vs. Michael Chandler fell through a couple of years ago, did you think it was just coincidental that the UFC’s confirmation — and announcement of UFC 303’s replacement main event — came on a Thursday night during a PFL card?

    I fully expect an announcement of McGregor’s UFC return on May 16, especially with the UFC’s International Fight Week two months away. Will the fight actually happen? Who knows. But if things are just about ready, I totally see this happening.

    That said, I don’t think it does too much damage to the traction MVP would get anyway.

    Pranav Prandy: There’s definitely some noise around a potential Conor McGregor return, possibly at UFC 329 in July, and even Ariel Helwani has hinted that an announcement could come as soon as this weekend.

    If that happens, it would clearly be a calculated move by Dana White and the UFC to grab headlines and shift some of the spotlight away from the MVP MMA card. Given the ongoing friction between White and Jake Paul, it wouldn’t be surprising at all if they chose this moment to make a statement.

    From a strategic standpoint, it makes perfect sense. If you have your biggest star ready to be announced, this is exactly the kind of moment you use to remind everyone who still dominates the space.

    That said, I don’t think it would drastically impact either promotion in the long run. Both sides are likely to generate their own traction regardless. An announcement might steal a few headlines for a day, but it won’t really take anything away from MVP, and it certainly won’t hurt the UFC either.

    Will MVP MMA be a one-and-done? Or will there be more?

    Thomas Albano: I know Jake Paul is not the most popular person in the combat sports space. I know that to this day, there are people who hate him because he doesn’t fall into the tradition of boxing. I know that his personality can be one that turns people off.

    But here’s the thing: If you’re someone who wants to see an alternate product, you have to root for MVP and hope it succeeds. More promotions mean more choice for fans and fighters. Disrupting the UFC’s tight grasp on the combat sports world is a lot easier said than done. However, if that were to happen, it’d have quite the effect on the MMA economy.

    With MVP’s commitment to try and do such a thing, it seems clear there will be more events beyond this first one. Two things are going to be needed, however. Firstly, while they loaded this card with names, they still need to save star power to headline future cards. That’s going to be needed while they build their own stars.

    That’s the second thing — they need their own homegrown talents that people will tune in to MVP for, regardless of where they’re on the card and who is headlining. Homegrown talents will help to further a strong identity for MVP MMA, and it will do more for showing fighters they have a choice in where they want to take their career and make money.

    Pranav Prandy: This is the one I’m least certain about. It’s clear that MVP, along with Jake Paul, is aiming to disrupt the UFC’s long-standing grip on the global MMA market. With Netflix backing them, the potential reach is massive, which suggests they’re at least thinking beyond just a single event.

    But sustaining that kind of momentum is a different challenge altogether. To keep this going, they’ll need to consistently bring in big names who can headline and draw attention. That’s not easy in a space where the UFC still holds most of the elite roster.

    In a perfect world, something like Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou would be the kind of blockbuster fight that changes everything. Realistically, though, that feels a bit out of reach for now.

    I think it ultimately comes down to how this weekend performs. The response they get, both in terms of viewership and overall buzz, will play a huge role in deciding whether this becomes a long-term venture or just a one-off experiment.

  • Jake Paul Claims Ronda Rousey Is Being Paid More For Netflix Fight Than Ilia Topuria Earns In UFC

    Jake Paul Claims Ronda Rousey Is Being Paid More For Netflix Fight Than Ilia Topuria Earns In UFC

    Jake Paul claims Ronda Rousey is being paid more for her Netflix comeback fight than UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria earns for title defenses.

    Speaking on the Death Row MMA show with Jorge Masvidal, Paul made the claim while discussing pay for Saturday’s MVP MMA 1 event on Netflix, headlined by Rousey vs. Gina Carano at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

    “Here’s what I can say: I know how much Ronda Rousey is making for this event and it’s a lot more than what Ilia Topuria makes for fighting.”

    Topuria next defends his title against Justin Gaethje at UFC White House on June 14. Paul also claimed undercard fighters on Saturday’s card will earn significantly more than their UFC counterparts, stating pay is “definitely more than the UFC by a lot.” No fighter on the Rousey vs. Carano undercard will earn less than $40,000, with Rousey, Nate Diaz, and Francis Ngannou all expected to receive pay exceeding what they would have earned for comparable UFC appearances.

    Masvidal, who retired in 2023 following a loss to Gilbert Burns, pushed back on the idea that entry-level UFC pay needs fixing, while agreeing that mid-tier and ranked fighters deserve more.

    “I like the way you see it, but to be honest with you, in fighting, that 12 and 12 or when I was fighting it was, like, 4 and 4, that’s still like [six times] of what you make on the regional side. It’s good money if you do get there, but where we do need a dramatic change is more like when you’re in the top 10, top 15 already.”

    Paul countered that better base pay would improve the overall talent pool by allowing fighters to train full-time rather than working second jobs.

    “I think the difference is it would create better talent and better fighters because they wouldn’t have to be working other jobs in between training sessions. It would actually grow the sport in the long run if these people making the minimum pay didn’t have to go be a teacher or a janitor or work for UPS.”

  • Jake Paul Outlines His Plan to Raid UFC Roster, Reveals What He’s Paying Francis Ngannou

    Jake Paul Outlines His Plan to Raid UFC Roster, Reveals What He’s Paying Francis Ngannou

    Jake Paul has laid out his vision for MVP MMA’s future in the sport, and it is built around one core idea: paying fighters what the UFC will not.

    Speaking in a recent interview with Complex, Paul framed MVP MMA’s entry into the MMA landscape as a structural disruption that benefits fighters and fans equally, drawing a difference between what the UFC offers and what he believes is possible elsewhere.

    “It’s needed. It’s very, very needed in the sport. 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. And so MVP MMA is providing that with some of the biggest names, and obviously, the biggest streaming platform. So, it’s really a monumental shift in the timeline for MMA fighters, and for MMA fans. Because we want to provide the best and the biggest fights, and go head-to-head with the big dogs. It’s just a very exciting time for everyone because of that.”

    When asked about his ambitions for the roster, Paul was direct about his intentions toward UFC talent.

    “I think we just poach all of them, honestly. Get the fighters what they deserve to be paid, similar to boxing. 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.”

    He pointed to Francis Ngannou as the model he hopes other fighters will follow.

    “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. Now he’s fighting for MVP MMA, making more than the whole UFC roster combined. So, hopefully, fighters can realize they need to fight their way out of their UFC contract and then find more lucrative opportunities elsewhere, with the same or more amount of viewership. Because 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.”

    MVP MMA’s debut card takes place May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood on Netflix, headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano, with Francis Ngannou and Nate Diaz also on the card.

  • Jake Paul Calls Ilia Topuria ‘Tiny,’ Eyes Conor McGregor MMA Fight

    Jake Paul Calls Ilia Topuria ‘Tiny,’ Eyes Conor McGregor MMA Fight

    Jake Paul has three UFC names on his radar for potential crossover fights, and he is not being polite about how he views at least one of them. Speaking to Complex News, Paul discussed potential matchups with Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Ilia Topuria, noting that UFC contracts were the obvious roadblock in each case. Of the three, Topuria drew the most colorful commentary.

    Paul addressed Topuria’s comments about wanting to spar with him by framing the entire conversation as something he does not take seriously, citing a track record he believes speaks for itself.

    “I think a lot of these guys, and I’ve proven it time and time again with the best strikers from MMA, and just beat them pretty easily at an earlier point in my career. And so when they say they can beat me in boxing or whatever this stuff they’re saying is, is like a joke to me.”

    He also claimed he has tried to turn talk into action before, citing an offer he made to Paddy Pimblett that never materialized.

    “I finally just want someone to get in there with me. I tried to send a jet to Paddy Pimblett actually to spar and I was going to give him a million dollars. And then it’s just radio silence and I’m guessing it’ll be the same with Topuria. They have to publicly, when they’re on the live stream, say, ‘I’ll do it right now. Let’s do it.’ And then when it goes to happen, it just doesn’t come to fruition.”

    Paul acknowledged that the ruleset matters when it comes to Topuria, giving the UFC lightweight and former featherweight champion full credit in MMA while leaving no doubt about how he sees a boxing match playing out.

    “We will see. And I have respect for him, but in a boxing match, like that’s like, that’s like honestly a warmup for me. Like not even like all jokes aside, if we did MMA, he would probably win, but you just have to know the truth.”

    When the conversation turned to Paul’s claim that he would not need headgear to spar Topuria, he doubled down and went after Topuria’s size directly.

    “Yeah, no, it would be like playing with a little toy. I’m not even kidding. And also he’s like five five, you know. If we were the same weight, he’s a good striker, same height, it would probably be closer. I would still beat him, but he’s like, he can’t even ride roller coasters, you know. Like the guy is tiny.”

    Topuria is currently preparing to defend the undisputed UFC lightweight championship against Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14 at the White House.

  • Francis Ngannou Admits He Wanted to Slap Jake Paul When They Met Backstage at LA Press Conference

    Francis Ngannou Admits He Wanted to Slap Jake Paul When They Met Backstage at LA Press Conference

    Francis Ngannou revealed that a backstage meeting with Jake Paul at their Los Angeles press conference nearly turned physical, despite the two presenting a friendly face in public.

    Ngannou is set to fight Philipe Lins on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood on the first-ever Most Valuable Promotions MMA card on Netflix. Paul and his business partner, Nakisa Bidarian, promoted the event and were both present at the launch press conference in March.

    The meeting carried some awkward history. There had been talk of Ngannou stepping in as Paul’s opponent when he needed someone to replace Gervonta Davis last year before Anthony Joshua ultimately got the assignment instead.

    When the two came together backstage, the interaction appeared cordial on video. Ngannou’s account of his actual mindset in that moment was considerably less friendly.

    “I just wanted to give him a slap,” Ngannou told The Schmo, before adding a qualifier. He also weighed in on Paul’s decision to continue competing at heavyweight following his jaw being broken by Joshua, suggesting the experience might have prompted a weight class reassessment. “He is talking a lot of crap. I think and I thought after his first heavyweight fight he would understand, but he’s persistent.”

  • Mike Perry Responds To Jake Paul’s Prediction About Nate Diaz Fight

    Mike Perry Responds To Jake Paul’s Prediction About Nate Diaz Fight

    Mike Perry is not spending much time worrying about Jake Paul’s prediction that Nate Diaz will submit him on May 16, but he does have some thoughts on what comes next depending on how things go.

    Perry and Diaz are set to clash on the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Netflix card in Los Angeles, with Paul having gone on record to say he expects Diaz to finish Perry quickly and then focus on an MMA fight with Paul himself. Perry was asked to respond to all of it.

    “Well, I guess I was mentioned in the conversation,” Perry told MMA Fighting. “May 16, we’re going to find out. I’m training really sharp, really hard. I’m killing it every single day. I’m feeling great.”

    He outlined what he sees as the possible paths forward after the fight, referencing conversations that have already taken place with Dana White.

    “Other guys have made their return to the UFC. Maybe that’s something, or yeah, we get the most views on Netflix that an MMA fight’s ever had, then me and Jake fight. What weight is Jake going to fight at? 200 or 185? MMA, it’s different. I threw him on his head in the boxing ring. I threw him on his face, and if that was MMA, it’s a little different how that’s going to go.”

    Perry said he respects Diaz and appreciates the positive words his opponent has been sending his way in the lead-up to the fight, while making clear that respect does not mean he is dropping his guard.

    “I don’t know, Nate’s an interesting character. They could jump me with 20 people. We’re going to be nice for a second and then maybe something happens. Are we going to talk shit? Because I don’t have any ill things to say about him because he has been talking me up, man, and I’m grateful.”

    He closed with a reminder that the pleasantries end when the fight starts. “Doesn’t matter if you say f*** you, or if you say good shit, bro, we’re going to clash when they say fight.”

  • Jake Paul’s MVP Eyes Long-Term MMA Future After Rousey-Carano

    Most Valuable Promotions is preparing to make a major statement in MMA with Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano headlining a Netflix card on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian says the promotion’s long-term involvement in the sport hinges on the success of that event.

    The card features Rousey returning to competition for the first time in 10 years against Carano, who last fought in 2009. Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou faces Philipe Lins on the card, while Mike Perry takes on Nate Diaz in another featured bout.

    MVP’s MMA Strategy Depends on Netflix Card

    Bidarian told Sports Business Journal that the promotion’s future in MMA depends heavily on the May 16 results. “I think a lot of it depends on May 16th, right?” Bidarian said. “We’re putting a lot of fire power, star power, distribution to the event.”

    “If it works, and I’m very confident it will work, yes — MVP will be involved in MMA over the long term,” he added.

    The promotion, headed by Jake Paul and Bidarian, has primarily focused on boxing to this point. MVP produced Paul’s fight against Mike Tyson, which peaked at over 100 million viewers on Netflix.

    Blockbuster Live Events Model

    Bidarian clarified that MVP won’t compete directly with the UFC’s weekly event model. Instead, the promotion plans to focus on what it calls “blockbuster live events” or BLEs featuring marquee matchups like Rousey vs. Carano.

    “[Netflix is] really a difference maker in being able to stand up a product that can be viewed as top-tier distribution and exposure for the athletes, so May 16th will be tell-tale in terms of what’s possible,” Bidarian said. “I’m confident that we will have one of the, if not the most viewed, MMA event in history, just like I was confident that Paul-Tyson would break streaming records in the U.S. versus any form of content.”

    Netflix has over 325 million subscribers globally, giving the Rousey vs. Carano card potential to become the most-watched MMA event in history. The streaming platform has already aired several MVP events including Paul vs. Tyson and Paul vs. Anthony Joshua.

    Bidarian said MVP has received significant interest from fighters wanting to compete on future cards. “We’ve had no shortage of interested athletes reaching out to us to be involved,” he noted.

    “This to me is a crossover mainstream event,” Bidarian said. “And for us to be able to add the caliber of star power, plus true top-tier current contenders … it’s a great card that we’re proud of and we think we’ll be very successful come Saturday, May 16th.”

  • UFC Champion Calls Out Jake Paul To MMA Fight: ‘They’ll Wipe The Floor With Your Pretty Face’

    UFC Champion Calls Out Jake Paul To MMA Fight: ‘They’ll Wipe The Floor With Your Pretty Face’

    UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion Valentina Shevchenko has challenged Jake Paul to compete in MMA after the YouTuber-turned-boxer claimed the UFC is “dying” and criticized grappling-heavy fighters. The UFC flyweight champion responded on social media, daring Paul to step into the octagon.

    ‘The Problem Child’ made the controversial comments during an appearance on Theo Von’s podcast while promoting his upcoming MMA event on May 16 in Inglewood, California. The show will feature former UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey facing WMMA pioneer Gina Carano in a comeback fight.

    Jake Paul’s Criticism of MMA

    The 29-year-old Paul told Von that he believes MMA won’t stand the test of time because the sport has become too dominated by wrestlers. He specifically called out fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Khamzat Chimaev as examples of “boring” competitors.

    Paul added that he thinks the UFC has become “too greedy” and “super corporate,” claiming that “boxing has been around since the 1500s, MMA is 30 years old, and it’s declining.”

    Valentina Shevchenko’s Response

    Shevchenko discovered Paul’s comments on social media and fired back with a direct challenge. The champion questioned Paul’s understanding of MMA and invited him to experience the sport firsthand.

    “UFC dying?! Hey Jake, you definitely don’t know what you’re talking about,” Shevchenko wrote on X.

    “Criticizing MMA from a long distance. Try to get into an octagon with one of them, and they’ll wipe the floor with your pretty face.”

    She continued:

    “You will show spectacular, breathtaking fight from down there! Then you can tell us how fun or boring it was!”

    Shevchenko hasn’t competed since outpointing Zhang Weili at UFC 322 in November last year. The flyweight champion doesn’t currently have a fight scheduled but has remained active on social media, previously engaging in public disputes with both Rousey and Nurmagomedov.

  • Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz Rematch Eyed for Netflix

    Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz Rematch Eyed for Netflix

    Jake Paul and Nate Diaz could headline a future Most Valuable Promotions MMA event on Netflix, according to MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian. The potential rematch would take place inside the cage after Paul defeated Diaz via unanimous decision in their 2023 boxing match.

    Bidarian addressed the possibility during a recent interview with MMA media, confirming that both fighters remain interested in the matchup. The bout could land on Netflix following the streaming platform’s debut MMA show headlined by Ronda Rousey’s comeback fight against Gina Carano.

    “It’s kind of funny, Nate Diaz called Jake out for MMA,” Bidarian said. “I know that Jake is going to come out and say ‘listen, beat Mike Perry and we can run it in MVP MMA, so we’ll see how that develops.”

    Netflix Expanding MMA Presence After Boxing Success

    Netflix has already broadcast multiple combat sports events through MVP, beginning with Paul vs Mike Tyson in November 2024. That event drew an estimated 125 million viewers and was followed by Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano 3 and Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford.

    Bidarian believes the Rousey vs Carano card represents the first of many potential MMA events on the platform. He compared the trajectory to Netflix’s approach to boxing, starting with spectacle fights before expanding into more regular programming.

    “I think similar to Paul-Tyson this is our first event with Netflix in MMA,” Bidarian explained. “I am confident the event will do well, depending on how well it does I’m also very confident we will do more MVP MMA events with Netflix and potentially others.”

    Previous Negotiations Fell Through With PFL

    Paul and Diaz have discussed an MMA fight for years, with the Professional Fighters League previously attempting to make the bout happen. Those negotiations ultimately collapsed over financial terms.

    “If you recall, Jake talked about doing MMA against Nate Diaz for a long time in PFL,” Bidarian continued. “The numbers just couldn’t work for Nate Diaz in terms of what he wanted and what PFL wanted to do. Maybe things change.”

    Diaz was also considered as a potential replacement opponent for Paul’s Netflix boxing match against Anthony Joshua last year after Gervonta Davis withdrew due to legal issues. That rematch never materialized, but the MMA version appears to have gained momentum.

    Bidarian noted that the MMA landscape remains wide open for competition outside the UFC, creating opportunities for MVP to establish itself in the space. Diaz is scheduled to face Mike Perry on the upcoming Netflix card, with Paul suggesting that victory could set up their cage rematch.

  • Jake Paul Calls Dana White ‘Not Smart Enough’ to Fix UFC

    Jake Paul Calls Dana White ‘Not Smart Enough’ to Fix UFC

    Jake Paul has intensified his public criticism of UFC president Dana White, claiming White is “not smart enough” to fix what Paul perceives as the UFC’s declining brand value.

    The social media star-turned-professional boxer made the comments as part of his ongoing campaign to improve fighter compensation in mixed martial arts. Paul has repeatedly positioned himself as an advocate for MMA fighter pay despite competing primarily in boxing.

    Paul’s Criticism of UFC Leadership

    Paul’s latest remarks represent his sharpest attack yet on White’s leadership of the UFC. The 29-year-old has previously called for fighters to unionize and criticized the promotion’s revenue-sharing model with athletes.

    White has largely dismissed Paul’s commentary in the past, occasionally firing back with brief responses during media appearances. The UFC president has maintained that fighter compensation is competitive and that the promotion takes care of its athletes.

    “Not smart enough,” Paul said of White. “Just look at what he’s doing! You don’t get Jon Jones on the White House card? First of all, Justin Gaethje is going to lose to Ilia [Topuria], on the White House card. So you have a Spaniard beating a white American on the patriotic White House card? Big mistake. Why are you not going to pay Jon Jones? They’ve gotten greedy, and they’ve forgotten their hearts as a company.

    “It’s dying, because the best people in the sport become wrestlers and they just hold on,” Paul continued. “Look at Khabib, Khamzat. Boring! No one wants that…who has Paramount?”

    Ongoing Feud Between Paul and White

    The tension between Paul and White dates back several years, with Paul frequently using his platform to highlight disparities between boxing and MMA fighter pay. Paul has signed several former UFC fighters to his promotional ventures, including Amanda Serrano and others.

  • Jake Paul Confronts Theo Von Over Fight-Fixing Joke on Podcast

    Jake Paul Confronts Theo Von Over Fight-Fixing Joke on Podcast

    Jake Paul confronted comedian Theo Von over an old social media post accusing him of fixing fights during an April 5 appearance on Von’s ‘This Past Weekend’ podcast. The exchange created an awkward moment as Von apologized and deleted the tweet during the two-hour conversation.

    The confrontation arose when Paul discussed his willingness to take legal action against people who accuse him of fixing fights or using steroids. Von immediately responded by saying he needed to delete an old tweet, which was then displayed on screen during the podcast.

    The post in question came from a back-and-forth exchange Von had with Logan Paul on X. “I don’t work for free either long dog. At least pay me to take a fall. Ain’t that how y’all operate,” Von wrote in the tweet.

    Von Apologizes During Uncomfortable Exchange

    “Oh yeah, you did say that thing,” Paul said when responding to Von. “I was like f— you for a second, bro. I was actually mad at you for saying that, why though?”

    Von explained in what became an awkward segment that he wouldn’t have said it to Paul’s face and admitted he was probably just jumping on the bandwagon of critics. The comedian is known as a legitimate fight fan who regularly attends UFC events from prelims through main cards.

    “I’m sorry, man,” Von said. “Don’t sue me also please and I’ll take it down.”

    Paul Accepts Apology Despite Serious Tone

    While Paul treated the topic seriously, he laughed at some of Von’s comments and told the host it was fine. Paul said he appreciated Von’s honesty during the exchange.

    The fight-fixing narrative has followed Paul throughout his combat sports career. Terence Crawford recently questioned some of Paul’s fights, echoing accusations made by various other people in boxing and MMA.

    The full podcast episode is available on Von’s YouTube channel. Paul appeared on the show to preview his upcoming MMA event.

  • Jake Paul Defends Francis Ngannou’s Netflix Opponent

    Jake Paul Defends Francis Ngannou’s Netflix Opponent

    Jake Paul is defending the choice of opponent for Francis Ngannou’s return to MMA on May 16. The former UFC heavyweight champion will face Philipe Lins on Netflix’s first MMA event.

    The matchup has drawn criticism from fans who expect Ngannou to easily defeat the relatively unknown Brazilian. Lins was released by the UFC in 2024 despite winning his last four fights with the promotion.

    Paul Calls Lins ‘Very Challenging’ Opponent

    Speaking on Theo Von’s This Past Weekend podcast, Paul pushed back against the narrative that Lins will be an easy fight. He revealed that another, bigger-name opponent was considered but would have been easier for Ngannou.

    “He’s very f—— good,” Paul said about Lins. “It’s a more dangerous fight than — who did we have as the other opponent? We had a different name, who was a bigger name and an easier fight for (Ngannou).”

    “Francis, we joke around about a fight and blah, blah, blah…but like, respect to him for doing this. It’s a very challenging fight,” Paul added.

    Ngannou Returns After PFL Stint

    Ngannou became a free agent after his three-year stint with the PFL ended following just one fight with the promotion. The Cameroonian has won six of his last seven fights via knockout, including his 2021 victory over Stipe Miocic to capture the UFC heavyweight championship.

    Rico Verhoeven was reportedly offered the Ngannou fight but declined, having already committed to a boxing match with Oleksandr Usyk promoted by Turki Alalshikh. The Netflix event marks Ngannou’s first MMA bout since 2024.

  • MMA Fighter Claims He’s Earning 5x More Than UFC Debut Pay On Netflix MVP Card

    Kenny Cross has spent years knocking on the door of major promotions, but his breakthrough moment may finally arrive on one of the biggest stages in combat sports.

    The 31-year-old prospect is set to compete on May 16 as part of the inaugural Netflix-backed MMA event, a card headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano. While global stars dominate the spotlight, Cross finds himself in a unique position, stepping into a high-profile opportunity that could redefine his career.

    Kenny Cross Says Netflix Payday Surpasses UFC Entry-Level Contract

    Cross will face Salahdine Parnasse on the undercard, but it’s not just the matchup that has people talking. It’s the paycheck.

    After years of grinding on the regional scene and narrowly missing out on a UFC contract despite a win on Dana White’s Contender Series, “The Boss” revealed that this opportunity is far more lucrative than anything he would have earned as a newcomer in the UFC.

    “I’m making five times what a UFC fighter would make in his first fight,” Cross said during an interview with MMA Junkie. “I’m making the whole first contract outside of if they get a bonus. It’s just like all my hard work is finally paying off, and no gatekeeping.”

    Despite building a strong 17-4 record and stacking up wins across multiple promotions, Cross has repeatedly found himself overlooked when it came to securing a UFC deal. That frustration has been a recurring theme throughout his career.

    “It’s just like, what’s wrong with me? Why can’t I get into the UFC?” Cross said. “Sean Shelby was at my fight and this guy, it’s like, I beat all these guys and I hear that if they beat me, they’re going into the UFC. Then I beat them and it’s just like, I never hear anything.”

    From Frustration To opportunity On Global Stage

    Kenny Cross’s journey has been anything but straightforward. From a brief stint with Bellator to nearly making it onto The Ultimate Fighter, he has hovered in that difficult space between prospect and breakthrough star.

    Now, with Most Valuable Promotions entering the MMA landscape, “The Boss” believes he has finally found the platform he’s been waiting for.

    “I lose all my integrity and I lose all my hope, and this kinda gave it all back to me now, so it’s like sunny skies and I’m just excited,” he said.

  • Jake Paul Offers to Sell MVP to Dana White: ‘We’ll Help You Guys Not Be Idiots’

    Jake Paul Offers to Sell MVP to Dana White: ‘We’ll Help You Guys Not Be Idiots’

    Jake Paul recently extended a surprising offer to UFC president Dana White, saying he’s willing to sell Most Valuable Promotions after criticizing White’s early mistakes with Zuffa Boxing.

    During an appearance on Theo Von’s podcast, Paul addressed White’s recent venture into boxing. The YouTuber-turned-boxer specifically called out White’s decision to pay Conor Benn $15 million for a single fight against Regis Prograis.

    “They just started, and they are already making a lot of mistakes. They are quite basic. Like, you don’t wanna pay Conor Benn $15 million to an easy-ass fight against Regis [Prograis] right off rip, because your whole UFC model 1/3 of that, max. They already fu**ed up bad.”

    Jake Paul Proposes Partnership With Dana White

    Paul further made an unexpected pitch to the UFC president, offering to either sell MVP or partner with White’s new boxing venture.

    “If they were to buy us or partner with us, they would have such a better outcome. I’m open to it. Buy us! We’ll help you guys not be idiots.”

    The 29-year-old highlighted his willingness to work with anyone, including his long-time rival.

    “I don’t have an ego, bro. I’ll work with anybody.”

    MVP’s Transition to MMA

    Paul launched Most Valuable Promotions alongside Nakisa Bidarian in 2021, quickly establishing the company as a major player in boxing. The promotion announced its transition to MMA in 2026.

    MVP MMA 1 is scheduled for May 16 in Inglewood, California, featuring a stacked card. Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano will headline the event, with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou facing Philipe Lins in the co-main event.

  • Joe Rogan Claims Nate Diaz Earning Over $10M For Netflix MMA Return Against Mike Perry — ‘More Than That’

    Joe Rogan Claims Nate Diaz Earning Over $10M For Netflix MMA Return Against Mike Perry — ‘More Than That’

    Joe Rogan believes Nate Diaz is probably in line for one of the most lucrative purses of his career in his next outing.

    After nearly four years away from MMA, Diaz is gearing up for his return, where he’s slated to face fellow UFC welterweight veteran Mike Perry on the undercard of Netflix’s inaugural live MMA event.

    The card is scheduled for May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, and will be headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano.

    The 40-year-old Californian had been heavily linked to an Octagon return at the landmark UFC Freedom 250 event, scheduled for June 14 on the South Lawn of the White House, a plan Dana White had also confirmed.

    However, the UFC CEO later revealed at the UFC London press conference that Diaz was presented with an offer from Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions that he “couldn’t refuse,” ultimately opting for that opportunity.

    Rogan appears to have some insight into “The Stockton Slugger’s” deal and expects it to be a massive one.

    During a JRE Fight Companion episode for UFC London, the veteran broadcaster weighed in on Nate Diaz’s reported deal to face Perry, suggesting that, from what he knows, the former UFC star is likely set for an eight-figure payday, potentially exceeding $10 million.

    “I heard it was more [than $10million],” Rogan said. “That’s wild. But I tell you what, I think he could have made that same money fighting Conor [McGregor]… If Nate gets through this fight and they set that fight up – it’s that or [Michael] Chandler.”

    Diaz was last in action in July 2024, when he faced former rival Jorge Masvidal in a boxing rematch, securing a majority decision victory to bounce back from his loss to Paul in August 2023.

    The former UFC title challenger’s last MMA appearance came in September 2022 at UFC 279, where he secured a fourth-round submission victory over Tony Ferguson. Diaz currently holds a professional record of 21-13, including a 16-11 run in the UFC.

  • Trump Recommends Jake Paul Fight Khabib Nurmagomedov

    Trump Recommends Jake Paul Fight Khabib Nurmagomedov

    President Donald Trump confirmed he will attend the upcoming UFC 250th anniversary event at the White House, telling Jake Paul that the idea originated with Dana White and that every fighter on the card wants to be part of it.

    Trump made the comments during a sit-down interview with Paul recorded at a factory rally in Ohio on March 13, 2026 — the debut episode of Paul’s new show.

    “I will be [at UFC 250]. It’s going to be amazing — at the White House,” Trump said. “Dana is a great guy. He had the idea of staging it right at the front door of the White House. He’s got a tremendous card. They all want to fight at the White House. It’s going to be in honor of the 250th year.”

    The event, formally titled Freedom Fights 250, is scheduled for June 14 on the South Lawn of the White House, coinciding with the U.S. 250th anniversary celebration and President Trump’s 80th birthday. Dana White has confirmed the card is set and includes multiple title fights.

    Trump Recommends Khabib as Jake Paul’s Next Fight

    The conversation also turned to Paul’s future in boxing, with Trump offering his own fight suggestion. When asked who he’d want to see Paul face next, Trump went straight to a recognizable name from MMA.

    “I probably [want to see you fight] Khabib. How about Khabib? I think he’s been just great,” Trump said.

    Paul didn’t hesitate: “I’m down.”

    Khabib Nurmagomedov retired undefeated from MMA in 2020 with a 29-0 record following his submission win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. He has since been involved in boxing discussions on multiple occasions but has never officially crossed over.

    Paul also mentioned his promotion pipeline during the interview, including a planned Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano fight on Netflix and potential matchups with Oleksandr Usyk in MMA, Francis Ngannou, Ryan Garcia, and Tommy Fury.

    Trump Breaks Up a Fight for Kobe Bryant

    In one of the lighter moments of the interview, Trump recounted a story from his past involving the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant.

    “It wasn’t a fight — I was breaking up a fight,” Trump said. “Which sometimes is more dangerous than being in a fight. Kobe was having a hard time with somebody and it worked out fine. Probably not a smart thing to do.”

    Paul responded with a laugh: “Historically, it’s never good to break up fights.”

  • Jake Paul Undergoes Second Jaw Surgery After ‘Hardware Complications’

    Jake Paul Undergoes Second Jaw Surgery After ‘Hardware Complications’

    Jake Paul says he’s back in the hospital. This time not because of another opponent, but because of his own body failing to cooperate.

    The boxer and social media personality revealed on Friday that he required a second jaw surgery after the screws and plates from his original procedure began coming loose.

    Paul posted videos to his social media from the hospital, captioning the footage: “Apparently I didn’t rest for the past 2 months whaattttttttt?”

    The post includes video footage that clearly includes some “special effects” – so it’s unclear if this is entirely made up, or just embellished.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/DU_MrP2jfKP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

    How Jake Paul broke his jaw

    Jake Paul’s jaw was first broken during his December 19, 2025 fight against two-time unified Heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua. The bout, which aired on Netflix from Miami’s Kaseya Center, ended in a sixth-round knockout after Joshua dropped Paul four times throughout the fight. Post-fight X-rays revealed Paul had suffered fractures in two separate locations on his jaw.

    Paul underwent his initial surgery on December 20, 2025, where surgeons inserted two titanium plates (one on each side of his mouth) secured with screws, in addition to removing several teeth.

    At the time, Paul was placed on a strict liquid-only diet for seven days and expressed his intention to return to boxing at cruiserweight, stating, “We will heal the broken jaw, come back and fight people my weight”.​

    Oral and maxillofacial surgeons previously noted that typical recovery from this type of jaw fracture repair requires strict rest and limited jaw movement to allow the hardware and bone to properly fuse.

    Paul (12-2, 7 KOs) has repeatedly stated he plans to return to the ring and compete for a cruiserweight world title.​

  • Jake Paul Challenged by Van Damme, Shevchenko Predicts ‘Smoke’

    Jake Paul Challenged by Van Damme, Shevchenko Predicts ‘Smoke’

    Jake Paul has been challenged to a fight by action star Jean-Claude Van Damme, with Valentina Shevchenko offering her support for Van Damme. Van Damme issued the challenge via an Instagram video, proposing a K-1 rules fight against boxing, excluding low kicks and elbows.

    Van Damme also offered to donate 15% of his purse to charity and invited Paul to do the same. The challenge comes after Paul’s recent focus on supporting his fiancée, Jutta Leerdam, at this year’s Winter Olympics, and amid discussions about his next opponent following a loss to Anthony Joshua.

    https://www.instagram.com/reels/DUptyt4kbQ9

    Shevchenko’s Support for Van Damme

    Valentina Shevchenko expressed her support for Van Damme’s challenge on X, stating, “The legend and father of western world Thai boxing, Jean Claude Van Damme, will smoke baby Jake Paul and seek revenge for everyone! The old school truly represents the real deal.”

    Garbrandt’s Experience with Van Damme

    Cody Garbrandt had a negative experience with Van Damme in 2018 when Van Damme kicked him in the face. Garbrandt recalled on The MMA Hour that Van Damme was late to a training session with Team Alpha Male and took a long time to warm up. According to Garbrandt, Van Damme kicked him in the face and started crying when apologizing.

    As of today, February 15, 2026, Jake Paul has not publicly responded to Van Damme’s challenge.

  • Jake Paul, Strickland, Henderson Slam Olympians Over US-ICE ‘Heartbreak’

    Jake Paul, Strickland, Henderson Slam Olympians Over US-ICE ‘Heartbreak’

    Jake Paul, Sean Strickland and UFC legend Dan Henderson unleashed sharp criticism against Olympic skiers Chris Lillis and Hunter Hess for voicing conflicted feelings about representing the United States.

    The backlash erupted on February 6, 2026, ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, after Lillis expressed being ‘heartbroken’ over actions by Donald Trump’s ICE agents, while Hess admitted mixed emotions due to the political climate.

    Fighters Condemn Team USA Skiers

    Jake Paul

    Jake Paul (8-1 boxing record) led the charge on Twitter/X, dismissing the skiers’ complaints with blunt patriotism. Told told the skiers to ‘shut the f— up’ and leave the country if unwilling to represent it proudly.

    Sean Strickland

    Sean Strickland (29-6 MMA record, former UFC middleweight champion) amplified the sentiment, targeting Hess directly. Sean Strickland called Hess a ‘b—-‘ and echoed calls to get out.

    Dan Henderson

    Dan Henderson (30-15 MMA record, Olympic wrestler and two-division UFC title challenger) took a more measured but firm stance. “For me, the United States gave me opportunities you can’t get in most countries across the world,” Henderson posted on Twitter/X. He contrasted his pride in representing the USA at the Olympics and in the UFC with the skiers’ stance, suggesting they spend time with the military to gain perspective.

  • Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis Officially Off Due To Domestic Violence Allegations Against Davis

    Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis Officially Off Due To Domestic Violence Allegations Against Davis

    Jake Paul is still planned to compete in a boxing ring in 2025; it just won’t come in an exhibition bout against Gervonta Davis. The Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis-led event scheduled for November 14 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, has been canceled.

    The event’s cancelation comes following new allegations of abuse against Davis, who is now being sued civilly.

    “Our team has worked closely with all parties to navigate this situation responsibly,” Nakisa Bidarian, CEO of Most Valuable Promotions, said in a statement. “While we will not be moving forward with this event, our plan still remains for Jake Paul to headline an event on Netflix in 2025. Details regarding a new date, location, Jake’s opponent, and additional bouts will be shared as soon as they are finalized. We thank Netflix, the Kaseya Center, and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for their partnership.

    “Most Valuable Promotions appreciates the continued support and understanding of our athletes, partners, sponsors, and fans as we work to finalize updated event plans.”

    Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis Event Canceled, Paul Expected To Still Fight Before End Of Year

    Davis’ ex-girlfriend, Courtney Rossel, is accusing Davis of several crimes, including battery, kidnapping and false imprisonment during an incident that occurred in a strip club on October 27.

    Davis allegedly attacked Rossel in the club’s back room before dragging her out to the parking garage, where he allegedly assaulted her again.

    This is not Davis’ first time facing these allegations. He has faced domestic violence-related charges in February 2020, December 2022, and July 2025.

    Rossel claims that she was abused by Davis multiple times during their brief relationship.

    According to Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions, a fight for Paul is expected to take place before the end of the year. Potential new opponents have included the likes of Terence Crawford, Ryan Garcia, and Francis Ngannou, as well as a potential rematch with Nate Diaz.

  • George Groves: Jake Paul’s antics are “all stolen!”, talks Netflix and BBC boxing efforts

    George Groves: Jake Paul’s antics are “all stolen!”, talks Netflix and BBC boxing efforts

    Former boxing champion George Groves had a lot to say about the likes of Jake Paul, a sweet science centred Netflix project, and BBC getting involved with the world of boxing again.

    In an interview with Poker Strategy, Groves initially touched on his thoughts regarding how he feels like Jake Paul steals a lot of mannerisms from things that he has seen prior fighters do.

    This was something that Groves observed about Paul during a recent Gervonta Davis interactions, as Groves said,

    “I like the clips where Gervonta Davis is sort of standing there like this, and then Jake Paul’s doing the MMA stuff. Everything about him, he’s just seen on TV or something, he’s just seen somewhere else. It’s all stolen!”

    George Groves talks Netflix and BBC boxing projects

    The former WBA champion also spoke on how he felt like the recent documentary on Matchroom boxing kind of tinkered with reality a bit. When expressing his thoughts regarding that Netflix project featuring the Hearns, George Groves stated,

    “I came in halfway through the third episode. It’s called The Greatest Showmen, which I like because Eddie and Barry are the showmen. But if you watch the Greatest Showman, the movie with Hugh Jackman, it’s a bit of a con, isn’t it? It’s quite deceptive.”

    “When Conor Benn is calling up while Eddie and Frank Smith are on the golf course and Connor Benn’s sitting there in his Versace dressing-gown and he says, “I spent every penny I’ve got to clear my name”, maybe he bought that Versace dressing-gown first…”

    Also of note, with the sweet science making a comeback on BBC, the 37-year-old could not contain his elation for how it can help grow fighters in the sport, as George Groves quipped,

    “This is awesome. I can’t believe that it’s on BBC 2, which I think is great. I don’t know what the deal on setup is, but it’s a good fight and it’s on terrestrial. I’m very excited.”

    “Ben Shalom and his stable of fighters, a couple of them are potential future stars. I hope that they can match up the cost to get these guys on a show and get it on the BBC.”

  • Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis: Weight, Rounds, Rules And Everything To Know For Nov. 14 Showdown

    Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis: Weight, Rounds, Rules And Everything To Know For Nov. 14 Showdown

    New details have been revealed for the upcoming Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis boxing matchup.

    The Paul vs. Davis showdown was originally scheduled for November 14 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. But plans shifted last week when Most Valuable Promotions pulled its request to host the bout in Georgia after the state’s Athletic and Entertainment Commission raised concerns over the significant weight gap between the fighters.

    As a result, the high-profile clash has been moved to the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, on the same date.

    https://twitter.com/MostVpromotions/status/1969033966125519033

    Although early reports suggested the bout would be an exhibition, details remained scarce until now.

    Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis: What Are The Official Rules?

    Jake Paul and Gervonta Davis held their first promotional press conference in New York on Monday, where Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian revealed key details about their upcoming fight.

    The fight is set for 10 rounds, each lasting three minutes, contested at a 195-pound catchweight. Both boxers will wear 12-ounce gloves. While the bout is classified as an exhibition and won’t affect either fighter’s professional record, three ringside judges will score the contest, ensuring a winner is declared if it goes the full distance.

    https://twitter.com/MostVpromotions/status/1970252176053473325

    For context, welterweight boxers (147 pounds and under) typically wear 8-ounce gloves, which “Tank” is used to. Paul, meanwhile, usually fights with 10-ounce gloves, standard for higher weight classes, except in his exhibition with Mike Tyson in November 2024, when both wore 14-ounce gloves.

    Davis has spent most of his career fighting at lightweight, with a limit of 135 pounds. By comparison, “The Problem Child” weighed 200 pounds in his most recent bout and typically competes in the cruiserweight division.

    Jake Paul last fought in June, securing a unanimous decision win over former WBC middleweight champion Julio César Chávez Jr. He currently boasts an 11-1 record, with seven of those victories coming by knockout.

    Gervonta Davis last entered the ring in March, facing Lamont Roach Jr. in a bout that ended in a majority draw. The reigning WBA lightweight champion remains undefeated in his professional career with a 30-0-1 record, including 28 wins by knockout.

    Image: Netflix.com