Jake Paul believes Dana White is worried about the growth of the Professional Fighters League (PFL) following its acquisition of Bellator, and despite White’s dismissive comments, Paul insists the PFL is the best place for fighters, with big plans and new investments.
Jake Paul’s reaction to Dana White’s response to the PFL absorbing Bellator isn’t exactly shock. Paul reckons that his longtime critic is getting antsy about the league’s growth.
Paul’s set to face Andre August in a boxing match on Friday night. The match is in Orlando, Fla., part of the Most Valuable Prospects card.
At Thursday’s ceremonial weigh-ins, Paul was asked about White’s take on the PFL’s acquisition of Bellator. White had described it as “one s***** organization that sells no tickets and nobody watches buys another s***** organization that sells no tickets and nobody watches.”
Paul’s response? “It’s a massive deal,” he told MMA Fighting. He thinks Dana is just trying to protect his business.
Paul’s got a theory. He thinks the UFC is on the decline. He questions the big fights they’re putting on. He points out that their biggest star and the heavyweight champ came to the PFL for better opportunities.
He reckons fighters are going where the better opportunities are. “That’s what 2023, 2024 is all about, that the PFL is the best place for fighters,” he says.
Paul points out that PFL is on ESPN, they’re crushing it with massive numbers. He says they just keep on getting bigger and bigger, with new investments infused into the company. He’s convinced Dana White’s concerned. “Trust me,” he says.
Paul, who’s 26, is expected to compete for the PFL in his MMA debut sometime in 2024. Well, that was the plan.
In the lead-up to his bout against August, Paul has been talking about a focus on boxing in 2024. He wants to compete against “actual boxers” instead of big names MMA fighters and influencer boxers.
In his most recent appearance, Paul defeated former UFC star Nate Diaz via unanimous decision in August.
As for Paul’s plans to compete for the PFL, he’s still open to it. But there’s a catch.
“I would do it if Nate Diaz signs the contract,” Paul said. He doesn’t think Diaz really wants to make the fight happen. So for now, he’s just focusing on boxing for 2024.