UFC president Dana White has confessed he’ll tune into Jake Paul’s high-profile showdown with Anthony Joshua solely to see the social media star get knocked out.
Former world champion Joshua and YouTube star Paul have reached an agreement to step into the ring together before the holiday season. The fight is scheduled for December 19 – just days before Christmas – and will be available for streaming on Netflix.
Paul last fought in June, securing a points win against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, and was scheduled to return last Friday against Gervonta Davis. The matchup was scrapped after his opponent faced kidnap accusations from his former girlfriend.
Since launching his professional boxing career in 2020, the American has been embroiled in multiple public disputes with notable personalities from combat sports.
The content creator-turned-fighter has traded barbs with White repeatedly over the years. When asked about the prospective matchup between Paul and Joshua, the UFC boss didn’t hold back, declaring that Joshua will demolish the internet personality.
“Oh Jesus,” White remarked at the UFC 322 post-fight press conference on Saturday night upon hearing about the heavyweight clash. “That’s a f—— bad idea. That’s a bad idea.”
He added: “Let me tell you what, a lot of people will watch that one. Sure [I’ll watch]. You know what everybody’s tuning in for on that one. I think everybody’s going to get what they’ve finally been waiting for.”
White and Paul have been at odds ever since the latter released a diss track targeting the UFC boss three years ago. The 28-year-old boxer has also taken aim at White over the UFC’s fighter pay structure. However, White made it clear earlier this year that he doesn’t actually harbor any ill will towards the younger Paul brother.
“I don’t hate your brother, I don’t hate him,” Dana told Logan Paul on imPaulsive. “Your brother talks more shit than anybody else on the planet, and now they’re trying to sue people? ! I don’t have your brother. Your brother is out there doing his thing, but it cracks me up that they want to start suing people for talking s— when your brother talks more s— than anybody.”
Despite his frank evaluation of the Joshua-Paul matchup, White confirmed he’ll still be tuning in. Joshua hasn’t entered the ring since suffering a devastating knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.
Meanwhile, the ‘Problem Child’ has predominantly faced former UFC fighters throughout his boxing career. The 28-year-old hasn’t fought since his dominant victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in June.