Jake Paul says MVP MMA will change MMA landscape: ‘It’s really a monumental shift in the timeline’

“I think we just poach all of them, honestly,” Paul said. “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. …

“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 added. “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.”

While Paul’s move into MMA promotion certainly seems big, the UFC is the dominant entity in the sport, and UFC CEO Dana White has made a career out of crushing his competition, famously even keeping a fake tombstone in his office with the names of organizations the UFC has put out of business. Even Paul admits that White probably isn’t concerned at the moment, but he says White should be.

“I don’t think [he’s nervous],” Paul said. “I think he’s checked out. Bro’s already a billionaire. He’s just going and gambling. He’s happy with his life.

“And I also think that everyone in my whole career underestimates me, and then I surpass expectations, and they’re like, ‘Oh, OK, yeah, well, he’s there now.’ So, he probably doesn’t think that me and Nakisa are going to take over MMA in any way, shape, or form. So I don’t think he’s nervous because of that.”

For as much as Paul may talk, though, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. And while MVP MMA has its inaugural event next month, just a few weeks later, the UFC counters with UFC White House, arguably the biggest card in promotional history. But Paul believes their card stands up against any that the UFC is putting out.

“It’s like LeBron and Jordan,” Paul said. “So, I think it’s at the same level, but I know that it will get more views. I think that’s just because it’s Netflix, and free with the subscription. But I do think it is a better card, and more entertaining. So, I think that’s why people are comparing it. We’ll see what happens, I guess.”