More often than not, most of what comes out of either of the Paul brothers mouths is largely ignored. This time however, purported boxer Jake Paul managed to get the attention of Dana White with one of his recent “challenges” to the UFC:
What’s interesting to note in Paul’s demands is how he seems willing to forgo his boxing career to meet UFC opponents in the octagon. For the better part of the last calendar year, Paul has been screaming from the mountaintops about how serious he is about boxing and how he believes he could one day compete with the likes of Canelo Alvarez.
While that statement alone is outright laughable at this point, perhaps Paul, ever the opportunist, has found his exit strategy from combat sports with this newest venture. Supporters and detractors alike have pointed to the fact that while he may be 5-0 in the ring, he hasn’t exactly run through a gauntlet of highly touted opponents.
Thus far he’s scored wins over YouTuber AnEsonGib, diminutive former NBA player Nate Robinson, former UFC fighter Ben Askren, and Tyron Woodley (twice). To date, he has yet to step into the ring with someone whose actual profession is boxing. And whether you’ve tuned in to support him, or in the hopes of seeing him get knocked out, both camps are now clamouring for Paul to finally test his mettle against a legitimate opponent.
Which makes the timing of his “challenge” to Dana White and the UFC so peculiar. If Paul is truly as serious about boxing as he claims to be, why would he risk potential humiliation on a national stage in the octagon if he can continue to cash out as a professional boxer? Perhaps it’s because the dog and pony show has finally come to an end, and Paul knows it.
By portraying himself as a “champion of fighters rights”, Paul has given himself a means to escape the world of Pro Boxing several million dollars richer, and without having to truly test himself against any viable opponents. Even if the stars were to align and Paul stepped into the octagon for a mega fight and was thoroughly dismantled, he could simply claim “not my sport, I’m a boxer” and continue on his merry way. It’s a no lose situation Paul, which is exactly why he’s made the offer.
He knows what buttons to try and push to elicit a response from Dana, and he accomplished just that. The UFC President didn’t waste much time in posting a counter challenge of his own:
Paul then changed his Twitter bio to “Waiting for my USADA drug test. I’m ready Dana. DM for address.” Will we ever see Jake Paul on a UFC card? Never say never. But the more likely scenario is that this is yet another publicity stunt crafted by the Paul brothers in order to keep their name in the headlines.
And if that’s what their end goal was, then they’ve certainly achieved that.
-Kyle Skinner
Twitter: @JKyleSkinner