White denied reports that he lost a $1 million bet on Jake Paul’s latest fight
UFC president Dana White has claimed boxing is in a “bad place” following Jake Paul’s surprise win over Ben Askren on Saturday night.
The YouTuber knocked Askren out in the first round, a swift one-two from the 24-year-old sending the former UFC star crashing to the mat.
Askren made it back to his feet, but was deemed incapable of continuing by the referee.
Although Askren’s pedigree is in wrestling rather than boxing, he was still the more experienced combat sports pro.
Ben Askren was knocked out by Jake Paul during the first round of their cruiserweight bout during Triller Fight Club at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on April 17, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images for Triller)Many were therefore surprised to see Jake Paul pick up the win, not least UFC president Dana White, who denied reports he bet $1 million on Ben Askren being the victor.
In an interview with Yahoo Sports, White was asked for his thoughts on Jake Paul potentially going up against two big UFC hitters, Tyron Woodley and Daniel Cormier.
Both men have been linked with Paul in recent days, but White was less than welcoming of the suggestion.
“Why don’t you go fight a f***ing boxer? Why the f*** do these guys keep talking to UFC guys for? Go talk to f***ing boxers.”
White claimed the current status of Jake Paul within boxing was indicative of the sport’s decline.
“Boxing continues to go like this [pointing down].
“This guy is playing this thing perfectly and boxing is in such a bad place, they’re doing a really good job at sucking in people to buy into this thing. Good for him.”
Full @YahooSports interview with Dana White who rounds off by giving his thoughts on Jake Paul vs Ben Askren.https://t.co/Y6ZIO24ceq
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) April 20, 2021
Conor McGregor is yet another UFC star who has been linked with a potential Jake Paul clash.
‘The Notorious’ is set to go up against Dustin Poirier in a trilogy fight later this year, but he is no stranger to boxing after previously facing Floyd Mayweather.
If he does go up against Jake Paul, Ryan Garcia doesn’t think McGregor would be able to knock the YouTuber out.
"Conor McGregor's not that good of a boxer. His punches don’t even look good."
Ryan Garcia bets $100,000 that Conor McGregor @TheNotoriousMMA wouldn’t be able to knock out YouTuber Jake Paul. pic.twitter.com/gSDZjtOfOV
— JOE (@JOE_co_uk) April 12, 2021
