It’s been over two decades since Dana White took control of the UFC and transformed it into a worldwide sensation. As UFC CEO, he took calculated risks that resulted in millions in profits. Now standing at the pinnacle of the combat sports realm, the UFC’s throne appears unshakable. But what about its competitors? After PFL-Bellator, a new promotion in the name of GFL is making waves across the MMA world by drafting many former UFC stars under its banner. Tony Ferguson is the fresh addition to their roster. What does the UFC head honcho think about them?

Well, while having a conversation with the media, the UFC CEO was asked about his opinion on GFL and his thoughts on them signing ex-UFC stars, to which Dana White emphasized that despite their efforts, he doesn’t take them as a true competitor because he has made such advances with the UFC that it is considerably difficult for any other promotion to even touch them.

“No, I don’t think it’s blowing smoke. I think these guys are blowing real cash. These guys are throwing a lot of money around, and uh, good for the fighters. It’s good for them. But, you know, no, I don’t know anything about his business plan or what his deal is. But no, I don’t consider any combat sports my competition,” said Dana White.

So, who is his competition? The UFC CEO emphasized that he no longer views combat sports promotion as his competition and is now focused on dethroning the major players in the sports entertainment industry: “My competition is the NFL, college football, soccer, and big movies that come out on Saturdays. I don’t look at other combat sports as my competitors.”

Well, the UFC is a go-to zone for the common American audience if they want to experience classic combat sports. However, according to Jake Paul, MMA’s stringent policies have made it weak, and Dana White should be held accountable for that.

Jake Paul rips apart UFC popularity amidst Dana White and Paul’s brother’s tussle

It’s no surprise that Dana White and the Paul brothers don’t get along. Regardless, Jake Paul’s sudden rise in the world of combat sports has been undeniable, yet the UFC CEO doesn’t seem inclined to acknowledge him as a legitimate boxer. But is the younger Paul brother bothered by it? Certainly not. Well, in his most recent statement, Paul has dragged Dana White into the deep waters, comparing MMA with boxing.

“MMA is not what it was, that’s the truth of the matter,” Paul said. “Boxing is bigger than ever. The biggest sporting event of the year, of 2024, was boxing, whereas MMA is becoming a s***tier version of boxing, essentially. It’s kickboxing. Because everyone is getting good takedown defense and everyone is a black belt in jiu-jitsu. So there’s no more submissions really, there’s not a lot of takedowns and even if there is it’s f***ing boring, but everyone is good at takedown defense. So it’s literally kickboxing.”W

Jake Paul’s statement would have been true only if the UFC lacked good wrestlers. However, the truth is that the promotion has a strong roster of wrestlers who rely solely on their wrestling skills to fight and win. Regardless, Dana White is yet to give his thoughts on Jake Paul’s strong words. What’s your take on the hubbub? State your thoughts in the comments below.