Jake Paul’s Ongoing Feud with the UFC: A New Chapter in Combat Sports
For several years, Jake Paul has been vocal in his criticism of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and his latest move against the MMA giant is poised to make waves across the fight community. This upcoming event could mark a significant turning point in his career and in the broader landscape of combat sports.

At 28 years old, Jake Paul initially gained fame as a YouTube personality and Disney star. However, he has since transitioned into one of the most prominent figures in professional boxing. While he may not yet hold a world championship belt, his recent victory over legendary boxer Mike Tyson has elevated his profile. Now, he’s setting his sights on a bout against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. scheduled for June 28, which could further cement his status in combat sports.
June 28 is already shaping up to be a landmark date in fight sports history. It coincides with UFC 317, an event headlined by a highly anticipated lightweight title clash between Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria. While many fans believe the UFC card offers a more compelling lineup on paper, the rising costs of UFC pay-per-views have prompted fighters and promoters to seek more affordable options for fans.
UFC 317 is priced at approximately $79.99, whereas the Paul vs. Chavez Jr. fight will be available for $59.99, making it a more budget-friendly choice for fight enthusiasts. This price difference might seem trivial to some, but it underscores the shifting dynamics in combat sports viewership and the importance of accessible pay-per-view options.
It’s worth noting that Jake Paul has been one of the most outspoken critics of the UFC in recent years. His primary grievance has centered around the pay disparities faced by fighters within the organization. Beyond that, Paul has voiced opinions on the evolving nature of MMA, often questioning its authenticity and comparing it unfavorably to boxing.
What Are Jake Paul’s Main Criticisms of the UFC?
In an interview with All The Smoke, Paul expressed his perspective on the state of MMA, stating, “MMA isn’t what it used to be. That’s the reality.” He emphasized that boxing remains the premier combat sport in 2024, citing its long-standing history and global popularity. According to Paul, MMA is increasingly resembling a less authentic version of boxing, with a focus on kickboxing techniques and superficial grappling rather than true mixed martial arts skills.
He elaborated, “It’s basically kickboxing now because everyone is trying to perfect takedown defense and jiu-jitsu, but there’s not much emphasis on submissions or dynamic takedowns anymore. It’s become a sport of knockout artists, like Alex Pereira, who is a kickboxer known for his striking power. Since he’s unbeatable in striking and difficult to take down, he’s the top star in MMA today.”
Paul further pointed out that MMA fights tend to feature fewer significant strikes per round, even with five-minute rounds, which he believes diminishes the sport’s intensity. He argued that boxing’s deep-rooted history-spanning over 500 years-gives it a resilience that MMA has yet to match. “Boxing has stood the test of time since the 1500s, and I don’t see MMA replacing it anytime soon,” he added.
So, fight fans, the question remains: Will you tune in to UFC 317, support Jake Paul’s bout against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., or choose to skip both? The landscape of combat sports is evolving, and these events exemplify the shifting preferences among enthusiasts.
This article was originally published on BJPENN.COM
Key Topics:
- Charles Oliveira
- Ilia Topuria
- Jake Paul
- UFC