‘The Only Person I’ve Seen That From Is Floyd’- Showtime President Says Jake Paul Ensured Fair Compensation for Every Fighter on His Card

Jake Paul’s ascension to one of the biggest names in boxing has been rapid. The YouTuber turned boxer is a polarizing figure in the sport. He takes on a former UFC champion in Tyron Woodley a few weeks from now. Ever since Jake Paul started gaining traction in the sport, he has not been very welcomed by the MMA community, and Dana White in particular. 

‘The Problem Child’ has hit back befittingly, calling out Dana White for fighter pay in the UFC. Most fans and pundits alike believe it is just a tactic to rile up White and gain some attention in the media. 

However, the Showtime Sports president, Stephen Espinoza, does not see it the same way. In a recent interview with MMAFighting, he shared his thoughts on Jake Paul and his criticism of fighter pay in the UFC.

He said, “But if you look closely at what Jake is saying and doing, yeah, some of it is sort of directed at Dana, but it’s directed at Dana as someone who has influence over the pay scale and the business model. What Jake is really talking about repeatedly is the business model, is the pay scale, is fighter pay…… I’ll tell you something behind the scenes, and I’ve never had it happen quite this way….”

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Espinoza continued, “Jake made it a point to ask what are each fighter making? Are the women fighters, are those fighters being paid appropriately? Are the other fighters, the people we’re bringing over from the U.K., are they being paid appropriately?…. The only other person I’ve seen that from is Floyd [Mayweather] and Floyd took a very active role in everything that happened on his card… Jake, in particular, is involved on everything. But you can tell he is concerned about making sure the compensation is fair.”

Jake Paul, a boon or bane to UFC fighter pay?

Paul has criticized White and the UFC for giving only 16% of revenue to fighters as compared to leagues such as the NBA and NFL that give out 50% and 48, respectively. Paul has also helped out UFC fighters by donating money to help them get through training camp. 

However, it is hard to see it having any effect on fighter pay in the UFC. White has said time and time again that people like Paul are just background noise to him.

Hence, he ignores what they have to say. However, the attention Paul is drawing to the topic might elicit a response from White and the UFC some point down the line. What do you make of Espinoza’s words about ‘The Problem Child’ Jake Paul?