Over the past few years, Dana White and Jake Paul have built a relationship full of animosity, including frequent barb exchanges. Publicly adverse, the duo’s main disagreement is the salary issue applied within the UFC. In the young boxer’s opinion, the UFC should pay a more generous fee to its athletes, especially the ones who are just starting their careers in the company.

However, many within the realm of MMA disagree with the YouTuber-turned-boxer’s opinion. And a new name that has joined the list is that of former UFC referee Big John McCarthy. In a recent appearance at the Weighing In podcast on YouTube, McCarthy got Dana White’s back by revealing how the UFC boss is actually paying the right amount.

Working in the company truly helped the former UFC referee understand the economics of the business. So while discussing the fight pay on the podcast, he revealed that while he is all in support of lower-ranked fighters earning good amounts, it’s not possible unless they create brand value for themselves. He said, “When you’re getting your first fight in that promotion, it’s like a job interview, man. You’re out there to prove yourself to the boss who’s sitting there. If Dana’s sitting there, if it’s Scott Coker, now Mike Kogan with Bellator, or if it’s Donn Davis and Pete Murray, it’s a damn interview. You’re trying to prove your value, your worth to them. You’re trying to show them, ‘Hey, I’m somebody you want.'” 

He further added that the ones in the preliminary card of the promotion are often not the ones attracting the audience to attend the event. So until they prove themselves and make a name, paying them a higher amount would only spell losses for the promotion. He said, “To sit there and say that someone who has zero fights in the UFC and has been fighting, say, for 10 fights, let’s say they’re 8-2, 9-1, or 10-0, to say they deserve $50,000 for the fight—not really, because you’re still in the slot you’re in. You’re costing the UFC more than you’re giving them in return.”

Well, to many, it would seem like a fair deal. However, there would still be disagreements toward the arguments by anyone who believes that they deserve more for putting their bodies on the line. So it seems tough to imagine that Jake Paul would stop after listening to this argument. However, there is a set condition, though, after which ‘The Problem Child’ has promised to stop bothering the UFC CEO.

Jake Paul brings forth his demands to Dana White

After accusing the leader of the UFC on countless occasions, the influencer promised to keep quiet about it if the top hat meets a condition. In a recent edition of the podcast ‘BS’ on his YouTube channel, Jake Paul guaranteed that if Dana White increased his league’s starting salary to $50,000, he would stop criticizing him on the subject. He said, “The only thing I’ve really asked for is for the minimum fighter pay, which is $12,500, to be changed to $50,000.” 

Paul further added, “So that’s been my only ask to Dana to change, and that would only cost the UFC $20 million annually. So it seems like you made three, four billion dollars. Why not just give a little bit more to the fighters? It’s only $20 million. That’s been my biggest thing. Make that change, and I’ll shut the f*ck up.” The change, however, is unlikely, as it would represent four times the value of the current pay awarded to athletes who start their contract with the organization. But White sure would love to get Jake Paul off his back.

UFC veteran Matt Brown voiced similar sentiments during his recent sitdown with EssentiallySports’ Andrew Whitelaw.

Especially after his recent claims of being banned by the UFC. This ban led to a stunt that saw him allegedly ‘invade’ the Sphere at UFC Noche. Disguised as an older man, with makeup, costumes, and a wig, the young boxer joined the UFC event by sneaking past security. However, after the great stunt, Dana White tried to clarify the situation. He stated that, despite the feud between the two, Paul is not prohibited from attending his company’s cards. Well, it surely looks like the issue won’t be resolved between the two anytime soon. But what do you think? What’s your take on the fighter pay debate? Let us know in the comments.