'That’s a Big Mistake' – Jake Paul Rips UFC White House Card Strategy

Speaking with Theo Von, Paul covered a wide range of topics, including his growing MVP promotion, fighter pay, and frustrations with how MMA is being run at the highest level. The conversation eventually turned toward the UFC, where Paul directly questioned decision-making tied to potential marquee events.

“They forgot their heart as a company,” Paul said while discussing the business direction of the UFC. “You don’t get Jon Jones on the White House card… first of all.”

Paul then pointed to a specific matchup scenario involving Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, suggesting it could create the wrong optics for a patriotic-themed event.

“Justin Gaethje is going to lose to Ilia on the White House card,” Paul said. “So you have a Spaniard beating a white American on the patriotic White House card… big mistake.”

Beyond matchmaking, Paul also criticized fighter compensation, questioning why Jones wouldn’t be prioritized financially for such a major stage.

“Why are you not going to pay Jon Jones?” he added. “This is one of the most profitable sports organizations in history.”

The comments reflect Paul’s ongoing push to position himself not just as a fighter, but as a promoter willing to challenge the UFC’s structure—especially when it comes to pay and event-building.

With the White House card set, Paul made his stance clear: if the UFC is aiming for a historic moment, he believes they’re getting it wrong.