Jake Paul Fires Back at Dana White Over UFC 329 Announcement During MVP MMA Event

Nakisa Bidarian Takes a Different Approach

While Paul came out swinging verbally, MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian took a more measured and possibly sarcastic tone. Bidarian praised McGregor’s return while simultaneously thanking White for the timing of the announcement. “On the flip side, I’m super excited Conor is back,” Bidarian said. “He’s one of the most engaging characters in the sport. I think it’s good for the sport.” Bidarian then doubled down on the possibility of future business between MVP and McGregor. “The biggest fight outside of Paul-Tyson globally is Paul-McGregor. Hopefully Conor is back and hopefully these two run it in boxing and MMA and we shatter their records all over again.”

He closed with one final shot at the UFC timing. “Welcome back, Conor and thank you Dana for bringing him back during the Francis Ngannou walkout. That’s beautiful.”

UFC vs. MVP Rivalry Heating Up

Saturday’s sequence added another layer to the growing rivalry between the UFC and MVP. The UFC announcement came:

• During Ngannou’s walkout
• Amid MVP MMA’s first-ever event
• On the same night Netflix aired a major MMA card headlined by Rousey’s return

Meanwhile, MVP scored massive headlines of its own with:

• Ronda Rousey submitting Gina Carano in 17 seconds
• Francis Ngannou knocking out Philipe Lins
• Mike Perry stopping Nate Diaz

McGregor vs. Paul Talk Refuses to Die

Bidarian’s comments also continued speculation around a potential mega-fight between Conor McGregor and Jake Paul. Paul has openly pursued McGregor for years, while McGregor has repeatedly teased interest in crossover fights outside the UFC.

Now that McGregor officially returns at UFC 329, the possibility of a future boxing or MMA showdown with Paul instantly becomes one of combat sports’ biggest potential money fights.