When many MMA stars piled in on Jake Paul, Jon Jones had a distinct outlook.
It’s secure to say that the YouTube star was not a preferred figure within the combat sports community when he first started to appear within the boxing ring.
Paul is preparing to fight Anthony Joshua on December 19 in Miami, a matchup that undoubtedly marks his most dangerous enterprise in the game to date. In contrast, the early days of ‘El Gallo’s’ profession saw him battle quite a few past-their-prime MMA veterans, including Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley in 2021.
When Paul knocked out Askren in a single round, many were quick to dismiss that performance, and the Cleveland native later became embroiled in clashes with the likes of Daniel Cormier and Michael Bisping.
But while they criticized the ex-Disney star, one other outstanding name from the UFC world saw things in another way…
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What’s your price? 💰 😅
Jake Paul is reportedly set to make $70 million on December 19.
Jon Jones tweet-and-deleted praise for Jake Paul amid Dana White feud
Amongst those that rejected Paul as a legitimate force in boxing was Dana White. The UFC president even said he would bet $1 million on Askren to beat him. White rejected Paul’s $2 million counter-bet, saving himself a large financial loss after the 28-year-old finished Askren with ease.
On the time, ‘El Gallo’ was not the one star White was feuding with. In-house, the 56-year-old promoter was also going backwards and forwards with UFC legend Jon Jones over his value.
As their relationship continued to fracture over a financial disagreement, Jones praised Paul and his fight purse for the Askren fight in a quickly deleted post that many deemed to be a shot on the UFC.
“Jake Paul, congratulations in your victory, that knockout over Ben was absolutely beautiful,” Jones wrote on X.
“In case you’re seriously making over 5 million for a fight already, that’s wild.
“I’m so blissful for you. Wishing you all one of the best in your combat sports journey,” he added.
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Jon Jones had just refuted Dana White’s claim about his UFC demands
Jones’ post about Paul got here shortly after his latest exchange with White.
The GOAT contender had spent much of the previous yr embroiled in a disagreement with the promotion over how much a fight with Francis Ngannou can be value.
White accused Jones of demanding $30 million, a claim that was firmly refuted by the previous light heavyweight champion.
“I never discussed wanting 30 million with you or Hunter (Campbell),” Jones wrote on X. “@danawhite just wondering where you heard that number? Is someone speaking with you on my behalf or…”
Just a few weeks before that, Jones had publicly requested his UFC release. A furious series posts got here after White dismissed talk of the Ngannou fight when ‘Bones’ wrote “show me the cash” in response to the Cameroonian’s heavyweight title win.
The UFC CEO questioned if Jones really desired to face Ngannou, only further fraying the pair’s tumultuous relationship on the time.
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