Getty Jake Paul and Dana White
UFC president Dana White was absurdly confident in picking former UFC star Ben Askren to beat Jake Paul back in April only to see Paul be the one to stop Askren in less than one round. White was so sure about himself that he famously told Mike Tyson and Zab Judah he would bet a million dollars on Paul losing the fight. But White didn’t make that bet, and that was good for him because he turned out to be way wrong about it. So it would make sense that the UFC boss is a little less confident in making a prediction this time around. Still, White revealed on the “Real Quick With Mike Swick” podcast that he’s picking former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley to beat Paul when the two stars box on Showtime later this year in August.
“Tyron Woodley has punching power,” White said per MMA Junkie. “Obviously, he’s put a lot of dudes to sleep in his career.”
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White Knows Woodley Has Seen Better Days, Predicts KO Win Anyway
Still, White did admit that Woodley, 39, ended his UFC career on a four-fight losing streak, one in which he barely won a single round.
So Woodley has seen better days as a pro fighter.
“Tyron Woodley doesn’t look like the Tyron Woodley of the past that was putting everybody to sleep. He hasn’t won a fight in three years. He’s going to be 40 years old. But, I will give it to (Jake Paul). He’s at least stepping in there with a guy who can punch,” White said.
Regardless, White believes Woodley will win his boxing match against the 24-year-old YouTuber. Moreover, the UFC boss likes Woodley to put a stop to the Paul train via knockout.
“…I’d have to go with Woodley by knockout,” White said. “Listen, man. Woodley should knock him out. But, again, the Tyron Woodley that you talk about, that was the champ, isn’t the same f****** guy he was four years ago.”
Per both fighters on social medial, Paul vs. Woodley is currently scheduled for August 28 on Showtime.
The eight-round boxing match will be Paul’s fourth pro fight inside the ring while Woodley will be making his pro boxing debut after a long and successful MMA career.
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White vs. Paul Rivalry Continues
White and Paul have developed quite the rivalry over the past few months.
It all started when Paul began brashly calling out UFC stars, and it escalated when White obliged him by allowing Askren the opportunity to participate in a boxing match against Paul earlier this year.
After Paul scored his viral knockout over Askren in less than one round, the rivalry reached a fever pitch.
Some believed the feud might die down after Paul signed a promotional deal with Showtime. After all, Showtime is also the home to Bellator MMA, so many believed Paul would need to start targeting stars on that company’s roster.
But Woodley is the one who got the gig instead. He’s a former UFC champ who is no longer under contract with the company, so it looks like the White vs. Paul beef will continue for at least one more promotion.
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