Dana White admits he was wrong about Mike Tyson, says Jake Paul 'couldn't do anything to him'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The much-anticipated fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul has been making waves for a variety of reasons and, now, UFC President Dana White has entered the conversation, admitting he was wrong about his earlier concerns.
Before the fight, White had expressed genuine worry that the legendary former heavyweight champion, Tyson, might be putting his life at risk by stepping into the ring with the much younger Paul.
The bout, which pitted the YouTuber-turned-boxer against Tyson, who is nearly three decades his senior, was an eight-round main event broadcast on Netflix. Despite Tyson’s age and the skepticism surrounding the fight, it's notable that he absorbed very little damage, ultimately losing the match without ever being knocked down.
Dana White admits he was wrong about Mike Tyson and Jake Paul's fight
In the post-fight press conference for UFC 309, titled "Dana White Reacts to Tyson vs Paul, UFC 309, Jon Jones & Donald Trump’s Win | MMA FIghting," White admitted he was wrong about his concerns regarding the Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul fight.
Reflecting on his previous doubts, White said, "Mike Tyson was right, and I was wrong. I told him ‘Mike you’re basically 60 years old.’ He’s like ‘you honestly think this f*cking kid’s going to do anything to me? He’s not good. He’s not going to f*cking knock me out. He’s not going to do this.'”
White went on to explain how his worries about Tyson's physical condition were unfounded.
"You saw him, he tripped when he was walking down the [aisle], he had a hard time walking up the stairs. He had a knee brace on and Jake Paul couldn’t do anything to him. He made a ton of money and I know people are mad you stayed home on a Saturday night but you didn’t pay for it. When Mike Tyson shows up, everybody makes money. I don’t have to tell you guys. You guys know," White emphasized.
He further acknowledged Tyson’s dominance in the situation, saying, "Mike Tyson is the A++++ side of that thing. He was right. Jake Paul couldn’t do s**t to him. He was right and I was wrong."
White added, “If you didn’t think that’s the way the fight [was going to play out], I don’t know what people expected. Mike’s almost 60 years old. He’s Mike Tyson but he’s 60 years old. He knew that Jake Paul couldn’t do anything to him so you knew what you were going to get when you saw that fight. But you can’t get mad.”
Boxing fans spark online debate after Dana White says he was wrong about the bout
After watching the clip of Dana White admitting he was wrong about his concerns for Mike Tyson ahead of his match with Jake Paul, many users have taken to social media to share their thoughts.
One user slammed White, “I’ve been in martial arts for 30 years. Tyson had no balance, reflexes, or legs. JP could have hurt him if he wanted. Love Tyson but glad he didn’t get hurt. Father Time undefeated. Dana is wrong or just covering a**.”
One more person shared, “Full of BS about Tyson fight... He is lying, doing some PR.”
One user commented, "Jake spared Mike yesterday. If he really wanted to hurt Mike he could’ve done it early."
Another X user joked, "For once in his life, dana ain’t tell no lie😭😂" Someone else pointed out White's financial gain, saying, "When Mike Tyson shows up, everyone makes money!" Another user added, "Facts, and it crashed."
Jake spared Mike yesterday. If he really wanted to hurt Mike he could’ve done it early
— CALLMEFANTA (@ITSDAFANTA) November 17, 2024
When Mike Tyson shows up every one makes money!
— Dovydas Bagdonas (@bagdonasdovydas) November 17, 2024
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