Mike Ehrmann/Getty ImagesJake Paul's crusade against UFC took an interesting turn on Monday.
The controversial YouTube star bought stock in the parent company of the UFC with the goal of increasing fighter pay and healthcare.
Jake Paul @jakepaulI’ve invested in EDR (UFC) stock with my partner @geoffreywoo 2 focus on UFCs ESG standards relating to fighters. We believe EDR can drive long-term economic value by increasing UFC fighter pay & providing them healthcare. Reaching out to @EngineNo_1 to partner on this “endeavor”
The UFC president Dana White and the boxer Paul engaged in a back and forth after Paul defeated Tyron Woodley in a boxing match.
If White agreed to his terms that included increasing minimum payouts for fighters and guaranteeing UFC fighters 50 percent of the company's annual revenue, Paul would retire from boxing and fightJorge Masvidal in the UFC.
Jake Paul @jakepaulHappy new year @danawhite. Here is a real challenge for you… <br><br>I will immediately retire from boxing and fight Jorge Masvidal in the UFC if you agree to: pic.twitter.com/bJScDVITvL
White said in a video that he believes Paul is using steroids and that he is a cheat.
danawhite @danawhite.@jakepaul you never responded to the challenge pic.twitter.com/1uzI9mur1T
After UFC 270 on Saturday night, Paul's comments about the way UFC pays fighters came back to the forefront.
The 22 fighters on the UFC 270 card made over $1 million.
Before the event he won, Francis Ngannou told the reporter that he was the undisputed champion.
I won't fight for $500,000, $600,000 anymore. It's over. I just did it. I took this fight because I wanted to make sure that I was treated fairly, even if it was unfair, and I can say that I have completed the eight fights. But no.
The UFC made an estimated $930 million in 2021, with the expectation that it could increase to $1 billion this year.
UFC only covers healthcare costs for injuries suffered during competition or in training for a fight.
