Dana White ignites the debate over the potential Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua fight

The boxing world was shaken once again with the announcement that Jake Paul is close to securing a fight against two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua, in an event Netflix plans to stage before the end of the year. Although nothing is officially confirmed, the mere rumor was enough to trigger reactions across the sports world… and one of the loudest came from Dana White.

The UFC president, known for his open rivalry with Paul, did not hide his feelings. During the UFC 322 post-fight press conference, White called the idea “a terrible decision” and suggested that, far from being a balanced competition, the fight would be watched by millions expecting only one outcome: Jake Paul’s fall.

An improvised fight after the collapse of the Gervonta Davis bout

The possibility of this matchup emerged after the fight between Jake Paul and Gervonta “Tank” Davis was canceled due to the domestic-violence lawsuit the American boxer is facing. With the urgent need to keep his commitment to headline a Netflix card before 2026, Paul’s team began searching for available opponents.

What no one expected was that the YouTuber-turned-boxer’s camp would aim that high. Anthony Joshua, an Olympic gold medalist and one of the most imposing figures in modern boxing, not only vastly outweighs Paul, by more than 66 lbs and nearly 11 in. in height, he also represents an unprecedented leap in the level of opposition Paul has ever faced.

Dana White holds nothing back

For the UFC president, the appeal of the fight doesn’t lie in its competitiveness, but in the possibility of seeing Joshua deliver what many of Paul’s critics have been waiting for since he entered professional boxing. According to White, the audience would tune in hoping to see the British fighter overpower the American.

The tension between White and Paul has been constant for years, marked by accusations, insults, and public challenges. This potential showdown with Joshua seems, to White, like the perfect opportunity for Paul to face a reality completely different from any of his previous matchups.

Reality or just promotion? The analysis behind the fight

Although Paul’s recent comments suggest the fight could be pushed to January, many signs point toward the matchup ultimately happening. The magnitude of the event, Netflix’s media power, and Paul’s ongoing desire to prove he can compete with “serious” boxing names all fuel the possibility.

Even so, from a competitive standpoint, the fight raises serious questions:

Is Jake Paul truly prepared to face a boxer of Anthony Joshua’s caliber?

Or is this simply another attempt to spark global headlines?

What’s certain is that if this fight materializes, it would be one of the most talked-about and controversial events of the year. And if Dana White is right, much of the audience wouldn’t be watching for the competition... but for the potential disaster.