During an appearance on a podcast with host Eric Richter, Jake Paul was asked about comments made by Joe Rogan regarding the pay for Nate Diaz on MVP’s debut MMA card.
The May 16 event, which features Ronda Rousey versus Gina Carano at the top of the bill, drew attention after Rogan speculated that Diaz received $15 million for the matchup.
When asked directly about Rogan’s remarks, Paul kept his cards close to his chest.
“Yeah, you know, I think a lot of numbers in combat sports are often inflated and there’s so many rumors out there,” he said. “At the end of the day, there is a lot of money in combat sports, but I don’t think anyone besides me, Nakisa, and Nate Diaz’s team right now know how much they’re getting paid.”
Still, Paul did not shy away from the point he believes the signing makes about MVP MMA’s approach to athlete compensation.
“At the end of the day, we want athletes to make the most amount of money when they come and work with MVP and compete with us,” he said. “That’s why we’ve been disruptive. Nakisa and I always said put athletes first and there is a lot of money in the sport and we want the athletes to thrive.”
He continued: “Specifically on the MMA side, we want to create another home where athletes can get paid three, four, five times as much by coming and competing with MVP MMA.”
Paul framed the May 16 Netflix card as a statement of intent for the promotion’s long-term ambitions in MMA.
“I think that’s what we’re proving and working with Netflix with this event and throwing an amazing card, that there is another sheriff in town,” he said.
When asked whether the May card represents the beginning of a sustained run of MMA events, Paul sounded optimistic but measured.
“Yes, hopefully. And I believe when May 16th is a success, there’ll be much more to come,” he said.
During the conversation, Paul was also candid about his long-term ambitions as a promoter, noting during the same conversation that he plans to remain in the space well beyond his own combat career.
“I’m not going to box forever, but I will be a promoter forever,” he said. “I’m the youngest by far in the promotional world and also have the largest following. When you think about those two things combined, it makes for a very bright future.”
