Nakisa Bidarian expressed skepticism regarding recent statements from Dana White, where the UFC president implied a lack of knowledge about the upcoming Jake Paul versus Anthony Joshua fight. In a recent installment of The Ariel Helwani Show, a key individual from Most Valuable Promotions engaged in conversation with the show’s host, addressing various topics.
MVP is spearheading the promotional efforts for the Paul versus Joshua match, and at a recent press conference after UFC 322, White gave the impression that he was unaware of the plans to arrange this Netflix event for December 19th. Bidarian and White share a prior professional relationship, as Bidarian previously held the position of UFC CFO.
During discussions about the Joshua-Paul match following his company’s event at Madison Square Garden, White suggested that promoting the then-speculated boxing match would be a misstep, attracting only those eager to witness ‘The Problem Child’ suffer a knockout.
Bidarian questions Paul-Joshua claims, stating Dana White “often misrepresents the truth”
Drawing upon his familiarity, both personal and professional, with Dana White’s behavior in relation to the Jake Paul-Anthony Joshua situation, Bidarian stated,
“It’s simply not true for Dana to say he didn’t know about [Paul vs. Joshua]. Dana often misrepresents the truth, which isn’t shocking, but I have concrete knowledge that TKO had awareness of this event. Certain fighters are given direction by the UFC indicating, ‘If you align yourself with MVP or Jake Paul, you will no longer be welcome here.”
“Your return will be barred, you won’t have access to the PI, and your participation in future fights will not be considered.’ This illustrates the depth of their displeasure. ‘It’s negative,’ I believe Dana commented… Is it negative because it’s hazardous? It poses significantly less danger than a slap competition, where two individuals stand facing each other with no defense. Jake will be actively defending himself. Jake will be in motion.”
