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For quite a while now, Jake Paul has been advocating for a better pay structure for MMA fighters. “The Problem Child” even went after UFC president Dana White a few times about the said issue.
When Paul fought Anderson Silva in October 2022, part of the deal if “The Spider” lost was that he would help build an association for MMA fighters. And according to Silva’s most recent update, things are now in motion.
Anderson Silva talks about the MMA fighters’ association
The handshake deal between Jake Paul and Anderson Silva was made during the press conference ahead of their fight. Here was Paul’s proposition at the time:
“If you win, I will fight you in an MMA fight — OK, kickboxing — but if I win, me and you come together to create a united fighters’ association to help UFC fighters get better pay and better healthcare.
“You become the interim president and we unite to help these fighters once and for all,” the former YouTuber said, which Silva immediately agreed to.
In a recent episode of MMAFighting.com’s Trocação Franca podcast, Silva confirmed that things have begun to move along, thanks to Jake Paul.
“It’s moving, it’s all in motion. Jake is a very correct person, so it’s happening. To make sure it’s done the correct way and it’s enduring, it stays for future generations, it has to be well-planned and structured, and we’re working on it.”
Jake Paul says he only wants to help
For Jake Paul, Silva’s presence and contribution to this cause is a massive plus. But as to why he’s doing all of this, the 26-year-old says it’s simply about helping fighters in need.
Paul says the proof is in the pudding with his work with undisputed featherweight title Amanda Serrano. For him, it’s an altruistic venture he’s more than willing to take on.
“I think that’s where people like Anderson Silva joining really helps, because they respect him,” Paul said in a January interview. “I think that fighters, regardless of if they hate me or love me, I’m trying to help them. They just should see that because I’m continuing to help fighters nonstop. They should see the things I’ve done for Amanda Serrano, the situation she was in.
“I just want to help. So they can hate me, or not really even respect me, but we should be on the same team. That’s the whole point of this union — let’s band together and be strong as one.
“I might not even like a certain fighter that wants to be in the union, but it doesn’t matter. I’m putting my ego aside because this is going to benefit all of us.”
Silva predicts Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz
Back in April, Silva shared his initial prediction for the Jake Paul-Nate Diaz bout. At the time, he couldn’t pick a definite winner as he tipped his hat off to both men, but seemed to lean more on a Diaz upset.
Having fought Jake Paul himself, Silva had this to say:
“Nate, we don’t even need to talk about him, right? [But] he has a big, big challenge ahead of him, which is fighting Jake.
“Jake has been working really hard and dedicating, even though some people think he’s just a YouTuber. No, he’s training. He trains with tough guys, has good coaches, and he’s showing he deserves respect. Let’s see what happens.”
Paul vs. Diaz happens on August 5th at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Also part of the event is UFC veteran Jeremy Stephens who faces Diaz’s teammate Chris Avila.
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