Dana White blocked Conor McGregor‘s proposed boxing exhibition against Logan Paul because of his hatred for the WWE superstar’s brother Jake, a source has told DailyMail.com.
McGregor, who has not competed in the UFC for three-and-a-half years, was recently in talks over a potential $250million showdown with Logan in Mumbai, India later this year.
The highly-anticipated event was reportedly set to involve India’s billionaire Ambani family, despite their involvement never being confirmed publicly.
However, McGregor revealed earlier this week that negotiations are now over because the UFC refused to approve the bout.
Given he is still under contract, the Irishman is unable to take part in combat events away from the MMA promotion without its blessing.
And while many would assume the UFC’s decision to reject the exhibition is due to their desire to see McGregor back in an Octagon, DailyMail.com understands that White’s deep dislike for Logan’s younger brother is the reason it isn’t happening.
Dana White stopped Conor McGregor (right) from fighting Logan Paul (left) because of his hatred for the WWE superstar’s brother Jake (center), a source has told DailyMail.com
White’s deep dislike for Jake Paul meant he had no intention of letting McGregor face Logan
The UFC president has traded insults with Jake Paul in the media for years, with the YouTuber-turned-boxer frequently accusing him of underpaying his fighters and treating them inadequately.
Dana has also been highly critical of Jake’s foray into boxing, including when he took on a 58-year-old Mike Tyson back in November.
‘Dana White hates Jake Paul,’ a source told DailyMail.com after McGregor revealed the UFC blocked his proposed fight against Logan.
‘There is a constant tumultuous attitude towards each other, and they have a never-ending feud because Jake continues to call out Dana on how he treats his fighters and how they get paid.
‘And for Dana’s part, he thinks Jake is making the world of boxing a complete joke. He hates the popularity Jake has received. Dana hated the Tyson fight and just hates everything Jake has given boxing. Dana thinks it is a complete joke.’
‘Conor and Logan put together their fight by themselves. All the money and the hype would go through them, and that is a no go for Dana,’ the source continued.
‘He would have potentially considered it to be done if it wasn’t Logan, but Dana’s hate for Jake is the fuel that was needed to instantly say no. Dana doesn’t want the Paul brothers to benefit financially ever if it takes away from his own bottom line.
‘The feud runs deep and will remain petty. It will be a cold day in hell before Dana and the Paul brothers are on the same page.
McGregor was in talks over a potential $250m boxing showdown with Logan in Mumbai
But White, his boss at the UFC, blocked the fight due to his dislike for Logan’s brother Jake
The UFC president still has McGregor under contract, with two fights remaining on his deal
‘The only thing they all agree on is Donald Trump. But even the president couldn’t get Dana White and the Paul brothers in any type of agreement to work together if he wanted, that is how deep this goes.’
Speaking to the press after the pair were seen at Donald Trump’s inauguration together, McGregor emphasized that he has no control over the situation despite his desire to fight Logan.
The former two-weight UFC champion claimed both he and Logan, who enjoyed an exhibition with Floyd Mayweather in 2021, were ready to fight under the TKO banner, which oversees both the UFC and WWE, before the UFC pulled the plug.
‘The UFC just aren’t into it,’ McGregor said. ‘The offer was there on the table, in writing, both athletes we’ll say—he’s not a fighter—but whatever, both athletes under the TKO banner. UFC, WWE, both rising up.
‘The stock price of TKO Holding Group through the roof. New market in India opened up and booming. It was business savvy and business sense to make the fight happen, or should I say, the glorified spar happen.’
