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Jake Paul takes aim at Ilia Topuria’s UFC pay

Photo by Henk Jan Dijks/Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images

Jake Paul found himself in another argument, this time with the UFC lightweight champion, during an appearance on Adin Ross’ live stream.

Since stepping into boxing, Paul hasn’t backed down from clashes with big names across combat sports. That’s included a growing list of run-ins with top fighters and personalities from both boxing and MMA.

The latest chapter unfolded on Adin Ross’ recent Kick stream, where UFC champion Ilia Topuria joined as a guest.

During the stream, Topuria was asked what he thought of Paul’s fighting skills and didn’t exactly offer glowing feedback. In response, Jake called in to address it directly.

Jake Paul takes aim at Ilia Topuria’s UFC pay in phone exchange

Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC
Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC

Topuria had previously acknowledged Paul’s progress in boxing, but this time, after the American “sucks,” things got more heated once Paul called in.

During their call, one of the main talking points became how much each of them earns.

After mentioning a possible future sparring session and sharing their opinions on how it would play out, Paul turned his attention to what Topuria earns as a fighter.

“You can’t do anything. You make probably $2 million a fight and he (Dana White) just paid Conor Benn ($15 million),” said Paul.

Paul has long criticised Dana White and the UFC over fighter pay, and Benn’s lucrative deal with Zuffa Boxing has only fueled that debate further.

When Topuria insisted Paul was “wrong” about his pay, the American didn’t hold back any punches. “Then how come you weren’t on the highest-paid athletes list? Where were you? We missed you! We missed you on the list this year!

“Brother, you get paid as much as an NFL rookie. Like, congrats,” he added.

The heat surrounding fighter compensation in MMA continues to rise

The $7.7 billion broadcast deal with Paramount was always going to bring fresh scrutiny over fighter compensation in MMA.

Dana White said after signing the agreement that more money would reach fighters’ pockets under his stewardship — but there isn’t much evidence for it so far in 2026.

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