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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Martin Domin

Jake Paul drags Conor McGregor into row with Dana White as YouTube star teases MMA debut

Jake Paul appeared to confirm he will switch from boxing to mixed martial arts - and took a swipe at Dana White in the process.

Paul has amassed a record of 5-0 in professional boxing since making his debut in 2000.

But he has repeatedly rowed with UFC president Dana White over issues such as fighter pay and fighters' health.

Paul has also held talks with MMA promotion PFL over making his debut in the cage, and last night took to social media to lay out his demands.

"Dana White, when I make my MMA debut, I could cut 20 pounds and do it at welterweight / 170 pounds.

"That’s what all UFC fighters do and many have destroyed their bodies and minds doing it. But I’m going to do it at middleweight (185). Health first."

Jake Paul could switch from boxing to MMA (Getty Images)

Paul signed off his message by adding: "P.S. Conor walking around at 190lb" along with two photos, one of Conor McGregor weighing in at 145lb early in his UFC career, and a recent one showing him weighing 190lb.

Paul's message came hours after White admitted he couldn't rule out handing the YouTube star his UFC debut.

“It’s not that he doesn’t have my respect, I don’t even know the kid," White told the FULL SEND podcast.

"To be honest with you, right here right now, this is the last time you’ll hear me talking about him. I’m done with it.

“Would I let him (in the UFC)? Well, he can do whatever he wants to do. I don’t know. I don’t think that would ever happen but listen, I never say never anymore."

Paul was last in action last month when he knocked out former UFC champion Tyron Woodley in the sixth round of their rematch.

Should Jake Paul fight in mixed martial arts? Let us know in the comments section below

He is now expected to take a break from the ring to promote his stablemate Amanda Serrano's fight with Katie Taylor in April.

But he could instead pivot to the cage with PFL CEO Peter Murray confirming an interest in signing the social media star.

“If any major athlete that is considering and wants to get into MMA, of course the PFL is in the conversation,” Murray told MMA Junkie.

“What the PFL is about is offering fighters opportunities and fans access to great events. Jake has certainly got a large global following.

"He’s got a strong point of view. He’s a real athlete, and he’s established himself in boxing. And, you know, if he’s looking at MMA as that next opportunity in parallel, perhaps with boxing, of course we’re going to have a conversation.

“It doesn’t mean the PFL supports his detailed manifesto, It’s not about that. What we’re about is providing opportunities for fighters and great events for fans. Simple.”

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