Jake Paul is stirring the pot once again, and this time his target is UFC fighter pay—with a bold claim involving Ronda Rousey and Ilia Topuria that's got the combat sports world buzzing.
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) is making its big leap into MMA, and the timing couldn't be more interesting. With the upcoming Netflix event headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano, the conversation around fighter compensation has taken center stage. Since the announcement, several fighters on the card have been comparing what MVP can offer versus the UFC, keeping the pay debate alive and well.
This debate has simmered for years, but it boiled over after the UFC signed a massive billion-dollar deal with Paramount in August 2025. Now, Jake Paul—MVP's co-founder and the YouTuber-turned-boxer who loves to ruffle feathers—has dropped a bombshell comparison.
In an interview with Full Send MMA alongside Jorge Masvidal, Paul claimed that Rousey will earn more for this single Netflix event than Ilia Topuria typically makes for a UFC fight. "Here's what I can say: I know how much Ronda Rousey is making for this event. And it's a lot more than what Ilia Topuria makes for fighting," Paul said.
The exact figures remain undisclosed, so Paul's claim can't be verified—but it's clearly designed to fuel a broader argument. If true, it would be a stunning revelation. Topuria is one of the UFC's biggest current stars: an unbeaten two-weight champion who combines elite skills with genuine drawing power. Rousey, meanwhile, is an MMA pioneer and one of the sport's most iconic figures, but she's been inactive for years.
Saturday's event has taken on a significance that goes beyond one comeback fight. It's a litmus test for whether MVP has the financial muscle, platform, and ambition to challenge the UFC's dominance in elite MMA. A strong Netflix debut could give fighters a viable alternative stage and strengthen Paul's case for better pay across the board. A flat event, however, would do the opposite—and could leave the UFC's parent company, TKO Group, looking even more untouchable.
For fans and fighters alike, this is more than just a headline. It's a glimpse into a potential shift in the sport's landscape, where pay transparency and competition could finally start to reshape the game. And with Jake Paul at the mic, you can bet the conversation is far from over.