When the UFC recently annouced the lineup for the UFC 324 (first 2026 event), many missed the presence of Ilia Topuria defending for the first time his lightweight title against No. 1 contender Arman Tsarukyan. Even though other great fights are taking place, many fans have long waited to see how the Spanish-Georgian fighter makes his first-ever defense. However, the fight that will steal the spotlight this time is Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje clashinh for the interim lightweight belt. Not bad at all.
Also, we will see Amanda Nunes’ return from retirement in a co-main event facing Kayla Harrison, a fight that everyone agrees could headline its own card. Nevertheless, this is not what fans expected and many (including Jake Paul), made their opinions be heard on social media. In Paul’s case, he aimed at Dana White for backing of the Muhammad Ali Revival Act but the failure to deliver what fans want in its own sport.
Is UFC contradicting itself?
In a direct message on his X account, Paul wrote that if the UFC is trying to change boxing laws under the promise of delivering “the best fighting the best,” then the company should be able to stand their words and prove it on its own matchups.
His criticism comes from UFC leadership’s public support for modifying the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act, a federal law that mandates contract transparency, rankings oversight, and financial disclosure in boxing. The proposed “revival” efforts seek to introduce structural changes to combat sports, including consolidating promotions and altering regulatory frameworks.
Dana White’s plan for boxing
While speaking on the 3 Knockdown Rule, White clarified his intentions with the Act, claiming he does not want to get rid of it, he just wants to modify it:
I’m definitely not trying to get rid of it. We’re going to add on to it… Just because it was put in place, it doesn’t mean it works… It actually complicated a lot of things. If you look at where boxing was and where it’s gotten to now… It’s not sustainable. Not one word is going to be changed… You can stay exactly under the way it is now, or come bet on me.”
If the Ali Act revisions proceed, boxers may face less regulatory protection, raising worries about pay transparency and promoter control. Critics fear the shift could replicate issues seen in MMA where fighters are often underpaid, according to many fans and fighters.
Jake Paul’s words expose real issues in the current combat sports industry, and as UFC 324 approaches, the debate is as alive as it has ever been. Whether the reforms succeed or not, this will definitely reshape boxing’s future.
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