An awkward encounter between UFC CEO Dana White and boxer Jake Paul, alongside former US President Donald Trump, has been captured on camera at a major sporting event in Miami. The tense meeting, which took place at the College Football Playoff National Championship, highlights the pair's long-standing and very public feud.
A History of Heated Exchanges
The relationship between Dana White and Jake Paul has been notoriously fractious for several years. Paul, the YouTuber-turned-boxer, has frequently and vocally criticised White over the issue of UFC fighter pay, creating a significant rift between the two prominent figures in combat sports.
In 2022, Paul claimed he had been banned from attending any UFC events following a verbal altercation with MMA legend Daniel Cormier at UFC 261. However, in October 2024, White publicly denied allegations that Paul was prohibited from attending live UFC events, despite the 'Problem Child' reportedly attempting to sneak into the promotion's landmark event at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
Interestingly, White stated last September that he harbours no ill feelings towards the young American, a comment that now seems at odds with their visibly strained interaction.
The Awkward Miami Meeting
The incident unfolded on Monday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where Donald Trump was spotted seated in a suite alongside Dana White during the College Football Playoff National Championship. Video footage soon surfaced showing Jake Paul briefly joining the pair, creating a moment of palpable tension.
The viral clip, which had minimal sound, showed White remaining seated as the social media star initially greeted someone else. White only engaged in conversation with Paul when Trump included him in their discussion, making it difficult for viewers to decipher exactly what was said between the three celebrities.
Social Media Reacts to the Tension
The video ended abruptly before the three towering figures went their separate ways, leaving fans speculating whether White and Paul managed to resolve any of their differences. Social media users were quick to share their thoughts on the awkward encounter.
One observer commented on the palpable tension, stating: "That tension was LOUD." Another user quipped: "White House says this is the 9th war Trump has ended this term," while a third speculated: "Dana definitely asked if he's still eating through a straw." Yet another remarked on the body language, noting: "Nothing says I don't respect you like not standing up to shake hands and talk."
Recent Context: The Anthony Joshua Fight
This encounter comes shortly after Dana White gave his blunt opinion on Jake Paul's recent bout with Anthony Joshua. Last month, in what was widely regarded as a lacklustre heavyweight fight, Joshua knocked out Paul in the sixth round. The 28-year-old Paul suffered a broken jaw and had to eat his Christmas dinner through a straw, a detail that has since become a point of discussion among fans and critics alike.
In a chat with Complex, White expressed his strong belief that the fight should never have been sanctioned. He stated: "It's just not what I do. I think everybody that was involved in that thing should be embarrassed. It's crazy that that fight was even allowed to happen."
The UFC boss later expanded on his comments, saying: "As long as people keep wanting to pay and watch him fight I guess he can keep doing it. It's just not what I do. To even comment on it, I think everybody that was involved in that thing should be embarrassed. It's not what I'm into. Not my thing."
This background adds considerable context to the strained dynamic visible during the Miami encounter, suggesting that professional disagreements over the nature of boxing matches and fighter welfare continue to fuel the personal tension between White and Paul.
