Dana White “admires” Jake Paul despite heated feud over UFC pay

Dana White apparently has a soft spot for Jake Paul and “admires” the YouTuber-turned-boxer, though, he is unlikely to admit it according to UFC coach Javier Mendez.

Ever since he first stepped into the fight game, Jake Paul has gone after some of the biggest names in both the boxing world as well as those in the UFC. While he’s traded verbal jabs with many fighters, his most heated feud has been with UFC boss Dana White.

Dana White alongside Jake Paul talking to camera

Jake and Dana have gone back and forth on a number of things, includingthe raging debate on UFC fighter pay and healthcare, as well as just how many pay-per-views that Jake’s fights have sold.

While Dana has somewhat distanced himself from the feud recently, he apparently “admires” the work that Jake has been putting in, but he’s unlikely to ever admit it in public.

Jake Paul with Dana White actor is submission hold

That’s according to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s trainer Javier Mendez, who alsobelieves Jake could beat Conor McGregor if the pair ever got inside the boxing ring.

Mendez, who was speaking toBetway, stated that Dana is a “mastermind” of creating hype and interest, and that’s exactly what’s been going on between himself and Jake.

jake paul at press conference

“If it makes business sense for Dana then he’ll do it. Dana is a mastermind of creating news in the media, he’s a master at it,” Mendez said. “Even the thing with Jake Paul, you know he has his war with Jake Paul, but behind closed doors, he actually admires the kid and respects how he goes about getting attention.”

Jake Paul praised for his “shortcut” to get boxing title shot by ex-champ

Jake Paul boxing record

Jake Paul boxing record: All opponents & fight results so far

Jake Paul was just offered his biggest fight yet and make boxing history

Dana White talking into mic on Nelk Boys couch

As noted, White has distanced himself from the feud with Jake in recent weeks, but admitted thathe’d “never say never” when it comes to possibly linking up with the social media star.

Dana will probably never admit to liking Jake as way to keep things going, but it at least appears as if he’s softened his anti-Paul stance and people have noticed.