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Jake Paul Advocates For Fighter Pay, More News | UFC 261 Social Media Roundup

MMA UFC
Shakiel Mahjouri Apr 25, 2021 7:50PM

Jake Paul makes an unexpected face turn vs. UFC President Dana White, Chris Weidman undergoes surgery after his horrible leg-break at UFC 261 and more news — this is your social media roundup.

Jake Paul calls out UFC President Dana White for underpaying fighters

Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler Officially Announced For UFC 303, Will Take Place At Welterweight

Jake Paul makes the most unexpected face turn of 2021 as he calls out UFC President Dana White over fighter pay.

Paul took to Twitter on Sunday and accused White of underpaying fighters.

“In my third fight, I made more money in total pay than any fighter in UFC history,” Paul said. “Maybe it’s time to pay your fighters their fair share? No wonder they all want to get into boxing. Dana, you say you make the fights the fans want to see, so hurry up and make [Jon] Jones vs. [Francis] Ngannou. Pay them their fair share. $10 million purse for each guy plus pay-per-view," Paul wrote (h/t MMA Fighting). “Why are UFC fighters so underpaid versus boxers? Why did I make more in my third fight than all but two (Khabib [Nurmagomedov] and Conor [McGregor]) UFC fighters have in history. I know why.”

Chris Weidman successfully undergoes surgery

Chris Weidman has successfully undergone leg surgery after his gruesome leg break vs. Uriah Hall at UFC 261.

Weidman's wife shared a photo of the former UFC middleweight champion in the hospital and offered an update on his condition.

“Well that was horrible,” Marivi Weidman said in a post on Instagram. “Freak things happen in life and plans get crushed. It’s been a lonnnggg day but so happy to finally see this man of mine post-surgery. Everything went well thank you, Lord!"

“My heart breaks for my husband because I know the work and dedication that he puts into his training every day and the great man that he is, so I only want the best for him. While this absolutely sucks in the moment and for some weeks to come, we are completely overwhelmed by the love and support we have far and wide and are very aware how blessed we are. All of that overpowers the awfulness of this situation.”

Justin Gaethje says Kamaru Usman "will fucking kill" Conor McGregor

Justin Gaethje scoffs at Conor McGregor's suggestion that McGregor would beat Kamaru Usman.

McGregor claimed Usman and his UFC welterweight title were in the Irishman's sights, eliciting a protest from former interim UFC lightweight champ Justin Gaethje.

Dustin Poirier suggests catchweight vs. Conor McGregor

Dustin Poirier made an unexpected request to Conor McGregor and "The Notorious" one is not interested.

Poirier suggested a catchweight fight vs. McGregor in their upcoming rubber match at UFC 264. McGregor, however, had no interest in accepting the offer.

Ben Askren takes no pleasure in seeing Jorge Masvidal lose

Ben Askren says Jorge Masvidal's knockout loss is just part of the fight game.

Masvidal suffered his first-ever true knockout loss in a UFC welterweight title rematch vs. Kamaru Usman at UFC 261. Askren, who suffered a record-breaking KO loss to Masvidal, took little pleasure in seeing his former foe unconscious.

Leon Edwards dismisses Jorge Masvidal

Leon Edwards, on the other hand, was a little less respectful of Jorge Masvidal's efforts against Kamaru Usman.

Edwards dismissed Masvidal's skill level before turning his attention to Usman. Edwards is scheduled to fight Nate Diaz in a five-round, non-title co-main event at UFC 262.

Jimmy Crute reacts to leg injury loss to Anthony Smith at UFC 261

Jimmy Crute was unable to enter the second round of his fight vs. Anthony Smith at UFC 261 due to a leg injury,

Crute released a statement addressing the TKO loss to Smith on Instagram.

"I would have rather gone out on my shield. Anyone that knows me knows I would have fought on. I’ve fought with one leg before and would have done it again. I wanted to bring the win home for Anzac Day more than anything," he wrote. "Guess it just wasn’t meant to be. @lionheartasmith thank you for the opportunity brother. No one else in your position would have the balls to risk their spot in the rankings. They don’t call you the lionheart for no reason. This sport has the highest of highs and the lowest of lows and I don’t even know if it’s worth it sometimes that’s something I need to think about. Thank you for the messages of support. I wish I could reply to everyone. Just know that I’m fine just gutted."

Anthony Smith releases statement post-UFC 261

Anthony Smith also put out a statement following his TKO leg-injury win over Jimmy Crute at UFC 261.

“On the last leg of my trip home and still feeling so uplifted. Jacksonville, that walk to the octagon is the single greatest moment of my career. I’ve never felt anything like that before. You guys breathed life into me. I was truly living my best life last night. For that, I am forever grateful. I’ll never forget that walk,” Smith wrote. “@jimmycruteufc, as I said last night, you’re incredible. I wish I was half the man/competitor you are today, when I was your age. Keep your head up and your chest puffed out, kid.. you’re awesome. I look forward to our paths crossing in the gym so we can learn from each other. Lastly, to the fans and supporters, Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for giving me a few short minutes of your time to entertain you. On to the next one. Prayers and well wishes and any sort of good juju to my friend @chrisweidman. If you guys have a sec, send a few up to the big man for Chris and his family. He’s one of the good ones and really needs it right now.”

Derek Brunson protests Jake Paul vs. B.J. Penn

Derek Brunson is willing to endure anything to avoid seeing a Jake Paul vs. B.J. Penn boxing match.

Brunson protested the idea on Twitter. The UFC middleweight contender was so passionately against the idea that he re-shared the tweet on Instagram.

"Dear MMA Jesus, I'll take two short-notice fights... I'll finish my next three opponents," Brunson wrote. "I don't ask for much, but please don't let B.J. Penn box Jake Paul. We can't afford to take another L!"

Brian Kelleher sparks up

Brian Kelleher is celebrating 4/20 all week.

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