Mike Tyson proved Dana White wrong by fighting Jake Paul at 58 without sustaining significant damage, despite concerns about his age and health, and the fight drew massive viewership on Netflix, though it was not particularly memorable.
So, Mike Tyson proved Dana White wrong. Who would’ve thought?
Before Tyson’s big return to the ring at 58, Dana White, the UFC CEO, was worried. I mean, fighting Jake Paul in an eight-round Netflix main event? Risky business for an ex-heavyweight champ. But guess what? Tyson didn’t take much damage and lost by decision without a single knockdown.
“Mike Tyson was right, and I was wrong,” admitted White at the UFC 309 post-fight press conference. He told Tyson, “You’re almost 60!” But Tyson wasn’t having it. “You think this kid’s gonna do anything? He’s not good. Not gonna knock me out.”
And there he was—Tyson tripping down the aisle, struggling up the stairs with a knee brace. Yet Jake Paul couldn’t touch him. Tyson made bank, and yeah, people might’ve been mad about staying home on a Saturday night. But hey, they didn’t pay for it! When Tyson’s around, everyone’s cashing in. He’s the A++++ side of things.
Afterward, Paul said he didn’t go for the knockout ’cause he “didn’t want to hurt someone who didn’t need it.” Sure thing.
White doesn’t seem to buy that excuse but is relieved Tyson left unscathed.
Some folks complained it wasn’t an all-time classic. White just scoffed at the idea.
A social media star versus a nearly 60-year-old boxing legend? What did people expect? No surprises here, says White.
“If you thought otherwise, I don’t know what you expected,” White remarked. “Tyson’s almost 60! You knew what you were getting into with this fight.”
Plus, it was free! We all have Netflix anyway. And hey, the girls’ fight—Amanda Serrano vs. Katie Taylor—was pretty good!
The event drew huge numbers. Netflix reported that 60 million households watched Paul vs. Tyson, with 50 million also catching Serrano vs. Taylor.
Even if Paul vs. Tyson wasn’t legendary, it’s still one of the year’s most talked-about fights.
Deep down, everyone knew how it would go down on Friday night.
“Sure, some were pissed—it was a bit of a mess—but c’mon,” White said.
“Really? Did you turn on Netflix thinking you’d see the greatest sporting event ever? No way! You got exactly what you expected.”