UFC fighters are up in arms over the announcement that Jake Paul will fight Mike Tyson. And we are right there with them. The fight seems like an absolute joke of a match-up on many levels. But here we are.
Former UFC middleweight champion turned UFC color commentary man, Michael Bisping immediately took to Twitter to voice his displeasure at what he saw.
"You should be ashamed of yourself. And the biggest joke is you don’t even slightly realize why," Bisping tweeted when the news broke. The "you" he seems to be aiming at Is the former YouTuber, who is taking on a much older legend of the sport.
You should be ashamed of yourself. And the biggest joke is you don’t even slightly realize why. https://t.co/If8X3xuF52
— michael (@bisping) March 7, 2024
He clarified that in a later tweet.
"Nah fair play to Tyson, hope he makes a shitloads of dough. But what self respecting fighter seeks out a contest with a 57 yr old legend when they are in their absolute prime. Make money fair play but stop with the 'legit boxer' talk," he tweeted.
And fair play to Netflix. It’ll be a huge success. Everyone will make money, but the child has made lots of money. At what point is it enough and try and get some respect as a fighter. Not hating, it just goes against the definition of the word “fighter”. https://t.co/mNYuDnIoDQ
— michael (@bisping) March 7, 2024
Bisping also tweeted about the platform the fight will air on, Netflix.
"And fair play to Netflix. It’ll be a huge success," he tweeted. "Everyone will make money, but the child has made lots of money. At what point is it enough and try and get some respect as a fighter. Not hating, it just goes against the definition of the word fighter'."
It's clear Bisping's gripe is with Paul, and he's not wrong. All the points Bisping made wre correct. And he's not alone in that. Other UFC fighters chimed in to throw shade at Paul as well.
UFC fighters up in arms over Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson booking 'fans should riot'
Renato Moicano seems legitimately concerned for Tyson's heath, tweeting several times about the fight.
Man… if Jake Paul is really fighting Mike Tyson we as a fight fans should riot!!! Absolutely disgusting!!! #boxing #mma #ufc
— Renato Moicano UFC (@moicanoufc) March 7, 2024
The possibility of one of the greatest boxer of all time die in a ring is real…. Strange times!!!! A YouTuber can kill a legend on the ring #boxing #youtube https://t.co/92oORIn27B
— Renato Moicano UFC (@moicanoufc) March 7, 2024
If he dies than he dies https://t.co/6mFKUzLmLi
— Renato Moicano UFC (@moicanoufc) March 7, 2024
Netflix love money lol
— Renato Moicano UFC (@moicanoufc) March 7, 2024
Alan Jouban is also concerned for Tyson who is 57 years old.
What world are we living in?! Jake always talks about helping UFC fighter pay and making boxing great again. But then just always looks to exploit the older fighters for his gain. There’s no respect anymore for lines not to be crossed. https://t.co/grmkMif87K
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) March 7, 2024
I think that at 57 there are wholes in defense, and at that age even a glancing shot or one through the gloves can hurt you. It would be a spit in the face to boxing if he took out a Legend that was way past his prime.
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) March 7, 2024
Other fighters reacted to the news as well.
@jakepaul little c u n t , is fighting our legend @MikeTyson 57 years old, Mike we are all proud of your hard work and history we know how hard is this road! But I think it is just a disappointment , something have to stop this c unt
— Johnny Walker (@JohnnyWalker) March 7, 2024
What a strange time we live in… https://t.co/rdWe6v8Pcc
— Billy Quarantillo (@BillyQMMA) March 7, 2024
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) March 7, 2024
All of these fighter's concerns are 100 percent valid. We're interested to hear the ruleset for this match and see if we actually make it fo fight day with both athletes in the ring.
The fight is expected to take place on July 20 in the Dallas Cowboy's NFL stadium, a location the UFC has been eyeing for some time.