UFC president Dana White has suggested Jake Paul was forced to cancel next Saturday’s fight with Hasim Rahman Jr because of a lack of ticket sales, not because of weight issues.

The contest, which was set to take place at Madison Square Garden, was written off last night after Paul’s promoters cited an issue with his opponent’s weight.

White has offered an alternative theory, however, implying the fight did not garner the interest required for one of the world’s most expensive venues.

He said in his post-fight press conference at UFC 277: “I think they sold under $1million in tickets and it costs $500,000 to turn the f****** lights on at MSG.

“That's what I think. Not to mention hotel rooms in New York and transportation is very expensive.”

Dana White vs Jake Paul

The pair have shared a history of clashes and bad blood.

The YouTuber famously attended a Halloween party in 2021 dressed as the UFC president, donning a costume featuring various gags directed at White.

Speaking after UFC 277 on Saturday night, White also questioned Paul’s support staff.

“I think that Jake Paul probably needs to get some different people around him,” he said.

“If he’s gonna stay in this sport, he needs to be with guys that actually really know how to put on fights.”

The fighting weight for Paul’s upcoming clash with Rahman Jr had been originally set at a maximum of 200 pounds, but The Problem Child did agree to up it to a maximum of 205 pounds.

Rahman, who weighed 216 pounds in early July, had assured Paul’s promoters, Most Valuable Promotions, he was on track to make weight, this was despite only losing one pound to last time they spoke.

However, Paul's camp said that it 'became clear that these assurances were not made in good faith' and stated they could not work with opposition working in “such a deceiving and calculated manner.”

This statement came after it was apparently made clear that Rahman Jr wouldn't go any lighter than 215 pounds.

Paul was initially set to face Tommy Fury, but the Brit was forced to withdraw for a second time after his application for a visa to enter America was unsuccessful.