Dana White was once given the power to end Jake Paul’s boxing career

Ever since arriving in the ring, Paul has remained a figure who has split opinion with his approach to building a career in the sport. The leading criticism of ‘The Problem Child’ has surrounded his choice of opposition.

Among those critical of the 28-year-old ex-Disney star for fighting MMA and boxing veterans is White. The UFC CEO most recently spoke out against Paul fighting Mike Tyson on Netflix last November.

That controversial match and much of Paul’s career, however, could have been prevented by White.

Jake Paul laid out conditions Dana White could meet to make him retire from boxing

After beating Ben Askren, Paul knocked out Tyron Woodley to continue his crusade of White’s former UFC fighters.

While the Cleveland native has gone on to add Anderson Silva, Nate Diaz, and Mike Perry to that list, the UFC CEO could have put a stop to Paul’s journey at the start of 2022.

As the pair went back-and-forth during interviews and on social media, with Paul becoming a vocal critic of the UFC model and the promotion’s treatment of fighters, a proposal was sent White’s way.

“Happy new year,” Paul wrote. “@danawhite. Here is a real challenge for you… I will immediately retire from boxing and fight Jorge Masvidal in the UFC if you agree to…”

The terms laid out were an increase of the UFC’s lowest fighter pay bracket to $50,000, a 50 percent revenue share with the athletes, and long-term healthcare.

• READ MORE: Jake Paul controversially beat Tyson Fury and other ‘real boxers’ to claim ‘disgusting’ 2021 award

Dana White responded to Jake Paul’s ‘stupid’ proposal

Suffice it to say, it didn’t take White too long to shut that offer down.

“That (UFC contract proposal) that you came out with today, nobody on Earth thinks that you really wrote that. You’re too stupid,” White said in a social media video.

“That guy (Paul’s manager) used to be an accountant for me. And let me say this, he no longer works for me and I think he’s a scumbag. But if you two think you can do it better than we do, (that) we’re doing the whole thing wrong and you’re treating fighters better than we do, knock yourself out.

“Go start your own business, it’s easy to do,” White added.

The UFC CEO also responded with a challenge of his own by calling for Paul to get tested for steroids, having accused the YouTuber-turned-boxer of using performance-enhancing drugs.