Jake Paul insists he would welcome a fight in opposition to Francis Ngannou after accusing the previous UFC star of working “like a duck” from a deal earlier than he confronted Anthony Joshua.
The YouTuber‑turned‑boxer is aiming to return to profitable methods after struggling a sixth-round knockout loss to Joshua in their December 2025 bout, throughout which he sustained a damaged jaw.
Ngannou was crushed much more conclusively than Paul when he stepped into the ring with Joshua in March 2024, struggling an emphatic second‑spherical knockout.
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Highlights of Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua. Video courtesy of Netflix and MVP
Paul reminded Ngannou of that truth, frightening a heated response and fuelling hypothesis that the pair may face off in the long run.
“I’m down, I’ve always been down,” Paul stated on the Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano press convention when requested if he would fight Ngannou.
“You had been the choice earlier than Anthony Joshua, and you ran like a duck.
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Highlights of Anthony Joshua’s gorgeous knockout victory in opposition to Francis Ngannou
“I guess you did not suppose I’d last more than you probably did with Anthony both.
“You know you get worked in boxing. I would love to see us fight someday.”
Former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou hit again, suggesting the war of words had reached some extent the place it may solely be settled in the ring.
Ronda Rousey, middle left, and Gina Carano, proper, pose with promoter Jake Paul, middle proper, throughout a information convention in Inglewood, Calif., Tuesday, March 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Greg Beacham)
“You were just being a small boy, not understanding, being a little disrespectful, and that’s why I want to kick your a** now,” stated Ngannou, who makes his MMA return in opposition to Philipe Lins on the Rousey vs Carano invoice on May 16.
“I really didn’t want to fight you, but now I want to beat you – so there’s a difference.
“Let’s do it. That’s why I stand by the assertion that I need to beat you up.”
