Jake Paul thinks Ilia Topuria is too small.
Earlier this year, Paul and Topuria got into a heated argument over Paul’s boxing ability. While Topuria was on Adin Ross’ livestream, Topuria called Paul a “very bad boxer,” leading Paul to call Ross, where he fired back at Topuria, even offering to spar with him to prove his skills. Topuria agreed, but thus far nothing has come of it, and Paul isn’t holding his breath that anything will.
“I’ve proven it time and time again with the best strikers from MMA
and just beat them pretty easily at earlier points in my career,” Paul told Complex while talking about the interaction. “So when they say they can beat me in boxing or whatever they’re saying is a joke to me. And I finally just want someone to get in there with me.
“I tried to send a jet to Paddy Pimblett to spar, and I was going to give him $1 million, and then it’s just radio silence. And I’m guessing it will be the same with Topuria. You know, they have to publicly, when they’re on the live stream, say, ‘I’ll do it right now! Let’s do it!’ And then when it goes to happen, it just doesn’t come to fruition. We will see.”
Topuria is, of course, busy with other things at the moment. The UFC lightweight champion is currently preparing to unify his belt against interim champion Justin Gaethje in the main event of UFC White House. But if afterward, Topuria wants to take him up on the offer, Paul is still happy to oblige him.
“I have respect for him, but in a boxing match, that’s honestly a warm-up for me,” Paul said. “All jokes aside. If we did MMA, he would probably win. But you just have to know the truth, and I think these fighters try to boast too much and act like they’re better than they are to the world. But let’s find out the truth. That’s what’s great about the sport.
“It would be like playing with a little toy. I’m not even kidding. Also, he’s like 5’5”. If we were the same weight —he’s a good striker — same height, it would probably be closer. I would still beat him, but like, he can’t even ride a roller coaster. The guy is tiny.“
TOP STORIES
Not Cool. Matt Brown survived a mass shooting event, tells Dana White there is nothing ‘f*cking awesome’ about it.
Ego. Paddy Pimblett blames ego for loss to Justin Gaethje: ‘I wanted to knock him out.’
Shift. Jake Paul says MVP MMA will change MMA landscape: ‘It’s really a monumental shift in the timeline.’
Family. ‘You can’t buy time’: With family in attendance, UFC Perth is all about making family proud for Carlos Prates.
Wrestling. Arman Tsarukyan returns for another wrestling match at RAF 9.
VIDEO STEW
Between The Links.
Alex Pereira Fight Camp.
Jorge Masvidal trashing Chael Sonnen.
Fights.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
First face off.
Chama.
Farewell.
Why is this happening?
There’s a joke to be made here, but I’ll let y’all make it.
Is Jan Blachowicz about to be in a Witcher game?
Cody Durden vs. Derrick Lewis. Book it.
FEED ME MORE
Legends.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I may be in the minority, but I’d legit be interested in seeing Jake Paul vs. Ilia Topuria in boxing. Paul is way bigger, but Topuria is a much better boxer, but not to the level of like, Bud Crawford, so maybe Paul could win? Genuinely intriguing matchup that will never happen.
If you find something you’d like to see in the Morning Report, hit up @AlexanderKLee of @JedKMeshew on Twitter and let us know about it. Also, follow MMAFighting on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, and like us on Facebook.
