Jake Paul has insulted UFC fighters Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria, claiming they are hesitant to accept real challenges. He emphasizes the financial aspect of his challenges, suggesting a 'million dollar' incentive for them.
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Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images for Netflix
Jake Paul is not done calling out UFC stars, and this time, he has added a financial twist to his challenge.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer has built his career on crossing over into MMA territory, repeatedly questioning whether elite fighters can truly compete with him inside a boxing ring.
But what keeps the conversation alive is not just the fights that happen, it is the ones that never do. Paul has consistently claimed that many fighters talk publicly but hesitate when real opportunities are presented.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Speaking to Complex in an interview shared via Happy Punch on X, Paul did not hold back.
âI think a lot of these guys, and Iâve proven it time and time again with the best strikers from MMA⊠I beat them pretty easily at an earlier point in my career,â Paul said.
He added, âThey say they can beat me in boxing or whatever this stuff theyâre saying is, is like a joke to me. I just want someone to get in there with me.â
The statement reflects a familiar pattern. Paul continues to position himself as someone willing to face MMA fighters in boxing, while questioning whether they are equally willing to step into his world.
By naming Pimblett and Topuria, he is targeting two fighters with strong fanbases and growing reputations, making the challenge even more noticeable.
Jake Paul insulted both fighters, suggesting they are reluctant to accept real challenges despite their public bravado.
Jake Paul aims to prove that elite MMA fighters cannot compete with him in boxing, leveraging his crossover appeal to generate interest.
Jake Paul referred to a 'million dollar' challenge, indicating he is willing to put significant money on the line to entice fighters to accept his challenges.
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Paul also claimed that he went beyond just words when trying to set up a fight.
âI tried to send a jet to Paddy Pimblett. I was going to give him a million dollars, and then itâs just radio silence. Iâm guessing itâll be the same with Topuria,â he continued.
âWhen theyâre on the livestream, say, âIâll do it right now. Letâs do it.â And then when it goes to happen, it just doesnât come to fruition. And we will see. In a boxing match, thatâs honestly a warm-up for me,â Paul concluded.
That claim highlights the gap between public callouts and actual negotiations. While fighters often entertain matchups in interviews or on social media, turning those moments into real fights involves contracts, promotions and timing.
From Paulâs perspective, that gap is where the issue lies. He is suggesting that once the logistics become real, the interest fades.
At the same time, fighters like Pimblett and Topuria are active in the UFC, where their priorities revolve around title contention and division rankings rather than crossover boxing matches.
But as long as the callouts continue, the possibility, however unlikely, remains part of the conversation.
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