Jake Paul, the controversial YouTube personality-turned-boxer, has received another fight challenge. This time, the call-out appears to be fueled by a desire for vengeance and to put an end to “The Problem Child’s” bold ventures into combat sports. Following his recent victory over 58-year-old boxing legend Mike Tyson on November 15, Paul shifted his focus to MMA, targeting former UFC champion Conor McGregor.
The 27-year-old took to social media platform X to issue a challenge to McGregor, proposing an MMA fight with no weight class. “Dear Conor, I know you told my team you would fight me at 170 lbs. That’s never happening. But let’s run in MMA. No weight class. Just like how it used to be done. But you won’t,” Paul wrote, referencing the early days of mixed martial arts, specifically UFC 1 in 1993. Held in Denver, Colorado, the inaugural UFC event featured fighters from diverse disciplines squaring off in an octagon with minimal rules or restrictions.
This isn’t the first time Paul has provoked McGregor. Earlier this year, in March, Paul suggested the Irishman seek professional help after McGregor teased a potential boxing match. McGregor hasn’t competed in the octagon since June 2021 when he broke his leg during a fight against Dustin Poirier. Although he was expected to return at UFC 303 in June for a bout with Michael Chandler, a toe injury delayed his comeback. Recently, McGregor has been seen promoting his bare-knuckle boxing promotion in Newcastle.
Jake Paul’s challenge has stirred the combat sports community. While Paul has capitalized on high-profile matchups to build his career, critics question his motives and capabilities in the realm of professional MMA. McGregor dismissed Paul’s callout with a sarcastic suggestion that the YouTuber should fight 82-year-old Mitch O’Connell next, stating, “Nakisa already rang me lad. It’s this guy next for you. Good luck pal.”
Adding to the drama, former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Rampage Jackson has entered the fray. Expressing his frustration over Paul’s antics, Jackson issued his own challenge, tweeting, “Yo @jakepaul watch how you talk to MMA royalty.” He criticized Paul’s behavior, particularly his disrespect towards McGregor and the fight with Tyson, which Jackson referred to as the “last straw.” Jackson proposed a no-weight-class MMA fight without a payday, emphasizing, “Stop disrespecting people in my f**ken sport homie. You fighting Tyson was your last straw. Go back to boxing wrestlers.”
Yo @jakepaul watch how you talk to MMA royalty,I’ll fight you in MMA no weight class for no pay. That’s a great deal.. but i bet YOU won’t. Stop disrespecting people in my fucken sport homie. You fighting Tyson was your last straw.. go back to boxing wrestlers. pic.twitter.com/9w83xf3mtl
— Rampage Jackson (@Rampage4real) November 25, 2024
The Paul vs. Tyson fight, despite its hype, was widely criticized for being lackluster. In the aftermath, McGregor drew further controversy by posting a distasteful tweet mocking the event. Referring to Prichard Colón, a former boxer left in a vegetative state after a tragic 2015 fight, McGregor tweeted, “They are eyeing Prichard Colon for next opponent.” The comment sparked outrage, as fans condemned McGregor for referencing Colón’s traumatic brain injury, which was caused by illegal punches during his bout with Terrel Williams. McGregor has yet to address the backlash or issue an apology.
As the controversy continues to swirl, Jake Paul finds himself at the center of yet another potential blockbuster fight offer. Whether he will accept Rampage Jackson’s challenge remains to be seen, but the debate surrounding his place in combat sports shows no sign of slowing down.