Drama! Ngannou challenges and threatens Jake Paul; YouTuber responds and provokes former UFC champion.

Ngannou and Jake Paul They promote a boxing match. Photo: Courtesy of YouTube

One of the stars of Netflix's first MMA event, Francis Ngannou did not focus solely on Philip Lins, his opponent in the media-covered event scheduled to take place on May 16 in California (USA). At the press conference to promote the show, held last Tuesday (10), the former UFC heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg) did not forget to Jake Paul and intensified the rivalry.

The Cameroonian took advantage of the spotlight of the grand event to openly declare his interest in punishing the YouTuber in a boxing match, in a challenge that sounded more like a threat. Present at the event's press conference, Jake didn't seem intimidated by Ngannou's tone. The celebrity accepted the challenge and provoked him. Interestingly, during their time in the PFL, the athletes worked together and exchanged compliments.

However, the combat sports stars became rivals. In 2025, the YouTuber and his team offered the Cameroonian a fight after Gervonta Davis withdrew from the scene due to legal problems. However, 'The Predator' refused, claiming not to know Jake, giving Anthony Joshua the opportunity to take on the duel. Irritated by the veteran's stance, the American began attacking him. Since then, Francis has demanded respect from his rival.

Francis Ngannou: "I have no interest in fighting against Jake Paul"I'm interested in giving him a beating."

Jake Paul: “Yes. I’m in. I’ve always been interested. You were the option before Joshua, but you ran like a duck, and I bet you didn’t think I’d last any longer than you did against Joshua. So, you know you get beat up in boxing. I’d love to do that someday.”

Ngannou: “No, I think you were being a little boy, being a bit disrespectful, and that’s why I want to beat you up now. I really didn’t want to fight with you, but now I want to beat you up. So, there’s a difference, and that’s why I say I want to beat you up.”

Paul: Let's do it!

Joshua Factor

If the relationship between Francis Ngannou e Jake Paul It wasn't the best, it got worse after the YouTuber faced Anthony Joshua in boxing. In 2024, the Englishman put on a show and knocked out the former UFC heavyweight champion in the second round. The following season, 'AJ' was dominant, but only managed to knock out the celebrity in the sixth round. Therefore, since he lasted longer than 'The Predator' in the ring against the boxing icon, 'The Problem Child' claims to be a better boxer and asserts that he would beat him in a possible duel.

 

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