Drama! Ngannou Challenges and Threatens Jake Paul; YouTuber Responds and Provokes Former UFC Champion

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

One of the stars of Netflix's first MMA event, Francis Ngannou didn't just focus on Philipe Lins , his opponent in the media-driven 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) didn't forget Jake Paul and intensified the rivalry.

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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'm not interested in fighting Jake Paul . I'm interested in beating him up."

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 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 and Jake Paul wasn't the best, it worsened 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.