While much of the MMA world still dismisses Jake Paul as little more than a novelty, one UFC champ has a little more respect for the YouTuber. Heayweight champion Francis Ngannou told TMZ that he was surprised and impressed by Jake Paul’s recent performance against Tyron Woodley.
“Honestly, I was impressed by Jake Paul. I didn’t see that coming. I was sure that Tyron Woodley was going to win this fight, you know? But you’ve got to give it to Jake Paul.
UFC Heavyweight Ngannou “Impressed” By Jake Paul
He made a statement, a huge statement and he proved his money is where his mouth is. He’s taking himself very seriously. You better take him seriously because he proved it.”
Jake Paul “proved it” by knocking Tyron Woodley, former UFC welterweight champ, out in the sixth round of their rematch. It was a mostly uneventful fight, but Paul emerged the victor, maintaining his undefeated run in the process.
Francis Ngannou is set to fight former teammate and interim heavyweight champ Ciryl Gane at the UFC’s first major event of 2022, UFC 270. Gane won the interim belt against Derrick Lewis earlier this year, while Francis Ngannou dethroned Stipe Miocic to earn his. Ngannou’s focus will be firmly in the UFC’s 265-pound division for the moment, but is he considering a switch to the boxing ring later on?
“No, that’s not the same thing. It’s not the same generation. Even if I go out there for boxing, it’s not to box Jake Paul. As good as he might be, he’s not my level. He’s not my weight class, first of all. I might have 80-100 pounds over him. It’s not the same thing. He doesn’t want this smoke.”
Of course, Jake Paul isn’t in the habit of boxing active fighters, either. Francis Ngannou at 35 might also be a little too young for Paul, who prefers his boxing opponents to be retired or semi-retired wrestlers closer to 40.
Paul, who walks around at about two hundred pounds, has also developed a habit of fighting welterweights who competed at 170 pounds.
Ngannou has, however, entertained thoughts of a professional boxing match against Tyson Fury, who he feels would be closer to his level. Ngannou holds the world record for hardest punches on the planet, so he would surely be a serious threat to anyone standing before him.
For now, the only person who has to worry about those punches is Ciryl Gane. Is Jake Paul winning you over yet, or is Francis easily impressed? Let us know in the comments.
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