Jake Paul On Fighting Ngannou – ‘Would Be Massive’
Jake Paul has set his sights on a fight with Francis Ngannou, with a boxing fight potentially possible.
Both fighters are currently in transitional phases. Paul (12-2) is currently sidelined following double jaw surgery. He suffered a double fracture in his December 19, 2025, loss to Anthony Joshua. After a failed first procedure in December, he underwent a second corrective surgery on February 20, 2026. Doctors have informed Paul he cannot begin sparring until late summer, pushing his return to late 2026 or early 2027.
Meanwhile, Ngannou is currently a free agent. The PFL released him this month from his landmark contract. Despite winning the PFL Super Fights belt against Renan Ferreira in October 2024, the promotion decided to part ways after just one appearance. Ngannou has wasted no time, signing a one-fight deal with Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP). He will face Brazilian veteran Philipe Lins in a five-round MMA bout on the May 16 card headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano. However, provided the two fighters continue winning, the bout could get made. This would mark a departure from Ngannou’s prior comments where he was unhappy at being offered the Paul fight once Tank Davis withdrew.
Will It Happen?
“How can they go from Gervonta Davis to Francis Ngannou? “Davis is a fantastic boxer and a one-shot knockout artist. But come on, the weight difference makes no sense. For me, it makes no sense. They reached out the other day and told me [they need] a replacement for Gervonta. I said ‘what can I do for you?’ “They said ‘we are looking for a replacement.’
“But I still didn’t get it! I was like ‘okay, what exactly can I do for you?’ “They said ‘we are thinking about you fighting Jake’. “I said: ‘Jake?’ I was so confused. I wasn’t expecting it at all. “They said: ‘Jake Paul, he’s fighting…’ “I said: ‘No, bro, come on. Don’t disrespect me like that’. “It’s not about the number. I am not interested. It makes no sense,” Ngannou stated
“I’ll do MMA at some point, but my first fight would probably have to be against someone of my own weight, but I think I made it clear in the sport of boxing that I’m down to fight anyone. I’m really down to run it with whoever in the sport of boxing. I think me and Francis would be massive,” Paul said
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