Ngannou Accepts Jake Paul Challenge: 'I Could Beat Him'

Francis Ngannou says a showdown with Jake Paul is now on his radar after the YouTuber publicly called him out. Paul's promotional outfit, MVP, is promoting Ngannou's MMA comeback against Philipe Lins on May 16, and Paul used the event's press conference to throw down a challenge to the former UFC heavyweight champion.

Ngannou admitted he hadn't considered Paul as an opponent until the recent provocation, but he now expects a return to boxing to settle the score. He told Sky Sports News that while he wasn't initially excited by the idea, he feels compelled to deal with Paul and believes he could beat him.

Ngannou is returning to MMA after a second-round knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in 2024. Paul is still recovering from a broken jaw suffered during his stoppage loss to Joshua in December. Despite the animosity, Ngannou said he respects Paul's development as a boxer, noting he followed Paul from the early days when many doubted him.

Ngannou will face Lins on the undercard of Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. He also has boxing experience against Tyson Fury, dropping Fury in the third round before losing a controversial decision.

On the expected Fury vs Joshua matchup, Ngannou called it a close contest: he would edge Fury on points but thinks Joshua has a chance to win early by knockout, ultimately leaning toward Fury as the favorite.