Former UFC champion will come out of retirement to fight Jake Paul if "money is right"
Jake Paul surprised many when he announced his transition to MMA and signed a multi-fight deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). While 'The Problem Child' is yet to make his MMA debut, he has no shortage of potential opponents.
In a recent interview with Inside Fighting, retired former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell was asked about a possible matchup against Paul under MMA rules. While 'The Iceman' seemed open to the idea, he saw no chance of Paul getting a favorable result out of it:
“Everybody wants to fight me in MMA now. Come on, he doesn’t want to fight me in MMA. He doesn’t want to fight me at all... I’m retired man, I’m 53. But again, he’s got no chance... For sure [He’d sign a contract]. If he offered enough money, sure.”
Watch the full video below:
Jake Paul has already beaten several former MMA champions. He holds knockout wins over former ONE and Bellator champion Ben Askren and former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley. Most recently, the polarizing YouTuber-turned-boxer defeated UFC legend Anderson Silva via decision.
With an unbeaten record of 6-0 as a professional boxer, it remains to be seen whether the former Disney star can replicate his success in the cage.
Place your bets for the upcoming UFC fight night main card and earn $$$
Jake Paul weighs in on Francis Ngannou being released by the UFC
Francis Ngannou is no longer with the UFC. After contract negotiations with the organization failed to bear fruit, Ngannou is now out of contract and is a free agent. It is believed that while money was not an issue, the UFC refused to let Ngannou pursue other combat sports endeavors while under contract.
'The Predator' has already received offers from Bellator, BKFC and PFL. Jake Paul recently gave his take on Ngannou's exit, making it clear that the Cameroonian fighter's free agency was by choice.
Paul took to Twitter and mentioned that no matter where he competes, the 36-year-old is still the "baddest man on the planet," writing:
"Francis Ngannou is the baddest man on the planet & is a free agent bc he chose to be. He’s the heavyweight champ in MMA & will be until he loses. They are not happy about this. But it’s reality, & they have to deal with it. They have to live with that everyday. @francis_ngannou."
Francis Ngannou is the baddest man on the planet & is a free agent bc he chose to be. He’s the heavyweight champ in MMA & will be until he loses.
They are not happy about this. But it’s reality, & they have to deal with it. They have to live with that everyday.
@francis_ngannou
It was subsequently revealed that Ciryl Gane will face Jon Jones at the main event of UFC 285 on March 5 for the vacant UFC heavyweight title.