Jake Paul and Francis Ngannou discuss Dana White blocking fights: "I want to fight Alex Pereira"

jake
Jake Paul (center) and Francis Ngannou (right) criticize Dana White (left) for his refusal to cross-promote [Image Courtesy: @ufc via X, @jakepaul via X, and @francis_ngannou via X]

Jake Paul and Francis Ngannou had a recent sitdown, during which they discussed matchups that interest them but may never see the light of the day due to Dana White. 'The Problem Child,' who has taken aim at the UFC CEO at several points, discussed the prospect of a bout between 'The Predator' and Jon Jones.

While that fight was once in the works by the UFC when both men were competing for the promotion, it ultimately fell through and Ngannou has since signed with the PFL. Given White's aversion to cross-promotion, it is unlikely that the Ngannou vs. Jones fight will ever take place at this point.

However, when asked by Paul what he thinks the outcome would be should he and Jones ever share a cage, Ngannou did not mince words.

"What would happen? I think I would win. But we will never know unless they let him fight."

Paul then highlighted his own issues with another fight he feels White is blocking, which is a boxing match with UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.

"It's so sad the fights that Dana [White] is blocking. Just the whole fight industry, from UFC fighters boxing. I want to see 'Sugar' Sean O'Malley box, I want to fight Alex Pereira. I want to see you [Francis Ngannou] versus Jon Jones. There's just so much fun that could be had in the fight world, but greed is a crazys in."

Check out Jake Paul and Francis Ngannou discussing the UFC's aversion to cross-promotion:

For now though, Paul will continue gearing up for an upcoming Nov. 15 boxing match with legendary heavyweight Mike Tyson. Unfortunately for him, due to 'Iron's' advanced age of 58, many have criticized the bout as a shameless cash grab, putting his 'greed' accusations about White under an interesting light.


Jake Paul called out Alex Pereira after beating Mike Perry

After his latest crushing TKO over an undersized MMA fighter in Mike Perry, Jake Paul punctuated his post-fight interview with a challenge issued to kickboxing legend and reigning UFC light heavyweight kingpin Alex Pereira, who readily accepted the callout.

In fact, the two FaceTimed each other, with 'Poatan' welcoming the prospect of a boxing match. However, it is unlikely to ever take place, as Pereira is currently committed to his current UFC run as one of the promotion's biggest stars.

Quick Links

Edited by Tejas Rathi
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications