Jake Paul has disclosed significant discussions happening privately about a potential fight against boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk. This revelation comes after Paul hinted at aiming for a world title. The heavyweight champion had previously challenged the YouTube personality turned boxer, and negotiations between their teams are currently underway.
However, Usyk proposed facing Paul in an MMA cage rather than a boxing ring. Paul, who is signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), plans to make his MMA debut next year, and Usyk is one of the potential opponents he is considering.
Speaking alongside UFC and boxing legend Holly Holm, Paul stated, “I want to follow Holly`s lead and test my abilities in the cage. This is something I am extremely interested in, and I believe it would be a massive event.”
He added that while Nate Diaz is “still ducking”, they need to find the right opponent, suggesting Usyk as a possibility.
Nakisa Bidarian, Paul`s promotional partner, confirmed, “Usyk has challenged Jake for an MMA fight several times. They have contacted us privately expressing their desire to make this happen in 2026. This is definitely something we intend to pursue.”
Bidarian also mentioned that the Professional Fighters League is interested in promoting this potential crossover bout.
However, before a potential fight with Paul, the 38-year-old Usyk is scheduled to return to Wembley Stadium on July 19 for a rematch against Daniel Dubois, 27. Usyk defeated Dubois in 2023. This upcoming fight will be for the undisputed heavyweight titles, following Usyk`s two victories by points over Tyson Fury, 36, last year.
Usyk has indicated he plans to have only two more fights before retiring and has previously called out UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira, 37.
Meanwhile, Paul, 28, is set to face former middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 39, in his upcoming fight on June 28 in California. This follows Paul`s points victory in November over Mike Tyson, 58, whose return to the ring was met with controversy.
Paul is moving back down to cruiserweight after a brief stint at heavyweight and mentioned ongoing talks for a fight against WBC champion Badou Jack.
Paul stated, “I`m extremely interested. I had Nakisa reach out to his team privately, so those discussions are taking place.”
This follows comments from Jack, 41, who reportedly called a potential bout with Paul “a money fight” and “an easy fight”, adding “So, why not?”
