“El Gallo” vs. mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters continues.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is still waiting on his next official fight date (which won’t be UFC White House) after personal issues delayed his return during the promotion’s launch of its new Paramount+ era. But while the champ waits, he’s apparently found someone else to beef with — YouTuber-turned boxer Jake Paul.
Sort of.
Appearing on popular streamer Adin Ross’ live stream, Topuria was asked about Paul and didn’t mince words.
“He’s a very bad boxer,” Topuria said, while also acknowledging that Paul has done an excellent job marketing himself and building his brand.
Things escalated quickly when Ross placed a live call to Paul, giving the two a chance to trade barbs directly.
“Hey, I respect you, bro. I think you’re awesome,” Paul said. “I just think if you think I’m a bad boxer, then we should spar.”
“Yeah, whenever you want,” Topuria fired back. “I’m open to it. Your jaw is okay already?”
Paul claimed that multiple UFC fighters have agreed to spar him in the past only to back out — or be blocked by the promotion — citing Paddy Pimblett as one example. According to Paul, Pimblett allegedly turned down a $1 million offer and private jet accommodations.
Topuria, however, wasn’t impressed.
“As a YouTuber and streamer, you’re the best boxer,” he said sarcastically. “But compared to real boxers? You’d never be on that list. As a boxer, you suck.”
“When I beat your ass in sparring, what you gonna say?” Paul shot back.
“When you get your jaw healed, let’s do it,” Topuria responded. “Just get ready, because you’ll need another recovery period.”
Paul then pivoted to attacking MMA fighters in general, pointing to his boxing wins over former UFC competitors and mocking Topuria’s height.
“You’re not gonna touch me. All you MMA fighters are trash,” Paul said. “You’re a little guy, you’re 5’6”
Topuria admitted he’s shorter, but promised to humble “El Gallo.”
“I’m gonna put you to the height of my balls. You’re gonna be on your f—king knees,” he warned.
He also made it clear that a “real fight” under MMA rules would be an entirely different scenario — one that Paul surprisingly said he’d accept.
For now, it’s just talk. But with these two, that’s usually how it starts.
