Francis Ngannou Feels Disrespected as Jake Paul Approaches Heavyweight Star as Gervonta Davis Replacement

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou snaps at YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul after getting an offer to replace Gervonta Davis.

Francis Ngannou Feels Disrespected as Jake Paul Approaches Heavyweight Star as Gervonta Davis Replacement

Francis Ngannou didn't appreciate Jake Paul’s call-out (via X)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

Jake Paul was initially set to face lightweight superstar Gervonta Davis in a much-anticipated exhibition fight scheduled for November 14th. However, the bout was recently thrown into uncertainty after Davis became entangled in domestic violence allegations that gained massive media attention. Following the cancellation, Paul snapped at ‘Tank’ and called him a ‘piece of garbage’. 

As a result, Jake Paul and his management began aggressively searching for another top-tier opponent to replace Davis. Reports suggest Paul’s team approached big names such as Ryan Garcia, Terence Crawford, Nate Diaz, and even heavyweight fighter Francis Ngannou. However, Ngannou didn’t react positively and recently slammed Paul in an interview. 

How can they go from Gervonta Davis to Francis Ngannou?.. The weight difference and everything, it makes no sense…He can level up. But at this point, for me, it makes no sense. I’m like, ‘No bro, come on. Don’t disrespect me like that.’ They even come out after and say, ‘What if the numbers are good?’ He sends out some number and I’m like, ‘It’s not about the number. If it was about the number, we could have started up.’ I’m just not interested

Francis Ngannou via TMZ 

Ngannou made his professional boxing debut against heavyweight superstar Tyson Fury, where he impressively managed to score a shocking knockdown. Despite his strong performance, Fury eventually won the fight by a controversial split decision, but Ngannou earned global respect for his efforts.

Later, Ngannou faced former world champion Anthony Joshua, where his inexperience in boxing led to a dominant knockout loss. Following his boxing ventures, Ngannou transitioned back to MMA, making his PFL debut and eventually becoming their heavyweight champion.

The proposed exhibition between Davis and Paul was originally set as a catchweight bout designed to balance their size differences. However, switching from lightweight superstar Davis to heavyweight powerhouse Ngannou represents a massive and nearly impossible leap in weight.

The Cameroonian-French fighter usually weighs around 260 pounds on fight night and possesses devastating knockout power far beyond Paul’s. It’s no surprise Ngannou didn’t expect such an offer from Paul, yet it has undeniably intensified tensions and public curiosity. 

Jake Paul and Francis Ngannou get into a nasty exchange on social media 

Jake Paul and Francis Ngannou previously shared a positive relationship built on a shared desire to challenge combat sports systems. When Ngannou left the UFC due to fighter pay disputes, Paul was one of his strongest public supporters and allies. Both fighters appeared together on multiple podcasts, discussing fighter freedom and the future of athlete-driven promotions in combat sports.

Francis Ngannou and Jake Paul
Francis Ngannou and Jake Paul (via X)

Paul even attended Ngannou’s press conference before his PFL bout against Renan Ferreira, showing visible support for his new career chapter. However, following Paul’s recent attempt to approach Ngannou as a replacement opponent, their relationship has drastically shifted, with tensions rising. Following Ngannou’s comments, Paul took to X and mocked the heavyweight for allegedly avoiding him. 

Dear Francis – just say you already got humiliated in boxing and are scared to lose to Jake Paul. I accept that. You are light work my friend. Stuck in mud.

Jake Paul via X

Ngannou responded sharply by warning Jake Paul and reminding him of his earlier criticism for targeting the much older Mike Tyson. Previously, he emphasized that fighting aging legends doesn’t earn respect, urging Paul to challenge real contenders instead. 

Now, with their heated words exchanged, fans are speculating whether this unexpected feud could escalate into a future crossover showdown. For now, excitement builds as fans eagerly await confirmation of who will step in to fight Paul next.

Also Read: