Jake Paul Gets High Profile Matchup in Oleksandr Usyk for Potential MMA Debut: “Hunger for Hype”

Influencer turned boxer Jake Paul receives a warning from Oleksandr Usyk after revealing a meticulous five-year plan.

Jake Paul Gets High Profile Matchup in Oleksandr Usyk for Potential MMA Debut: “Hunger for Hype”

Oleksandr Usyk replies to Jake Paul (via Biography, talkSport)

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A new chapter in combat sports could be on the horizon as one of boxing’s top figures appears to be eyeing a crossover into mixed martial arts. This development highlights the growing trend of high-profile athletes exploring opportunities beyond their primary disciplines. Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk recently expressed his wish to fight Jake Paul once he was done with boxing.

Usyk is the WBA, WBO, WBC, IBF, and Ring Magazine heavyweight title holder. He has dominant wins over the likes of Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Derek Chisora. His most recent win came after he brutally knocked out Daniel Dubois in the fifth round of their rematch with a devastating left hook. At 38 years old, the Ukrainian has a perfect undefeated record of 24 wins and is in the latter stage of his career.

Paul, on the other hand, is just 28 years old and has built up a resume fighting retired MMA fighters and boxers. He recently took to X and released a video of himself laying out a five-year plan for his career. This plan included getting married to his girlfriend, Jutta Leerdam, as well as some business agendas. However, the fifth item on the list was to beat Usyk, to which the heavyweight champion replied on X.

Good plan, @jakepaul. But I’m not here for 5th place — only first. Soon, I’ll close the book on boxing, and after that, I’ll be waiting for you in the cage. Let’s see if you’ve got the balls or just a hunger for hype.

Oleksandr Usyk via X

The comments from Usyk stem from his face-off against Paul at Wembley Stadium. The Ukrainian heavyweight cemented himself as the undisputed champion of the world after his knockout victory over Dubois in July 2025. However, Paul, who was seated at ringside, came into the ring and stared down Usyk while exchanging some words, igniting a potential fight between the two.

The idea of a boxing match between the two might make sense, as Paul has been signed with the popular MMA promotion PFL since 2023. However, he has yet to announce his MMA debut. Paul called out multiple MMA fighters, such as Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal, but nothing materialized. This potential encounter highlights the growing overlap between boxing and MMA.

Preparations for a crossover bout would involve considerable adjustments for both athletes, particularly in adapting to MMA rules, techniques, and training demands. While no official confirmation has been made regarding the bout, speculation continues as both athletes prepare for future challenges in their respective careers.

Fans react to Oleksandr Usyk replying to Jake Paul’s call out

Speculation among fans has intensified as news of a potential matchup between Jake Paul and Oleksandr Usyk emerged. Many observers are weighing the challenges both athletes would face in a crossover bout, particularly given the stark differences in their professional backgrounds. Discussions online focus on curiosity and cautious anticipation rather than certainty.

Jake Paul Oleksandr Usyk
Jake Paul Oleksandr Usyk (via The Irish Sun)

Some fans are reminding Usyk of his duties as a champion and are asking him to focus on his mandatory title defense against Joseph Parker. While others are intrigued by the matchup itself, seeing it as an opportunity to witness an unusual clash of styles. Here are some fan reactions to Oleksandr Usyk’s reply to Jake Paul:

Some fans are reflecting on Usyk’s future in combat sports, expressing sadness over his potential retirement from boxing. Many are suggesting that if he is to conclude his career, it should be against top-level competition rather than a crossover fight with Paul. The sentiment highlights fans’ desire to see Usyk end his career facing legitimate challenges and maintaining his legacy.

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