After a shocking exit from the Professional Fighters League (PFL), it seemed like Francis Ngannou’s highly anticipated boxing match against Jake Paul was back on the table. However, one UFC legend has come forward to warn against this potential matchup, stating that it would be a bad idea for everyone involved.
Last year, when Paul’s scheduled fight against Gervonta Davis fell through, Ngannou quickly dismissed any chance of facing the YouTuber-turned-boxer. But with Paul’s recent success in the boxing world, the idea of a fight against the heavyweight champion has once again gained traction.
Ngannou, who is known for his devastating knockouts in the UFC, has been vocal about his desire to test his skills in the boxing ring. However, former UFC light heavyweight champion, Chuck Liddell, believes that this fight would not be beneficial for either fighter.
In an interview with ESPN, Liddell expressed his concerns about the potential matchup. “I don’t think it’s a good fight for either one of them,” he said. “Jake Paul is a good boxer, but he’s not a professional boxer. And Francis Ngannou is an amazing fighter, but he’s not a professional boxer either. It’s just not a good matchup.”
Liddell’s comments highlight the fact that while both Ngannou and Paul have shown impressive boxing skills, they are not yet at the level of professional boxers. This could potentially lead to a lackluster and one-sided fight, which would not be beneficial for either fighter’s career.
Moreover, Liddell also believes that this fight would not make sense for Ngannou, who is currently focused on defending his UFC heavyweight title. “He’s got bigger things to worry about,” Liddell stated. “He’s got a title to defend and guys in his division who are going to come after him.”
Ngannou’s recent rise to the top of the UFC’s heavyweight division has been nothing short of remarkable. After a tough loss to Stipe Miocic in 2018, Ngannou has been on a tear, knocking out all of his opponents in the first round. This includes his recent victory over Miocic, where he claimed the UFC heavyweight title and solidified himself as one of the most dangerous fighters in the world.
With such a dominant record in the UFC, it would not make sense for Ngannou to risk his title and reputation by facing a relatively inexperienced boxer like Jake Paul. The potential reward of beating Paul would not outweigh the risk of losing his title and damaging his legacy.
On the other hand, Liddell also believes that this fight would not be beneficial for Paul. While the YouTuber has been successful in his boxing career so far, he has yet to face a professional boxer of Ngannou’s caliber. A loss to Ngannou could potentially damage Paul’s reputation and hinder his future opportunities in the boxing world.
In addition, Liddell also pointed out that Paul has been selective in his opponents, choosing those who he believes he can beat. “He’s picking guys he thinks he can beat,” Liddell said. “He’s not picking guys that are going to be a real challenge for him. He’s picking guys that he knows he can beat. And I don’t think he thinks he can beat Francis Ngannou.”
While the idea of a fight between Ngannou and Paul may generate hype and bring in a lot of money, it is ultimately not a wise decision for either fighter. Both Ngannou and Paul should focus on their respective careers and continue to improve their skills in their respective sports.
In conclusion, Chuck Liddell’s warning against the potential matchup between Francis Ngannou and Jake Paul is a valid one. Both fighters have a lot to lose and little to gain from this fight. It would be better for them to focus on their own careers and leave the boxing ring to professional boxers. As for Ngannou, he has a title to defend and a division full of talented fighters waiting to challenge him. As for Paul, he should continue to prove himself against professional boxers before taking on a UFC champion.