Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has surprised the sports world by expressing openness to fighting Jake Paul—not in boxing, but in mixed martial arts (MMA).
Usyk, known for his dominance in the ring and relentless pursuit of legacy-defining challenges, has never competed in MMA. Yet, his willingness to step into a new battlefield against Jake Paul has stirred major intrigue. The possibility of this crossover clash, despite Usyk’s lack of experience in the sport, raises questions about his adaptability and ambition.
The idea emerged in a recent interview with OLBG, where Sergey Lapin, a key figure on Usyk’s team, addressed the potential matchup. “Usyk has always cared only about fighting the best and creating a lasting legacy in the great sport of boxing,” Lapin said. “But in the future, as he further solidifies his place as one of the true great fighters, we’ll see what other opportunities open up for him.”
Lapin hinted that a cage fight against Paul under MMA rules could be an intriguing possibility—especially if financial incentives align. “It might be great to step into the cage with Jake Paul under MMA rules, it would be interesting if there is money to be made from it. Also, we never say never about fighting the dangerous Alex Pereira, possibly partnered with Dana White.”
Oleksandr Usyk poses for a photo with the Undisputed Heavyweight title belt following victory over Tyson Fury (not pictured) in the IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO and Undisputed Heavyweight titles’ fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk at Kingdom Arena on May 18, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Usyk vs. Paul in MMA: A bold proposal
The idea of Usyk stepping into the MMA cage against Paul is a shocking twist in the combat sports world. Usyk, an elite boxer with an undefeated record, has zero experience in MMA. Meanwhile, Paul, who signed with the PFL in 2023, has yet to make his MMA debut.
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Usyk’s willingness to enter uncharted territory speaks to his competitive nature and desire to push new boundaries. His potential foray into MMA would mark a dramatic shift in his career and could redefine his legacy.
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Paul’s next move
While Jake Paul continues to pursue boxing challenges—including a rumored fight with Anthony Joshua—Usyk’s challenge adds a new layer to Paul’s future. If Paul finally makes his MMA debut, will Usyk be his first opponent in the cage? The prospect of this fight is electrifying, and the combat sports world is watching closely.
