Skip to content

Jake Paul and Francis Ngannou in heated war of words as flames fanned for potential fight

Jake Paul and Francis Ngannou trade insults in escalating rivalry; YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul would entertain fight against former UFC heavyweight champion as both chart comebacks from emphatic defeats at the hands of Anthony Joshua

Wednesday 11 March 2026 12:11, UK

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Jake Paul provoked a heated response from Francis Ngannou when they traded words at the Rousey vs Carano press conference Credit: Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix

Jake Paul insists he would welcome a fight against Francis Ngannou after accusing the former UFC star of running "like a duck" from a deal before he faced Anthony Joshua.

The YouTuber‑turned‑boxer is aiming to return to winning ways after suffering a sixth-round knockout loss to Joshua in their December 2025 bout, during which he sustained a broken jaw.

Ngannou was beaten even more conclusively than Paul when he stepped into the ring with Joshua in March 2024, suffering an emphatic second‑round knockout.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Highlights of Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua. Video courtesy of Netflix and MVP

Paul reminded Ngannou of that fact, provoking a heated response and fuelling speculation that the pair could face off in the future.

"I'm down, I've always been down," Paul said at the Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano press conference when asked if he would fight Ngannou.

"You were the option before Anthony Joshua, and you ran like a duck.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Highlights of Anthony Joshua's stunning knockout victory against Francis Ngannou

"I bet you didn't think I would last longer than you did with Anthony either.

Also See:

"You know you get worked in boxing. I would love to see us fight someday."

Former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou hit back, suggesting the war of words had reached a point where it could only be settled in the ring.

Ronda Rousey, center left, and Gina Carano, right, pose with promoter Jake Paul, center right, during a news conference in Inglewood, Calif., Tuesday, March 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Greg Beacham)
Image: Ronda Rousey, center left, and Gina Carano, right, pose with promoter Jake Paul, center right, during a news conference in Inglewood, Calif., Tuesday, March 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Greg Beacham)

"You were just being a small boy, not understanding, being a little disrespectful, and that's why I want to kick your a** now," said Ngannou, who makes his MMA return against Philipe Lins on the Rousey vs Carano bill on May 16.

"I really didn't want to fight you, but now I want to beat you - so there's a difference.

"Let's do it. That's why I stand by the statement that I want to beat you up."

Around Sky

Upgrade to Sky Sports to watch more games than ever before

Not got Sky? Get instant access to Sky Sports with no contract