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

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.

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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.

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

"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.

"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."

(c) Sky Sports 2026: Jake Paul and Francis Ngannou in heated war of words as flames fanned for potential fight