Combat sports experts are issuing serious warnings to social media star-turned-boxer Jake Paul, urging him to rethink his ambitions of a potential clash with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. This caution comes in the wake of the severe injury Paul sustained during his devastating knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in December.
The Devastating Loss and Serious Injury
Jake Paul's boxing career faced a significant setback when he was stopped by the British heavyweight Anthony Joshua. The fight, which took place in December, resulted in one of the most brutal losses of Paul's professional journey. During the bout, Paul suffered a broken jaw that required surgical intervention. The injury is severe enough that medical professionals have advised he cannot return to the ring until at least July 2024. This physical toll has raised immediate questions about his future, especially regarding fights against elite-level heavyweight opponents.
Daniel Cormier's Stern Warning on Health Risks
Adding a powerful voice to the debate, former UFC champion Daniel Cormier has publicly advised Jake Paul to think carefully before pursuing a fight with Francis Ngannou. Cormier's concerns are not about Paul's toughness or ambition but are squarely focused on the long-term health risks associated with repeatedly facing much larger and more powerful men.
On his YouTube channel, Cormier stated that while there are numerous ways for Paul to earn money, the damage from heavyweight knockouts can have permanent consequences. He emphasized that the bravery Paul has shown won't prevent cumulative damage that doesn't simply heal over time. Cormier drew a direct comparison, highlighting that both Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou present a similar level of physical threat in the ring. He believes stepping in with Ngannou would expose Paul to the same kind of danger he faced against Joshua.
The Ngannou Context and the Rekindled Debate
The discussion about a Paul vs. Ngannou matchup gained traction after Jake Paul suggested his performance against Joshua was superior to Ngannou's. While Ngannou initially dismissed the idea of fighting Paul, the YouTube boxer has re-ignited talks through interviews and podcast appearances, questioning Ngannou's long-term fighting ability and claiming they would be competitive.
However, Ngannou's own record adds complexity to the narrative. After leaving the UFC in 2022, he made a stunning professional boxing debut by knocking down Tyson Fury, though he ultimately lost a split decision. His run was halted by a knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in 2024. Just six months later, Ngannou returned to mixed martial arts and secured a TKO victory over Renan Ferreira in under three minutes.
There is a growing sentiment within the fighting community that for Jake Paul, the potential risks of facing Ngannow far outweigh the benefits. This concern is amplified by Paul's considerable economic success outside the ring, making the long-term health implications a critical factor in his career decisions.
Daniel Cormier concluded his remarks by noting that while he and Paul had a strained relationship in the past, those issues are resolved. His current advice is rooted in respect for Paul and genuine concern for his well-being as he navigates his fighting career.
