Fresh off his victory over boxing legend Mike Tyson, Jake Paul has set his sights on another high-profile opponent: former UFC champion Conor McGregor. But this time, Paul isn’t looking to box — he’s ready to step into the MMA cage.
The 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-fighter took to X on Saturday, hours after his unanimous decision win against the 58-year-old Tyson, to issue a bold challenge to McGregor, who is now 36.
“Dear Conor,” Paul wrote, “I know you told my team you would fight me at 170 lbs. That’s never happening. But let’s run it in MMA. No weight class. Just like how it used to be done. But you won’t.”
McGregor’s Viral Clapback
McGregor, no stranger to the world of social media banter, didn’t let Paul’s challenge go unanswered. In a now-viral response, the Irish fighter shared a meme mocking Paul.
“Nakisa already rang me, lad. It’s this guy next for you. Good luck, pal,” McGregor wrote, alongside a photo of 82-year-old Senator Mitch McConnell.
For those unfamiliar with U.S. politics, McConnell is far removed from the fight game, making McGregor’s jab all the more biting.
The Internet Reacts
Paul’s critics have had a field day suggesting outlandish opponents for his next fight, throwing out names like Clint Eastwood, former President Jimmy Carter, and even Robert De Niro — who famously played a boxer in Raging Bull.
Jake Paul’s Big Payday
While the social media frenzy continues, Paul is celebrating both his win and his wallet. The outspoken fighter claims to have made a staggering $40 million for his bout with Tyson.
In addition to his in-ring success, Paul is also touting the achievements of his company, Most Valuable Promotions. A recent partnership with Netflix reportedly helped the streaming giant reach 60 million households, although it also led to a wave of frustrated subscribers.