In recent years, YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul and reigning UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira have gained significant recognition. As they continue to rise in popularity, there are growing speculations about a possible showdown between the two. Recently, the UFC champion shared some intriguing insights regarding this potential matchup.
There has been speculation about a potential showdown between Jake Paul and Alex Pereira. This comes after Paul’s convincing victory over Mike Perry in his latest boxing fight. Following that, the Problem Child called out for a boxing match against Pereira. However, Pereira, the UFC champion, stated that a fight with Paul is unlikely because he is currently under contract with the UFC.
He (Jake Paul) knows that I’m under contract with the UFC and I can’t just leave. I think that’s why he calls [me out] and he says all that…
Alex Pereira via The Ariel Helwani Show
There haven’t been many active UFC fighters who have simultaneously competed in boxing. One notable exception is Conor McGregor, who fought Floyd Mayweather in boxing in 2017. Additionally, Dana White does not support allowing his fighters to compete in boxing simultaneously. Alex Pereira pointed out that this practice goes against the promotion’s policies, and he doesn’t want to violate them.
Alex Pereira responds to Jake Paul’s callout:
“He knows that I’m under contract with the UFC and I can’t just leave. I think that’s why he calls [me out] and he says all that.
If the UFC was a league that allows everybody to fight anywhere, I don’t think he’d be saying that.”… pic.twitter.com/0VTeo6o6fR
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 17, 2024
Jake Paul is currently riding high in confidence following a series of impressive victories against tough opponents since stepping into the professional boxing ring. This surge in self-assurance leads him to believe that he can easily overcome Pereira in a potential boxing match. However, Pereira’s coach holds a different perspective, convinced that Paul might underestimate the challenges that lie ahead.
Alex Pereira’s coach previews his fighter’s potential boxing bout against Jake Paul
Ever since his promotional debut, Pereira has made a remarkable name for himself in the promotion. His back-to-back exquisite performances further amplified this. Recently, the Brazilian fighter had his third consecutive title defense fight against Khalil Rountree at UFC 307. In this journey, his coach, Plinio Cruz, played a very crucial part.
Recently, the coach of the UFC light heavyweight champion discussed some intriguing topics with well-known sports journalist Ariel Helwani. During their conversation, Plinio Cruz previewed Pereira’s potential matchup against the Paul. He even suggested that ‘Poatan’ easily defeat a heavyweight boxing champion of the world.
Ah brother it’s different level right. If you asked me, Alex (Pereira) against maybe even the heavyweight champion of the world of boxing, I think I would say Alex…
Plinio Cruz via The Ariel Helwani Show
Ariel Helwani asked Alex Pereira’s coach, Plinio Cruz, how a boxing match between Alex and Jake Paul would go:
“Ah brother it’s a different level right. If you asked me Alex against maybe even the heavyweight champion of the world of boxing, I think I would say Alex.
So that… pic.twitter.com/NjvavPoaC3
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) October 17, 2024
Despite Pereira’s increasing excitement about transitioning to boxing, he has stated that this shift will only happen once he concludes his career with the UFC. This raises the question of whether there will be another unexpected development in this unfolding rivalry or if the drama has already reached its peak.
