Daniel Cormier, the former two-division UFC champion, has openly criticized the scheduled boxing matchup between social media star Jake Paul and professional boxer Gervonta Davis, calling it absurd. The bout, set for November 14 in Miami, has drawn attention due to the stark difference in size and professional experience between the fighters.
Paul, who transitioned from YouTube to professional boxing, has built a career by taking on unconventional opponents. From fellow social media personalities to retired UFC champions, he has repeatedly challenged norms in combat sports. In his most recent match, Paul defeated a former WBC middleweight champion, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., who was well past his prime.
Size Difference Raises Concerns
Cormier highlighted the huge disparity in size between Paul and Davis as a central reason for his opposition. Davis last competed at 136 pounds, while Paul weighed in at nearly 200 pounds in his previous fight.
“At times boxing gets ridiculous. Gervonta Davis is fighting Jake Paul,” Cormier said on his YouTube channel. “One of the most recognizable things is Jake Paul is huge compared to Gervonta Davis.”
The former UFC champion also expressed disbelief that a legitimate boxing commission would sanction the matchup.
“How can you take those sanctioning organizations seriously when they are sanctioning this,” Cormier asked.
“I don’t understand why. I’ve talked about this before, like I didn’t know why they were fighting because Gervonta Davis’ last fight was at 136 pounds.”
Jake Paul looking at Gervonta Davis like he’s a little kid in their first face off 😭💀 pic.twitter.com/Tp6pDVzFkD
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) September 22, 2025
Paul’s Unique Path in Boxing
Cormier acknowledged Paul’s success in creating his own niche within the sport but criticized how it undermines standard regulations.
“Jake Paul has been able to carve out and make his own lane in boxing. And I’ve never seen anything like it. He literally, I mean, we all know what weight class he fights in any situation. We just know. He kind of makes his own rules, and it seems like people are playing by those rules,” he said.
Call to Avoid the Bout
Cormier concluded his remarks by urging fans and organizers to reconsider the fight, emphasizing that the spectacle is not in line with conventional boxing standards.
“Come on guys. Let’s not make this happen. This is absolutely ridiculous.”
