Francis Ngannou has made it clear he wants to face Jake Paul after past attempts to set up a fight fell through. Last year, Paul wanted to fight Ngannou before facing Anthony Joshua, but Ngannou declined at the time.
At the Most Valuable Promotions press conference for the May 16 card featuring Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano on Netflix, Ngannou addressed the situation directly.
“No, I’m not interested in fighting Jake Paul,” Ngannou said. “I’m interested in beating his ass. Not fighting him.”
Paul, who is promoting the event, responded on the microphone.
“I’m down. I’ve always been down,” Paul said. “You were the option before Anthony Joshua, and you ran like a duck. And I bet you didn’t think I would last longer than you did with Anthony, either. So, you just know that you get worked in boxing. And I would love to see it someday.”
Francis Ngannou: “I’m not interested in fighting Jake Paul, I’m interested in beating his ass.”
Jake Paul: “I’m down. You ran like a duck.”
👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/icGjG5RNiF
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) March 10, 2026
Why Ngannou Wants the Fight
Ngannou explained that he initially refused the fight with Paul because he was focused elsewhere. But after Paul’s remarks and disrespect since then, Ngannou now wants to face him.
“You were just being a small boy, not understanding, being a little disrespectful, and that’s why I want to kick your ass now,” Ngannou said. “I really didn’t want to fight you, but now I want to beat you. There’s a difference.”
Paul replied immediately: “Let’s do it.”
Before a fight with Paul can happen, Ngannou must first compete against Philipe Lins on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. His bout will be the co-main event to Rousey vs. Carano, streaming live on Netflix.
Ngannou’s words make it clear he is motivated not just by boxing, but by a desire to prove himself against Paul after past events. Fans will be watching closely to see if this challenge turns into a real fight in the near future.
