- Michael Bisping commented on the trajectory of Jake Paul’s career
- “The Count” is certain the YouTuber is not challenging himself and only pulls off shenanigans for clout
After apparently making great strides in boxing, Jake Paul has finally landed a deal with one of the top-tier MMA promotions in the world, PFL. As expected, “The Problem Child” made waves in combat sports once again and former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping was among those famous MMA personalities who weighed in on the subject.
Jake has been cherry picking
Speaking on YouTube channel, Bisping told his co-host and light heavyweight contender, Anthony Smith, that as much as he appreciates Paul’s existence in the sport, he still thinks the YouTuber is picking less competitive opponents.
The Brit insists that he’s not hating but it’s just that Paul is more of a businessman than a full-pledged fighter.
“I’m not being a hater. And I’m not being a hater on Jake Paul. I’ve got nothing against the guy. In fact, I don’t even dislike him. I mean I actually find him someone entertaining and gives me a lot of stuff to talk about on podcasts and YouTube channels, so please keep doing what you’re doing. So, I’m not being a hater. But Anthony, you’re a fighter, I’m a fighter… This is us. It is in our DNA, our fiber, our being as people. He is not… and I do believe this, he’s being a businessman. He is not trying to take on hard challenges. He is not trying to test himself,” Bisping shared.
Jake is playing tough for respect
Bisping went on and pointed out that he could relate to Paul as well as other men in terms of that hunger for the respect world-class fighters get such as Mike Tyson, Tyson Fury, and the like. However, the YouTuber-turned-boxer isn’t doing the right thing to reach that realm. Instead, Bisping thinks Paul is relying on shenanigans, believing he’s getting the same result.
“I get it. What they’re trying to do is make money for themselves. And hey, God Bless him but it’s just when you’re masquerading as this fighter that’s gonna be a world champion, that wants to fight Canelo Alvarez… when you’re spearheading a movement for the fighters, No! No! That’s where I said ‘No. Stop it. That’s not what you’re doing.’ You’re trying to hoodwink, you’re trying to pull the wool over people’s eyes, and you’re trying it for money, and adulation, and fame, and clout, and because everyone wants to be a fighter. Everyone wants to be the toughest guy in the room,” Bisping stressed.
He added, “… That animalistic nature of being a man that women don’t have. They crave it. That fueled me as a kid. That feeling, I want to be the best, I want to be a fighter, I want to be the champ and that’s what Jake is also trying to get, that respect. He’s trying to get people to talk about him like that. But he’s not doing it the right way. He’s looking for easy paydays.”
It’s no secret that Bisping and Paul aren’t the best of friends in the sport. In fact, the pair have had their fair share of back-and-forths in the past and even called out each other a few times.
Dear @bisping,
I challenge you to stop hosting your struggling podcast, get licensed to fight, and box me.
Let’s see if that UFC belt and all the respect you have can help you beat me in a boxing match. pic.twitter.com/9Bv0bDTK1E
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) April 17, 2022
Regardless of what Bisping thinks about Paul, one thing certain is that PFL fans will be looking forward to the debut of “The Problem Child.” An opponent is yet to be determined but Paul has already expressed his interest in taking on UFC legend Nate Diaz.