The possibility of a boxing match between Jorge Masvidal and Jake Paul in the future has been dashed after âThe Problem Childâsâ first career loss.
Although Paul's unconventional run as a pro boxer has included victories over several MMA fighters, such as Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley (twice), and Anderson Silva, he suffered his first defeat in his most recent bout against Tommy Fury, who was considered his first "real boxer" opponent.
Despite this setback, Paul remains focused on boxing, but his interest in facing MMA-based opponents like Masvidal has not been reciprocated by the 51-fight veteran, who has lost any interest he may have had after Paul's defeat.
Jorge Masvidal doesnât want to fight Jake Paul. He goes as far as to say, âHeâs not a draw.â Here is his full statement:
âIf he would have stayed undefeated and all of a sudden would have became an actual household name, I would have loved to burst that bubble,â Masvidal told Sporting News. âI would have broke right through his f****** face because at the end of the day, when he was a Disney princess living that life, I was already earning my stripes and competing. From the backyards, all the way to headlining shows in Miami. This dude and me is more just like him to boost his name up and stuff like that. Especially now that I got a fight coming up coincidentally he wants to call me out. This guy sees me and he runs from me.â
Similar to Paul, Masvidal is eager to bounce back and secure a victory in his next fight. His upcoming appearance at UFC 287, which takes place in his hometown of Miami, Florida, presents a prime opportunity for Masvidal to end his three-fight losing streak as he faces off against Gilbert Burns in the co-main event.
With his recent career struggles, Masvidal seems to be acknowledging that his time in MMA may be coming to a close. He has hinted at the possibility of retirement if he experiences a fourth consecutive loss, potentially leading to his departure from the UFC.
Meanwhile, Jake Paul's future in combat sports is becoming increasingly intriguing. After his recent loss to Tommy Fury, the social media star-turned-boxer is set to compete in the PFL. Paul has also challenged Nate Diaz to a two-fight deal involving both boxing and MMA, but Jorge Masvidal has made it clear that he wants no part of it.
According to Masvidal, an MMA fight between him and Paul will never happen, no matter what kind of offer is made to the YouTube personality. Masvidal, who has a stake in the promoter business, believes that Paul is not a significant draw, a claim that has been validated by Paul's recent fight against Fury.
Given Masvidal's stance, it is unlikely that a fight between him and Paul will ever come to fruition. And if Masvidal loses to Gilbert Burns in their upcoming fight at UFC 287, the possibility of the two squaring off becomes even more remote. Be sure to catch the event on ESPN+ to witness the action yourself!
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