Jake Paul downplays Ilia Topuria fight as a ‘warm up’ in rare hit against UFC champ

Polarizing boxing star Jake Paul doesn’t see UFC superstar Ilia Topuria as a potential threat inside the ring.

Jake Paul has dismantled several UFC legends during his boxing career, including Nate Diaz, Anderson Silva, and Tyron Woodley. He’s repeatedly targeted former UFC standouts to face him in the boxing ring and shares a cold relationship with UFC CEO Dana White.

As Paul prepares to potentially return to the ring later this year, he’s entertaining opponents. He’s looking to get back into the win column after a brutal TKO loss to former heavyweight boxing champ Anthony Joshua last year, which was just the second defeat of his career overall.

The UFC’s current roster is filled with standout boxers, including UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. Topuria’s recent knockouts of Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira make him one of the most dangerous fighters in the world.

Despite Topuria’s accomplishments, Paul doesn’t see Topuria presenting any issues for him inside the ring.

Jake Paul slams ‘tiny’ Ilia Topuria as he teases potential crossover fight

In a recent interview with Complex, Paul was asked about Topuria’s boxing and a potential fight in the future.

“It would be the same with Topuria. They have to publicly, when they’re on the live streams, say ‘I’ll do it right now! Let’s do it!’. Then when it goes to happen, it doesn’t come to fruition,” Paul said of Topuria.

“We’ll see! I have respect for him. But in a boxing match? That’s honestly a warm up for me. All jokes aside, if we did MMA, he would probably win. But you just have to know the truth that I think these fighters try to boast too much and act like they’re better than they are to the world. But let’s find out the truth; that’s what’s great about the sport.

“It would be like playing with a little toy,” Paul continued. “He’s like 5’5″, can’t even ride a roller coaster. The guy is tiny!”

Paul publicly challenged Topuria earlier this year, which the UFC lightweight champion appeared to accept in response. Topuria will fight at UFC Freedom 250 this summer against Justin Gaethje.

Who wins in a potential Jake Paul vs. Ilia Topuria boxing match? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!