Donald Trump makes surprise pick for Jake Paul’s next opponent

United States President Donald Trump has made his pick for Jake Paul’s next opponent in the boxing ring, and his choice will surely leave some fight fans scratching their heads.

It is widely known that Trump is a big time fight fan, as he has been present at numerous boxing and MMA events over the year. Then, of course, there’s his big plan for UFC fights on the White House lawn one June 14.

One of the many fighters Trump has gotten close with over the years is Paul, a social media star who has recently achieved massive success in the boxing ring.

Paul got an invitation to speak at Trump’s rally in Kentucky this week, and engaged in an interesting chat with the President during his visit.

Clips of Trump and Paul’s chat have been making the rounds on social media today. One of the more interesting moments to surface shows Paul asking the president who he thinks he should fight next.

Trump’s answer? Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

See their exchange below:

Donald Trump calls for Jake Paul vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov fight

😂🦅Donald Trump wants to see Jake Paul fighting Khabib next

(via @jakepaul) pic.twitter.com/qTfi4EUWYW

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) March 13, 2026

“Who would you want to see me fight?” Paul asked.

“Probably Khabib,” Trump replied.

Paul then chuckled a bit before affirming: “I’m down.”

While Paul is actually well known for meeting aging UFC stars in the boxing ring, Trump’s pick is definitely out of left field. Khabib has been retired for years, and unlike many of his peers, he seems set on sticking to his plans. Khabib was also a grappler first and foremost during his time in MMA. That makes him a strange choice for a boxing match. Then again, that didn’t stop Ben Askren from giving his best shot against Paul. Paul famously knocked the former Bellator and ONE champ out cold several years back. In a boxing match, he could certainly do the same Khabib. In MMA, of course, he’d have no chance.