Ilia Topuria and Jake Paul had a heated exchange on a phone call during streamer Adin Ross’s livestream a few hours back.
The reigning UFC 155-pound champion, who was on a hiatus from fighting due to personal reasons, got his problems outside the octagon sorted out earlier this year and returned to the gym. He’s preparing for the first defense of his lightweight title.
YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, on the other hand, last locked horns with Anthony Joshua in December 2025, and the bout went disastrously for “The Problem Child,” and he was completely dismantled. Paul was knocked down four times, lost via Round 6 TKO, and suffered a double broken jaw that required surgery, which involved the installation of titanium plates and some teeth removal.
Ilia Topuria and Jake Paul trade barbs
Recently, Ilia Topuria appeared on Adin Ross’ stream as mentioned above. At one point during the live, the Georgian-Spaniard had a heated exchange with “The Problem Child” over the phone, and now, the two have agreed to do a sparring match.
“EL Matador” told Paul that, as a boxer, he considers the latter to be an “average level” who “sucks.”
I have my personal opinion, and I’m saying that as a boxer, you suck. I don’t think you have good boxing. You’re just an average-level boxer.”
Paul was not too pleased when Topuria called him a mediocre boxer who sucks, and immediately called him out to spar.
Let’s spar. When I beat your a*s in sparring, we will see.”
Topuria is game to spar with Paul. While taking a lighthearted jab at the boxer, he added:
When you get your jaw healed, let’s do it. Just get ready, because you’ll need another recovery period.”
As a comeback, Jake Paul referenced Ilia Topuria’s height and quipped:
You’re not gonna touch me. All you MMA fighters are trash. I beat all of the best in your sport… You’re a little guy, you’re 5’6. You can’t even ride rollercoasters, brother.
“El Matador” may not be the tallest fighter, but he’s confident he can handle Paul with ease. He added:
Maybe I’m not the highest guy in the world, but I’m going to give you a combo that puts you to the height of my b***. You’re gonna be on your f***king knees.”
Ilia Topuria also presented the idea of a fight with Jake Paul under MMA rules, saying it doesn’t necessarily have to be a boxing match, and Paul replied:
Yeah, we can do that too.”
Check out Ilia Topuria and Jake Paul’s heated exchange below:
