Jake Paul demotes ‘clout-chasing’ Francis Ngannou to runner-up behind UFC 309’s Jon Jones after slap threat

It appears trouble may be brewing among Professional Fighters League (PFL) colleagues who Jake Paul and Francis Ngannou apparently disagree.

Soon after, Paul defeated Mike Tyson via unanimous decision in an eight-round boxing match that didn’t live up to any hype (recap here), Ngannou threatened to punch “El Gallo” a few times, apparently for what he did to his friend, “Iron Mike. “

“Next time I see this Jake Paul guy I’m gonna slap him 2 or 3,” Ngannou wrote X.

When Paul captured the post, he was quick to offer his own counterplay, though he did not choose violence. Instead, the man formerly known as “The Problem Child” hit him where it hurts, relegating “The Predator” to the second best heavyweight in mixed martial arts (MMA) behind the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 265-pound king, Jon Jones.

“Clout hunting doesn’t suit you playfully,” Paul wrote. “Maybe Jon Jones is the better heavyweight after all.”

If you recall, Paul was quick to give Ngannou his flowers and the title of the best big man in the game moments after “The Predator” impressed in his PFL debut by striking out Renen Ferreira in under four minutes (watch it again here).

But it seems a threat from one of martial arts’ toughest players is enough for Paul to switch sides, tarnishing their once budding friendship in the process. The slap could also be an ode to the one Tyson gave Paul during their heated pre-fight staredown after “El Gallo” stepped on the former boxing champion’s toe.

Of course, Jones further solidified his place as the best big man in the business by crushing Stipe Miocic on UFC 309 last night (Sat. Nov. 16, 2024), stopping him in the third round of their headlining match via a spinning back kick (watch it again here).

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