Khabib Nurmagomedov has no intentions of competing again, but he couldn’t help but scoff at Jake Paul’s challenge.
When Nurmagomedov offered YouTube sensation-turned pro boxer Paul a contract to sign with his MMA promotion, Eagle FC, Paul said he’d consider it if he got paid and he could fight Nurmagomedov, himself.
Paul told MMA Fighting that he could outstrike the former undefeated UFC lightweight champion and that all he’d have to do is work on his wrestling. But Nurmagomedov doubts Paul would even last a round if they ever fought.
“Come on, Jake Paul. I don’t think so,” Nurmagomedov said on the “FULL SEND PODCAST.” In MMA, (I’ll win in) like couple of minutes.”
He continued, “He’s late a little bit because I’m finished. Of course we can think about this. I watched – it was sparring, or I watched some video where he’s doing, like, MMA with someone. He has to learn a lot.”
Paul’s transition to boxing has been a successful one so far. In five professional fights, Paul has been able to add notable names to his resume, knocking out former MMA champions Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley.
Nurmagomedov respects Paul’s boxing skills but says grappling is a whole other ball game.
“In boxing, he knows how to punch,” Nurmagomedov said. “He’s not bad in the boxing game. Anybody can box. You can box, too, but you never can wrestle. This is completely different. If he wants, we can give him a chance. We can sign him, and we can pay him, and we’ll see.”
