Former UFC champion Charles Oliveira has sent a text to Jake Paul 's coach declaring he is a "big fan" of the YouTube star.
Oliveira, who was stripped of his UFC lightweight title in May, recently exchanged text messages with Paul's coach BJ Flores. It's unclear as part of the message is cut off, but Flores messaged Oliveira about UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou and top contender Blagoy Ivanov.
The former cruiserweight world title challenger then added: "Much respect for what you have done and what you have accomplished. We are rooting for you Charles." Oliveira then replied to him: "Thanks for the love I'm a big fan of Jake Paul thanks for the love of god bless you," with Flores writing back: "We are just getting started. Appreciate the love/respect," accompanied with a fist emoji.
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Paul has divided the attention of the combat sports world since ditching his YouTube fame to pursue boxing on a full-time basis. 'The Problem Child' has struck a chord with many UFC fighters by challenging Dana White to improve the minimum purse to $50,000 whilst also guaranteeing fighters with long-term healthcare.
Heavyweight champion Ngannou has publicly backed Paul's challenge with other UFC fighters such as Robert Whittaker and Anthony Smith supporting the 25-year-old. Oliveira is the latest fighter to show their support for Paul, who was scheduled to make his sixth boxing appearance last weekend but his fight with Hasim Rahman Jr was cancelled just days before the event.
Oliveira looks to win his belt back against Khabib Nurmagomedov's protege Islam Makhachev at UFC 280 on October 22, with the Brazilian recently issuing a warning to Makhachev's team. “There’s one thing I need to tell you. I want to tell you. They’re being arrogant, and that’s what will kill them. The arrogance from their manager, from former fighters will kill them. No one will ever hit me harder than life already hit me," he told MMA Hoje.
"I’m a guy that escaped a heart-blowing condition. Rheumatism on my bones that even the doctor said I would never fight again. I’m coming to your house, my friend, to fight you. To make history and keep my legacy going as the UFC lightweight champion. You’re talking a lot of s***. I’ve always respected all of you but you better pay attention, so don’t cry about it later. That’s all I have to say.”
