Topuria and Jake Paul trade insults in fiery live interview clash

Jake Paul has already undergone surgery twice after Anthony Joshua broke his jaw in two places, but it seems he is still looking for more. Ilia Topuria sat down with streamer Adin Ross for an interview and ended up clashing with Paul during a live phone call.

“El Matador,” a two-division UFC champion and currently No. 2 in the pound-for-pound rankings, is preparing for his return and what is expected to be his first lightweight title defense in June. In peak shape, he exchanged heated words with Paul, who is still recovering from the beating handed to him by the former unified heavyweight champion. “We’re talking about the best and about real boxers. I would never put you on that list, but I respect that you started…” Topuria began before Paul cut him off. “You’re not in charge of that list,” he snapped.

Topuria, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt who has built his reputation on sharp, technical boxing, fired back. “I’m not in charge of the list, but I have my personal opinion. And I’ll say it as a boxer: you suck.” The comment did not sit well with Paul, who quickly raised the temperature. “Yeah? Let’s spar and when I beat your ass in sparring, you’ll see,” he threatened. Topuria asked about his jaw, but Paul responded immediately: “I don’t need the jaw to be healed because you’re not going to touch me, bro. MMA fighters are all trash. I beat all of the best in your sport.”

Paul’s boxing résumé is short but eventful. While he has only faced a handful of “real” boxers, he has shared the ring with former UFC stars such as Nate Diaz and Anderson Silva, though neither was active at the time. “When your jaw is healed, let’s do it — but get ready, because you’ll need another recovery,” Topuria insisted. By then, the exchange had turned fully hostile, with “El Matador” laughing as tensions rose. “I’m going to beat you up. You’re a little guy, 5-foot-6, you can’t even ride roller coasters,” Paul mocked.

For his final fight, the American was set to face Gervonta Davis, the former lightweight champion who stands at 5′5″, but accusations of domestic violence and a subsequent arrest led to “Tank” being dropped from the bout. He was replaced by Joshua, and the rest is history. “I may be a small guy, but I’m going to give you a combo that will put you at the height of my balls,” Topuria declared.

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