Jake Paul recently proposed a fight between kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven and former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou. The social media personality and professional boxer floated the matchup idea in recent comments.
Paul, who has built his boxing career around high-profile crossover fights, sees potential in pairing the Dutch kickboxing star with the Cameroonian knockout artist. Both fighters have competed in combat sports at the highest level, though in different disciplines.
MVP MMA co-owner Jake Paul has been very vocal with his thoughts that Verhoeven was the biggest winner from the fight and is now the best boxer in the world.
“Rico vs Francis MVP / MVP MMA,” Paul said in a post on X.
Francis Ngannou Reacts
Ngannou responded with an emoji, connoting that he would be interested in that clash.
Verhoeven holds multiple Glory Kickboxing heavyweight titles and is widely regarded as one of the top kickboxers in the world. Ngannou transitioned from the UFC to professional boxing in 2023, facing Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in high-profile bouts.
The proposed matchup would represent another crossover event in combat sports, a format Paul has championed throughout his promotional ventures. No official discussions or negotiations have been reported between the camps of either fighter.