by UFC champion Alex Pereira has once again rejected Jake Paul’s call to get in the ring together.
Paul has repeatedly challenged Pereira in recent months, brushing aside the unlikelihood of the Brazilian star being released from his contract with the UFC to compete in boxing.
After Pereira defeated Khalil Rountree Jr. by fourth-round knockout at UFC 270 earlier this month to retain his light heavyweight title, Paul again encouraged the 37-year-old to opt out of his contract.
READ MORE: “Must learn”: Legends’ advice to the young star from Tonga
READ MORE: Collins struck with the poleaxe as the rusty Kangaroos held off the brave Tonga
READ MORE: Coach was blown away by a slipping rival in the A-League’s dramatic opening game
Jake Paul speaks on stage during a press conference. Getty Images for Netflix
Skepticism from the combat sports world has always cast a shadow over Paul’s chances against the ferocious MMA striker, but the YouTuber-turned-boxer believes he can beat Pereira “a thousand percent.”
Speaking to internet personality Adin Ross last week, Paul was critical of Pereira’s dominant performance against Rountree Jr.
“Here’s the thing, Rountree actually kind of uncovered this [Pereira] does not have a high volume. He doesn’t like body shots,” he said in an interview uploaded to Ross’ YouTube account.
“In MMA, Pereira would take my head off. But boxing is a completely different sport with its pace and style.”
“It has holes. I mean, Rountree rocked him, hurt his body a few times, but he didn’t keep going.”
“If anything, this fight showed me that Alex Pereira is great. But I know I would beat him in a boxing match and I would still like to do that.”
Jake Paul has once again called out UFC star Alex Pereira. Getty
“[The] Pressure is on him. If he gets out of the UFC contract like Nate Diaz did, he and I can talk at some point.
But it seems that Paul and Pereira do not see eye to eye on the duel.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Pereira stated that he would not be leaving the UFC anytime soon, despite his interest in boxing
“I’ll be honest, of course I’m interested in boxing. But he knows I’m under contract with the UFC and I can’t just leave,” he said.
“I think that’s why he’s calling [me out] and says all that.
“I think if the UFC was a league where anyone could fight anywhere, he wouldn’t be saying that.”
Alex Pereira celebrates his successful title defense at UFC 303 Getty
In the past, UFC officials have been reluctant to allow their fighters to box, with Conor McGregor being a sole exception due to his reputation and appeal.
Paul is under the impression that UFC boss Dana White is preventing Pereira from exiting because a possible loss represents “too big a risk” to the brand.
Pereira is currently taking time off from the sport but has vowed to return to the octagon early next year.
He could potentially face the winner of the upcoming match between Magomed Ankalaev and Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308.
Meanwhile, Paul is preparing for his controversial fight with Mike Tyson in AT, Texas&T Stadium on November 16th.
