Jake Paul Targets Brock Lesnar Fight

Jake Paul is preparing for his return to combat sports after suffering a broken jaw in his loss to Anthony Joshua last December, saying the experience taught him not to take on Olympic heavyweight champions again. The YouTuber-turned-boxer also revealed he is exploring opportunities in both boxing and mixed martial arts, including a potential fight against former UFC champion Brock Lesnar.

Jake Paul Opens Up About Anthony Joshua’s Loss

Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday, Paul reflected on his sixth-round knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in Miami, which left him with a broken jaw and forced him out of action for months.

‘I just probably won’t fight Olympic gold medal heavyweights anymore,’ Paul said, adding that he had ‘learned’ from the defeat.

The loss marked only the second defeat of Paul’s professional boxing career. Since then, he has not fought or sparred as he focused on recovering from the injury. Paul said he expects to receive medical clearance to resume sparring within the next few weeks.

He also revealed that discussions are already underway with multiple opponents across both boxing and MMA, although he stopped short of announcing a timeline for his comeback or naming a confirmed opponent.

Brock Lesnar Emerges as Potential MMA Opponent

Among the biggest revelations from the interview was Paul’s interest in facing former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar in mixed martial arts.

Paul argued that his wrestling background gives him confidence to compete inside the cage, pointing to his experience as a wrestler in Ohio before transitioning into boxing.

Lesnar, meanwhile, boasts one of the most accomplished wrestling résumés in combat sports. The former WWE superstar won the NCAA Division I heavyweight wrestling championship before capturing the UFC heavyweight title. Although he last competed in the UFC in 2016, his name remains one of the biggest draws in combat sports.

While no negotiations have been confirmed, Paul’s comments suggest he is willing to test himself beyond the boxing ring if the opportunity arises.

Nate Diaz Rematch Still on the Table

Paul also hinted that a second fight with Nate Diaz remains a realistic possibility.

The pair first met in a boxing match in August 2023, with Paul earning a unanimous decision victory. The bout remains one of the most recognizable wins of his career and has long fueled speculation about a rematch, either under boxing or MMA rules.

Although Paul did not provide further details, his remarks indicate discussions are ongoing as he weighs different options for his return.

Who Is Jake Paul?

Jake Paul first gained fame as a content creator on Vine before becoming one of YouTube’s biggest personalities. In recent years, he has reinvented himself as a professional boxer, defeating former UFC champions and mixed martial artists, including Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva, and Nate Diaz.

Despite criticism over the level of opposition he has faced, Paul has become one of boxing’s biggest pay-per-view attractions, helping bring crossover audiences to the sport. His loss to Anthony Joshua marked the toughest challenge of his boxing career and temporarily halted his momentum.

Now back in training and nearing full recovery, Paul says he is ready to return to competition, with boxing, MMA, and even a potential showdown with Brock Lesnar all remaining possibilities.

What’s Next for Anthony Joshua?

While Paul continues his recovery, Anthony Joshua is preparing for his return to the ring on July 25 against Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia. The bout is expected to serve as a tune-up ahead of a potential blockbuster clash with Tyson Fury later this year.

Joshua has not fought since defeating Paul and has spent recent months recovering after surviving a fatal car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two members of his team. His upcoming fight is widely viewed as an important step toward one of boxing’s most anticipated heavyweight matchups.