
via Getty
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JUNE 29: Francis Ngannou of Cameroon is interviewed after defeating Junior Dos Santos of Brazil by TKO in their heavyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at the Target Center on June 29, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

via Getty
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JUNE 29: Francis Ngannou of Cameroon is interviewed after defeating Junior Dos Santos of Brazil by TKO in their heavyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at the Target Center on June 29, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
The second boxing match between Tyron Woodley and Jake Paul was a really anticipated one. UFC fans and fighters were rooting for Woodley and wanted him to redeem his previous loss. However, many were left disappointed after Woodley was brutally knocked out and were of the opinion that the match was rigged. However, UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is impressed by Paul.
In a recent interview with TMZ Sports, Ngannou spoke about the Paul-Woodley fight. He revealed that he was expecting the UFC fighter to emerge as the winner. Like him, many fans were expecting the same, but that did not happen.

via Imago
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – MAY 09: Francis Ngannou of Cameroon prepares to fight Jairzinho Rozenstruik of Suriname in their heavyweight fight during the UFC 249 event at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on May 09, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Ngannou said, “I was impressed by Jake Paul. I didn’t see that coming, you know? I was sure that Tyron Woodley was gonna win this fight, you know? But you’re gonna give it to Jake Paul. He made a statement- a huge statement, and he proved that he’s really, his money is where his mouth is.”
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He further said, “He’s taking himself very seriously. … You better take him seriously because he proved it.”
When asked if he would ever consider fighting Paul, Ngannou said, “It’s not the same generation. Even if I go out there for boxing, it’s not to box Jake Paul. … As good as he might be, he’s not on my level.”
Also, both fighters aren’t even in the same weight class and ‘The Predator’ made sure to point this out.
What’s next for Francis Ngannou?
The champion will face Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 and defend his title. This is an extremely important upcoming bout for him. This fight will mark his first title defense. Further, Gane used to be his training partner. Gane is trained by Fernand Lopez, who is Ngannou’s former coach. There is some bad blood between the fighter and his ex-coach. So this bout is extremely important from a personal and professional front.
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The meeting of Ngannou and Gane isn’t just a heavyweight unification. Fernand Lopez – Gane’s coach and the former coach of Ngannou – believes it’s the ultimate decider of whether brains or brawn matters most in the heavyweight division.
Our discussion: https://t.co/MPQArJ6eiH
— Luke Thomas (@lthomasnews) October 26, 2021
There are also some rumors doing the rounds that Ngannou might leave the UFC. He has expressed interest in boxing. It would be interesting to see where Ngannou’s career takes him.
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What do you think about his comments on Jake Paul? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Watch this story: Best UFC Debuts in 2021: Michael Chandler, Paddy Pimblett, and More
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