Despite Oleksandr Usyk expressing genuine interest in an MMA crossover fight with Jake Paul, a former UFC title challenger believes it`s unlikely to materialize due to an unexpected reason.
Jake Paul has recently shifted his focus to Anthony Joshua after almost securing a boxing match with Canelo Alvarez. However, discussions also arose about Paul potentially facing Oleksandr Usyk, the heavyweight boxer who defeated Joshua twice.
Usyk had previously mentioned Alex Pereira as a desired opponent before retirement, but his interest might have shifted towards crossover fights after Pereira`s title loss at UFC 313. Usyk even hinted at a potential MMA bout with Jake Paul on his Instagram, confirming his interest in such a matchup.
Dan Hardy: Paul More Likely to Fight Older, Less Threatening Opponent
Dan Hardy, speaking to Bloody Elbow, commented on the possibility of Oleksandr Usyk competing in MMA against Jake Paul. Hardy confirmed that Usyk`s interest isn`t a mere publicity stunt; the Ukrainian boxer is genuinely interested in testing himself in MMA.
Hardy noted that Usyk is exactly the type of fighter who would consider such a crossover, and with the PFL promotion involved with Jake Paul, it could theoretically happen.
However, Hardy believes a significant obstacle stands in the way: Usyk`s potential skill level in MMA. While Jake Paul has some wrestling experience and has been training for MMA, Hardy doesn`t see this as a major advantage against a skilled boxer like Usyk.
Hardy suggests that when Jake Paul does enter the MMA cage, it will likely be against a less formidable opponent, implying that Usyk, even at 38, might be considered too dangerous.
“I know for a fact that Usyk is legitimately interested in fighting in MMA. He seems like the kind of person eccentric enough to have picked up wrestling skills or a brown belt in something along the way. He`s an interesting individual who could adapt to MMA well,” Hardy stated.
“The problem for Jake Paul is that unless his wrestling is significantly improved, fighting Usyk would be a disastrous matchup in both boxing and MMA. Usyk is intelligent, possesses excellent footwork, and is ambidextrous. He would pose a real challenge in mixed martial arts. If Jake Paul pursues MMA, I predict he`ll face someone considerably older, likely in their 40s,” Hardy concluded.
Usyk Presents Too Much Risk for Paul at This Stage
Despite being ten years older than Jake Paul, Oleksandr Usyk, according to Dan Hardy, represents a significant risk. If Paul cannot establish a grappling advantage, he would be forced into a striking battle with a boxer considered among the best of his generation.
While a crossover fight against a boxer isn`t entirely unrealistic for Paul, Usyk might be deemed too risky until Paul gains more MMA experience against less skilled opponents.
For the foreseeable future, it seems more logical for Jake Paul to face opponents with limited experience or recognizable names past their prime. This strategy has proven successful for him in boxing, even though an MMA clash with Usyk would undoubtedly be captivating.
