TLDR
- Alex Pereira says a boxing match with Jake Paul would be a “challenge for both of us”
- The UFC light heavyweight champion believes he does “really well in boxing sparring” and has one pro boxing fight
- Pereira’s UFC contract prevents him from accepting the fight due to contractual clauses
- Jake Paul is scheduled to fight Anthony Joshua on December 19
- Pereira suggests Paul is using his name to promote his upcoming Joshua fight
Alex Pereira Addresses Jake Paul Boxing Challenge
Alex Pereira has given his response to Jake Paul’s callout for a boxing match. The UFC light heavyweight champion spoke with TMZ Sports about the possibility of facing the YouTuber-turned-boxer in the ring.
Paul called out Pereira after his knockout victory over former UFC fighter Mike Perry on July 20, 2024. “Alex Pereira, you said that you want to box,” Paul said at the time. “I’m the king of this. We can make it happen, I want you.”
The Brazilian fighter acknowledged Paul’s development in boxing. Pereira said Paul has been “having some good fights” and is “training” while “fighting good athletes.” The 38-year-old champion believes the founder of Most Valuable Promotions has improved over time.
Pereira thinks a boxing match between them would be competitive. “I think it would be a challenge for both of us,” the MMA fighter told TMZ. He believes both fighters would face difficulties in such a matchup.
The UFC champion has boxing experience of his own. Pereira mentioned he does “really well in boxing sparring” sessions. He also revealed he has “one pro boxing fight” on his record.
Contract Issues Block Potential Fight
The main obstacle to this fight happening is Pereira’s UFC contract. The light heavyweight champion explained that specific clauses prevent him from accepting boxing matches. “I have a contract with the UFC, and he knows it,” Pereira said.
Pereira stated that Paul is aware of these contractual limitations. “He knows I can’t go and fight,” the Brazilian fighter added. The UFC contract keeps him from pursuing opportunities outside the organization.
Paul’s Promotional Tactics
Pereira believes Paul is using his name for promotional purposes. The UFC champion thinks Paul talks about him more “to promote himself than anything else.” He suggested the callout is part of Paul’s marketing strategy.
The Brazilian fighter pointed out that Paul knows the fight isn’t possible. “[Jake] knows it’s not possible,” Pereira said. He views the continued callouts as promotional tactics rather than genuine fight negotiations.
Paul recently made claims about negotiations between the two teams. According to the 28-year-old boxer, talks took place about a potential fight. Paul stated that Pereira was interested, but the UFC contract became the stumbling block.
Despite the contractual barriers, Pereira expressed confidence in his boxing abilities. He said that when people do things they enjoy, they perform well. The champion indicated he would enjoy competing in a boxing match.
Paul is scheduled to fight former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua on December 19. This fight was arranged after Paul’s scheduled bout against Gervonta Davis was canceled. The match against Joshua represents one of Paul’s biggest challenges in his boxing career.
