Jake Paul: McGregor fight could happen in 'next 24 months'

Jake Paul has put a time frame on a potential bout with UFC star Conor McGregor.

Ahead of Paul's boxing match against Ben Askren on Saturday, the YouTube personality said he could fight McGregor within the next two years.

"I think we both are on a road to each other," Paul told reporters Thursday, according to MMA Fighting. "He wants another boxing fight. He wants to fight Manny Pacquiao. He would get toasted. He just keeps on taking Ls. I think fighting Jake Paul would probably be easier than fighting Manny Pacquiao, and it would be just as big.

"I think him fighting me would not only be his money fight, but it would technically be the 'easiest challenge,' right?" Paul continued, using air quotes.

"I think we're a lot closer to a Jake Paul-Conor McGregor fight than anyone thinks. I think it could happen in the next 24 months."

Paul crossed over to professional boxing last year and has attained a 2-0 record, which includes a knockout win over former NBA player Nate Robinson in November.

His biggest challenge to date will come this weekend against Askren, a former UFC fighter, Bellator champion, and Olympic wrestler who retired from mixed martial arts in 2019.

McGregor is the biggest star in the UFC and a former lightweight and featherweight champion. The Irishman is scheduled to face Dustin Poirier in a trilogy bout on July 10.