Jake Paul trashes MMA: It's 'becoming a shittier version of boxing'

Warning: Video contains course language

Jake Paul isn't impressed with the current state of MMA.

The YouTuber turned professional boxer criticized MMA during an appearance on the "All the Smoke Fight" podcast, describing it as "boring" and a worse version of boxing.

"MMA is not what it was, that's the truth of the matter," Paul said. "Boxing is bigger than ever. The biggest sporting event of the year in 2024 was boxing, whereas MMA is becoming a shittier version of boxing.

"Essentially, it's kickboxing because everyone is good at takedown defense and everyone's a black belt in jiu-jitsu. So there's no submissions, really. There's not a lot of takedowns, and even if there is, it's f---ing boring. But everyone's good at takedown defense, so it's literally kickboxing."

The 28-year-old signed a multi-year contract with the Professional Fighters League in 2023 but has yet to fight for the promotion. PFL CEO Peter Murray told Bloody Elbow in September that Paul is "committed" to making his MMA debut in 2025.

Paul last stepped into the boxing ring in November, defeating former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson via unanimous decision to improve to 11-1.