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Ex-UFC titleholder admits he’s eager to face Jake Paul in potential blockbuster bout

Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
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Jake Paul is aiming to book another fight before the end of the year, and a familiar name from the MMA world has stepped forward again with an offer.

With his exhibition against WBA lightweight titleholder Gervonta Davis called off, Paul is looking to step into the ring on short notice, targeting a fight as early as December.

While there has been renewed talk of another meeting with Nate Diaz, others have also put their names forward. Among them is a European veteran hoping to draw ‘The Problem Child’ back into the ring.

Jake Paul offered “dream” fight by Andrei Arlovski

UFC Fight Night: Arlovski v Mayes
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski has become the latest fighter to express interest in facing Paul, following his exit from the promotion last year.

During his time in the UFC, Arlovski was known for taking on tough opponents, and he remains the only fighter to have pushed Tom Aspinall beyond the first round during the Briton’s rise.

Since leaving the UFC, the Belarusian has continued to compete, including stints in BKFC and Dirty Boxing Championship. He now says he would welcome a bout with Paul, calling it a “dream” opportunity.

“I called him (Jake Paul). It’s going to be a dream come true, but one step at a time. I need to beat my first opponent, and then we’ll see what’s going to happen after, but absolutely [I want to fight him].

“Another famous YouTuber, but you have to respect that he trains a lot, spends a lot of money on his boxing coaches, so I guess he’s not a joke. But like I said, one step at a time and we’ll see what happens after,” he told MMA Fighting.

Jake Paul names UFC fighters on his next target list

Among those 12 names are several big fighters from the UFC, as Paul looks to continue building his profile through high-profile bouts.

Alongside Alex Pereira, the YouTuber-turned-boxer has also discussed the possibility of facing former two-weight champion Conor McGregor.

However, Paul has been openly dismissive of McGregor’s current form, going so far as to suggest that he is finished at the highest level and may never return to MMA competition.