Jake Paul’s next move is on everyone’s mind following his recent defeat.
What comes next for Jake Paul is already a major talking point following the first knockout loss of his professional boxing career.
The YouTuber-turned-fighter was stopped in the sixth round by former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, prompting questions about how Paul will rebuild and who he will target when he returns to competition.
Jake Paul vs Conor McGregor floated as next big move
Former super-middleweight world champion George Groves believes the answer could lie in a blockbuster crossover against Conor McGregor.
Speaking after Paul’s defeat, Groves suggested the American will continue prioritising high-profile names rather than traditional boxing titles. He argued that McGregor’s global star power makes him the ideal opponent and claimed the matchup could take place in 2026 under experimental “hybrid” rules.
According to Groves, the bout could blend disciplines across nine rounds, starting with boxing, transitioning into wrestling, and finishing under bare-knuckle conditions. He even went as far as to make Paul the favourite, insisting the American is no longer intimidated after sharing the ring with elite heavyweight opposition.
McGregor’s comeback plans add another layer
McGregor, meanwhile, has not fought since suffering a leg injury at UFC 264 in July 2021 and is currently preparing for a long-awaited return to competition.
The 37-year-old is targeting a comeback next year and has been linked with a potential appearance on the UFC’s White House card scheduled for June 14, although his opponent has yet to be confirmed. Michael Chandler has positioned himself as the frontrunner for a traditional MMA return bout, but that plan could be disrupted if discussions over a Paul crossover gain traction.
For now, a Paul–McGregor showdown remains speculative, but with both men known for gravitating toward spectacle as much as sport, the possibility of a hybrid fight continues to fuel debate about where each career heads next.
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