Fresh off his historic victories over Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk has cemented himself as one of boxing’s greatest champions. But as the Ukrainian legend looks toward the future, his next fight might not be inside a boxing ring. Usyk’s team has hinted at a potential crossover fight with Jake Paul—and not just in boxing, but possibly in MMA.
Usyk’s trainer and advisor Sergey Lapin recently suggested that while the heavyweight king remains focused on a rematch with Daniel Dubois, he is also open to other lucrative opportunities, including a blockbuster fight with Paul, and a potential showdown with former UFC champion Alex Pereira.
Oleksandr Usyk’s Dominance and the Search for New Challenges
At 38 years old, Oleksandr Usyk has already achieved everything in boxing. In 2024, he became the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999 after defeating Tyson Fury twice—first by split decision, then by unanimous decision in a rematch. Before that, he had cleared out the cruiserweight division, becoming undisputed champion in 2018.
With an undefeated record of 23-0 and a legacy secured, Usyk has limited options left in boxing. Potential fights against Dubois or Joseph Parker could allow him to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion, but at this stage of his career, Usyk might be more interested in high-profile, big-money fights rather than traditional title defenses.
Jake Paul: A Controversial but Lucrative Opponent
Jake Paul, the former YouTuber turned professional boxer, has transformed himself into one of the biggest names in combat sports. His ability to generate massive pay-per-view numbers has made him a valuable asset in boxing, despite criticism over the level of his opponents.
Paul’s 2024 fight against Mike Tyson became the most-watched boxing event in history, earning him an estimated $40 million. According to reports, a fight between Usyk and Paul would generate even bigger paydays, making it an attractive proposition for both fighters.
Lapin confirmed Usyk’s willingness to face Paul in either boxing or MMA, stating:
It might be great to step into the cage with Jake Paul under MMA rules. If there is money to be made from it, then why not?
Would Usyk Actually Fight in MMA?
While Usyk is known for his elite boxing skills, stepping into an MMA cage would be a major challenge. Unlike boxing, MMA involves wrestling, grappling, and kicks—elements Usyk has never trained for professionally.
However, the idea of boxers transitioning to MMA is not new. Francis Ngannou, a former UFC champion, successfully moved to boxing, while Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder have hinted at MMA fights. Paul himself signed a PFL (Professional Fighters League) contract in 2023, further opening the door for cross-discipline matchups.
Paul has been rumored to be offering high-profile opponents massive fight deals. Reports suggested he had proposed a two-fight, $20 million deal to Tommy Fury, which Fury allegedly turned down. If a similar offer were made to Usyk, it could become one of the biggest financial deals of his career.
What About Alex Pereira?
Another name thrown into the mix is Alex Pereira, the former UFC light heavyweight champion and one of the most dangerous strikers in MMA. Usyk’s team suggested that a boxing or MMA fight against Pereira could also be on the table, especially given UFC president Dana White’s recent move into boxing promotions.
Lapin stated:
“We never say never about fighting the dangerous Alex Pereira, possibly partnered with Dana White. […] Dana’s move to boxing could open doors for more fights between boxers and UFC stars.
Will It Actually Happen?
While Usyk remains focused on his boxing legacy, he has not ruled out the possibility of a high-profile crossover fight. Given the huge financial incentives, mainstream appeal, and growing trend of crossover fights, a clash between Usyk and Paul—either in boxing or MMA—is not out of the question.
With Dana White’s continued involvement in boxing, the rise of MMA-boxing crossovers, and Paul’s ability to sell fights, the combat sports world might be closer than ever to seeing a heavyweight boxing legend take on the sport’s most polarizing internet sensation.
Would Usyk risk his legacy for a massive payday? Or would Jake Paul finally bite off more than he can chew? Only time will tell.
