Oleksandr Uysk on stage at the press conference for his Daniel Dubois rematch, inset Jake Paul reacts after knocking out Tyron Woodley in 2021. Credit: Alex Davidson/Mike Ehrmann via Getty Images

Oleksandr Usyk challenges Jake Paul and names key condition for MMA fight following recent callout

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Kyle Dimond | Last updated Sep 24, 2025 10:32 AM ET

Jake Paul’s recent callout has now received a response from boxing great Oleksandr Usyk.

Paul has targeted a different heavyweight superstar in recent times, but there has been talk for some time about him potentially facing one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.

‘The Problem Child’ is currently preparing to face a much smaller opponent in Gervonta Davis on November 14 in Miami.

However, Paul’s recent five-year plan included beating Usyk, along with other goals like becoming a world champion, winning an Oscar and fighting on the moon.

The former undisputed heavyweight champion has now laid down the gauntlet to the controversial star that includes one major condition.

Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images

Oleksandr Usyk challenges Jake Paul to an MMA fight after he has finished his boxing career

Jake Paul was slammed by fans for suggesting a fight with Oleksandr Usyk following the world champion’s most recent win over Daniel Dubois in July.

While both men have become two of boxing’s top stars, the talk about them potentially competing against each other has centered around a different ruleset.

Usyk claimed after the fight that he’d be willing to face Paul in MMA after he takes some time to rest.

The 38-year-old also didn’t commit to who his next opponent will be in boxing, though it looks like this could be the final fight of his incredible career.

Usyk’s latest response to Paul made it very clear that he wants to face the controversial star in mixed martial arts under one condition.

With his legendary boxing run coming to an end, he wants to finish his career before seeing whether Paul is willing to step up to the plate.

Good plan, @jakepaul. But I’m not here for 5th place — only first.
Soon, I'll close the book on boxing, and after that, I’ll be waiting for you in the cage. Let’s see if you’ve got the balls or just a hunger for hype. https://t.co/d0IuwLesKX
— Oleksandr Usyk (@usykaa) September 24, 2025

Oleksandr Usyk’s next month could be decided by the end of October

Oleksandr Usyk was originally ordered to make a mandatory title defense against Joseph Parker in July.

After the Ukrainian requested an extension on this due to an injury, a fight between Parker and Fabio Wardley was booked for October 25 at the O2 Arena in London.

The WBO have already stated that Usyk has to face the winner of this bout after being granted a 90-day extension.

While Tyson Fury seems set on facing Usyk for a third time next year, the winner of Parker vs Wardley could very well be the final opponent that the champion faces.

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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