It remains to be seen if and when Jake Paul will make his mixed martial arts debut, but recent rumors about the YouTube personality turned boxer have created a stir in the martial arts world.
Last week, BJJ World published a report from justbleedmma.com that Paul would make his MMA debut against former UFC welterweight contender Demian Maia. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ace and current commentator for UFC Fight Pass Brazil was quick to respond.
“Totally hooked,” Maia wrote while tagging Paul.
Maia’s broadcast partner Carlos Barreto analyzed the report on the podcast Papo de Ruta.
“Demian has retired but continues to train hard. He is completely fit,” Barrett said. “Just because I think it would be a terrible choice for Jake, I don’t think it’s true. Demian will quickly grab him, take his back, and submit him with a rear-naked choke. For an MMA fighter, it’s his specialty. People need to understand that it’s one thing to fight a boxer in a boxer, but it’s completely different the other way around.
“Jake is a smart guy. If he moves to MMA, he’ll probably face another boxer first. The two worst options for him are the top two, even a lightweight like Demian. Maybe a grappler or maybe a kickboxer.
[impede him with calf kicks]… MMA is a combination of all fighting styles. That being said, Demian would be a terrible choice for Jake’s MMA debut, and I don’t think he would make the wrong choice for his MMA debut by risking all the accomplishments he has made in the boxing world. ”
