Jake Paul continues to stir debate in the MMA community, but some former UFC fighters have publicly acknowledged his improvement in the sport. On the Pound 4 Pound with Kamaru & Henry podcast, ex-UFC competitor Mike Perry praised Paul’s abilities despite the ongoing controversy surrounding him. Perry acknowledged Paul’s growth, though he stopped short of calling him a top contender.
“We have to give him credit. He has gotten a lot better. Is he a professional contender? No! But I will say this about Jake Paul… Jake’s good. Jake’s pretty good. Nobody will give him credit. That’s fine.”
—Mike Perry, Former UFC Fighter
Mike Perry’s endorsement is not isolated, as Darren Till, another ex-UFC star, also offered positive remarks about Paul’s performance in recent months, signaling a shift in how some veterans view the outspoken figure known as “The Problem Child.”
Sean O’Malley Highlights Conor McGregor’s Unique Influence
Sean O’Malley recently reflected on Conor McGregor’s role in the world of mixed martial arts during an appearance on the FULL SEND PODCAST. While O’Malley once aspired to surpass McGregor’s fame, he now accepts the Irish fighter‘s unmatched status both inside and outside the octagon.
“Conor, to me, was not necessarily [just a fighter]. Obviously, his skillset is really high, but when it just comes to all around entertainment, it’s Conor right now.”
—Sean O’Malley, UFC Fighter
O’Malley admitted that reaching McGregor’s level might be an impossible task.
“I always kinda put myself, ‘I wanna be as big as Conor.’ I wanna do that, [but] it’s like, I don’t think I could be as big as Conor. He’s just a once in a lifetime [star].”
—Sean O’Malley, UFC Fighter
Currently preparing to reclaim his bantamweight title from Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 316 in a highly debated rematch, O’Malley remains a prominent figure but acknowledges the exceptional position McGregor holds.
Jon Jones Reflects on His Lifelong Bond With MMA
After nearly two decades in the sport, Jon Jones shared his deep emotional connection to mixed martial arts during a recent interview on the DeepCut podcast. Jones conveyed his gratitude towards MMA for transforming his life and providing him with unique opportunities.
“I’ll always love MMA. Somehow, the universe made me one of the best at it, so I’ll always love it. I’ll always love it. It always will be there. It changed my life. It gave me an opportunity to change my branch in my family tree, and so I’ll always be greatly indebted to the sport.”
—Jon Jones, UFC Fighter
Despite this passion, Jones remains hesitant about defending his UFC heavyweight title against challenger Tom Aspinall, fueling speculation about his next steps in the division.
The Ongoing Impact of MMA on Fighters and Fans
The remarks from Jon Jones, alongside the praise Jake Paul and Conor McGregor continue to receive from respected fighters, highlight how influential and evolving the landscape of MMA remains. Jones’ acknowledgment of MMA’s life-changing power underscores the personal significance the sport holds even for its top champions. Meanwhile, O’Malley and Paul’s recognitions illustrate the complex mix of admiration and rivalry shaping current and future stars.
As the sport progresses, Jones’ impending title defense and the continued rise of unconventional figures like Jake Paul are poised to shape MMA’s narrative and its cultural relevance moving forward.