UFC fighter Justin Gaethje has expressed a rare admiration for Jake Paul’s approach to boxing, highlighting his independence in a sport filled with traditional pathways. Paul, a former Disney star turned boxer, has captured attention partly because he refuses to follow the usual routes many fighters take, making Gaethje’s praise particularly notable in the combat sports community.
Jake Paul became a contentious figure in recent years, starting by boxing fellow internet personalities and gradually moving on to face well-known athletes. Among his notable wins are victories over MMA names like Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley. Paul’s dramatic knockout of Woodley in their rematch shocked many fans and critics alike.
Gaethje Highlights Paul’s Autonomy and Business Savvy in Boxing
Speaking on The Makeshift Podcast, Gaethje discussed Paul’s influence on the crossover boxing scene, where celebrities from various backgrounds step into the ring. Unlike figures such as Michael Bisping and Dana White, who have openly criticized Paul, Gaethje praised the YouTube star’s business acumen and control over his career.
I mean, Jake Paul is a genius,
Gaethje said.
What he did is so f—— awesome. Because nobody owns him, nothing owns him, and he didn’t have to go through the double A, the whole circuit.
Despite his praise, Gaethje expressed skepticism about the longevity of celebrity boxing’s popularity, noting its financial drawbacks.
But I don’t think it’s going to (stay) a mainstream thing,
Gaethje added.
(Paul’s) doing it less and less. Because they lose a lot of money, whoever’s paying for it.
Jake Paul’s Upcoming Fight Against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Jake Paul is preparing for his next boxing match, scheduled for June 28 at the Honda Center in Anaheim. He will face Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., a former WBC middleweight champion, in a bout that has drawn significant attention. This fight coincides with UFC 317, the culmination of the MMA promotion’s International Fight Week festivities.
If Paul wins, it will mark his sixth consecutive victory since a close defeat to Tommy Fury in February 2023. However, many critics continue to question the competitive level of some of his opponents, including recent bouts against retired fighters like Mike Tyson, who is now 58 years old.
The Significance of Gaethje’s Support and Its Possible Effects
Justin Gaethje’s public endorsement of Jake Paul stands out in a combat sports community that often divides sharply over Paul’s legitimacy as a boxer. This support could influence how some MMA fans and fighters perceive boxing crossover events, especially as Paul continues to headline major fights. As celebrity boxing evolves, Gaethje’s perspective highlights an understanding of the business behind combat sports and an acknowledgment of Paul’s unique path.
With Paul’s upcoming match against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. set, all eyes will be on whether this rising boxing figure can continue defying traditional norms or if the sport will see a decline in celebrity participation as Gaethje has predicted.