Daniel Cormier is eager to face off against Jake Paul, but strictly inside the Octagon.
The former UFC champion found himself in a heated exchange with the YouTube sensation at UFC 261, requiring intervention to prevent a physical altercation.
Reflecting on the incident during an ESPN appearance, Cormier expressed his surprise at encountering Paul in person after their previous exchanges, stating, “There are certain things I won’t tolerate. If I feel someone is being disrespectful or talking in a manner they wouldn’t do face-to-face, I can’t stand for that.” Recounting the encounter, he described Paul’s taunting gestures and how he had to step in to address the behavior.
Cormier revealed that Paul remained silent until security arrived, at which point he attempted to assert himself. While Cormier acknowledged his desire to physically confront Paul, he recognized the professional implications and opted for a verbal confrontation instead.
Regarding the possibility of a fight, Cormier emphasized his preference for an MMA bout over boxing, highlighting Paul’s lack of athletic achievements compared to other fighters. He emphasized that he wouldn’t pursue a boxing match for financial gain, asserting his financial stability as a former heavyweight champion.
He made it clear that if Paul genuinely desired a fight, it would have to be in the realm of mixed martial arts, where Cormier is willing to face him at a lower weight class. Stressing his readiness to compete and his intention to dominate, Cormier stated his commitment to teaching Paul a lesson in humility.
As opposed to seeking a lucrative boxing match, Cormier emphasized his focus on MMA and his readiness to inflict punishment on Paul to deter further challenges from inexperienced opponents.
