Michael Bisping has praised Jake Paul for his recent activity from a business standpoint but claims the Youtuber-turned boxer isn’t pulling the wool over his eyes.
The discussion comes after Paul signed a deal with MMA promotion, PFL, which took the internet by storm.
Speaking on his podcast, Believe You Me, Bisping told co-host Anthony Smith that he commended Paul’s combat sports efforts. However, still feel’s that the YouTube star isn’t attempting to test himself.
The former UFC middleweight champion stressed on several occasions that he’s not hating but does believe Paul is more of a businessman than the fighter he claims to be.
Former UFC Middleweight Champion Michael Bisping Weighs in on Jake Paul
“I’m not being a hater. And I’m not being a hater on Jake Paul. I’ve got nothing against the guy. In fact, I don’t even dislike him. I mean I actually find him someone entertaining and gives me a lot of stuff to talk about on podcasts and YouTube channels, so please keep doing what you’re doing. So, I’m not being a hater. But Anthony, you’re a fighter, I’m a fighter… This is us. It is in our DNA, our fibre, our being as people. He is not… and I do believe this, he’s being a businessman. He is not trying to take on hard challenges. He is not trying to test himself,” Bisping said.
Bisping went on to state he thinks Paul is clearly looking for easy paydays with the opposition he’s been targeting. Paul’s boxing victories consist of fighters who have never boxed before and older retired MMA fighters. If Paul really wanted to call himself a fighter, Bisping believes he would take on far superior opponents.
All for Clout?
“I get it. What they’re trying to do is make money for themselves. And hey, God Bless him but it’s just when you’re masquerading as this fighter that’s gonna be a world champion, that wants to fight Canelo Alvarez… when you’re spearheading a movement for the fighters, No! No! That’s where I said ‘No. Stop it. That’s not what you’re doing.’ You’re trying to hoodwink, you’re trying to pull the wool over people’s eyes, and you’re trying it for money, and adulation, and fame, and clout, and because everyone wants to be a fighter. Everyone wants to be the toughest guy in the room,” Bisping stressed.
He added, “… That animalistic nature of being a man that women don’t have. They crave it. That fuelled me as a kid. That feeling, I want to be the best, I want to be a fighter, I want to be the champ and that’s what Jake is also trying to get, that respect. He’s trying to get people to talk about him like that. But he’s not doing it the right way. He’s looking for easy paydays.”
Quotes via Middle Easy
Watch Bisping and Smith Discuss Jake Paul
Paul is set to make his MMA debut in 2023. However, no opponent has been mentioned. Paul has called out UFC legend Nate Diaz who is now a free agent. Former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis was the first to offer to welcome Paul to his new home.
Time will tell. Who would you like to see Jake Paul face in his MMA debut? Do you agree with Michael Bisping?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images and Embed from Getty Images
