Francis Ngannou Reacts to Jake Paul’s Team Offering Him Replacement Opponent: “Don’t Disrespect Me Like That”

Francis Ngannou, former UFC heavyweight champion turned boxing crossover contender, has publicly expressed his surprise and frustration after being informed that Jake Paul’s team had reached out to him as a potential replacement for Gervonta Davis. The revelation came during a candid interview with TMZ Sports in which Ngannou recounted his reaction.

Ngannou said he was left bewildered when he heard the proposal. “How can they go from Gervonta Davis to Francis Ngannou? It makes no sense,” he remarked. According to his version of events, Paul’s team told him, “we think about you to fight Jake.” Ngannou’s immediate response: “What? Which Jake?” before adding, “Bro come on. Don’t disrespect me like that.”

To understand why this exchange has gained attention, it helps to consider the wider backdrop: Davis, who was scheduled to fight Paul on November 14, is now embroiled in a civil lawsuit filed by his former girlfriend, in which she alleges battery, kidnapping, and intentional infliction of emotional distress following an incident in Miami. As a result of the allegations, Paul’s promotional outfit, Most Valuable Promotions, announced they were reviewing the matter and exploring possible alternative opponents. That scenario appears to be what led to Ngannou’s involvement.

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Ngannou’s reaction highlights not only the absurdity he perceives in this matchmaking — a former heavyweight MMA champ being handed a lightweight boxing star’s fight — but also the sense of being undervalued. In his view, the suggestion came off as a slight rather than a genuine opportunity.

For Davis, whose legal troubles continue to draw headlines, the timing couldn’t be worse. While he remains unbeaten professionally, this latest civil suit comes swiftly on the heels of previous legal incidents. Some media outlets are now reporting the Paul-Davis fight may be cancelled or postponed altogether, with other high-profile names like Andre Ward, Ryan Garcia and Ngannou himself being considered as replacements.

In an era where combat sports are increasingly driven by spectacle and crossover appeal, this episode underscores another dimension: respect. For Ngannou, it’s not just about getting the fight — it’s about being treated appropriately given his credentials. His blunt response serves as a reminder that even in the glitzy world of boxing and entertainment crossovers, a fighter’s dignity and sense of fit still matter.

Whether the matchup ultimately happens or falls apart entirely, the controversy adds an extra layer of intrigue to what was already a high-profile bout. And it raises a question for promoters and fighters alike: when formulating matchups for the spotlight, how much does legacy, weight-class, and background honestly matter — and how much is just headline chasing?