Conor McGregor isn’t known for handing out concern easily, but when it comes to Jake Paul’s upcoming fight with Anthony Joshua, the UFC star isn’t sugarcoating the risks.
The former two-division UFC champion recently chatted with Bloody Elbow on the Netflix-backed December 19 matchup at his pub in Dublin, Ireland, making it clear he believes Paul would be stepping into legitimately dangerous territory against the former heavyweight king.
But while McGregor and Paul have a well-documented rivalry, McGregor said credit would still be due if the YouTuber-turned-boxer actually follows through.
“If he makes that walk, I’ve got to give him his respect for that,” McGregor said, acknowledging the bravery it would take to enter the ring with Joshua.
Paul is expected to move back up in weight after competing at cruiserweight, while Joshua brings a résumé that includes Olympic gold and multiple heavyweight title reigns.
For McGregor, the gap in experience and raw power is impossible to ignore. “It’s very dangerous,” McGregor explained. “It seems like Netflix are all over him. It’s a dangerous sport and you can’t overlook that. Joshua is a big boy and a powerhouse.”
McGregor’s perspective isn’t coming from theory alone. He referenced seeing Joshua up close during his 2023 comeback fight, where the British boxer delivered a devastating knockout that left a lasting impression.
“I’ve sat ringside to watch Joshua, and that is a heavy-punching man,” McGregor said.
What stood out most to McGregor wasn’t just Joshua’s physical attributes, but what he described as an often-overlooked edge beneath the surface.
“He’s a good person, but he has an anger in him. He has a darkness in him, does Anthony Joshua,” McGregor said. “I don’t think a lot of people suss that.”
Because of that combination of power, experience, and mentality, McGregor said he personally doesn’t believe the fight should happen at all.
“My opinion, the fight shouldn’t go ahead,” he stated plainly. Still, he added that if Paul chooses to proceed, respect would be earned through sheer willingness alone. “If he does it, I’ll give him his respect for that.”