YouTuber turned professional boxer Jake Paul is set to face off against boxing legend Mike Tyson in his 11th professional fight, a decision that has sparked significant backlash from the combat sports community. UFC fighters in particular have been vocal in their criticism of the matchup, with Colby Covington being the latest to join the chorus of disapproval.
Covington, a former welterweight title challenger, recently appeared on the ‘TwinsPod’ show on YouTube, where he shared his unfiltered opinion on the upcoming fight. Using Tom Brady and Michael Jordan as examples, Covington argued that it was a bad idea for Tyson to risk his legacy by fighting Paul, a much younger and less experienced opponent.
Covington also expressed concerns about the rules of the fight, which have been the subject of much speculation. However, Jake Paul recently confirmed that the fight will be held without headgear and will not be an exhibition bout, further upsetting many MMA fighters.
UFC stars such as Michael Bisping, Kamaru Usman, and Michael Page have also expressed concerns about the fight, citing Tyson’s age and lack of recent activity. They believe that there is a strong chance that Tyson will be defeated by Paul, which would damage his legacy immeasurably.
The UFC community’s unhappiness with the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight stems from their belief that it is a mismatch that could potentially damage Tyson’s legacy. They argue that Tyson, at 58 and coming off a four-year layoff, is not a suitable opponent for Paul, who is 26 and in the prime of his career.