Alex Pereira shuts down Jake Paul fight call-out with perfect response

UFC light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has given his response to Jake Paul's recent call-out and has shut down the idea of the two fighting in the near future

UFC light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has dismissed the prospect of facing YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a boxing match anytime soon. Pereira, also known as 'Poatan', defended his title for the third time this year against American Khalil Rountree Jr earlier this month at the Delta Centre in Salt Lake City.

Despite a spirited effort from Rountree, he was unable to withstand the onslaught and was knocked out in the fourth round by the 37 year old Brazilian. Following the fight, Paul told Adin Ross that he was confident he could beat Pereira in a boxing match.

"One thousand percent I would beat him," he claimed. "If anything, this fight showed me, yes, Alex Pereira is great. But I know I would beat him in a boxing match, and I still would love to make that happen. Pressure is on him. If he can find his way out of the UFC contract like Nate Diaz did, then eventually him and I can talk."

'The Problem Child' has increasingly been challenging the UFC star, seizing on his post-fight interview after defeating Mike Perry to challenge the 37 year old. "Alex Pereira, Alex Pereira, you said you want to box. I'm the king of this," he claimed, reports the Mirror.

"I'm the king of this. Come over. We can make it happen. I want you, Alex Pereira. Indeed. Indeed. I just beat a BKFC champion. I beat multiple UFC champions. And he said he wants to box. So Alex Pereira, after Mike Tyson, let's make it happen."

Despite the enthusiastic invitation from 'The Problem Child', Pereira has dismissed the notion of them clashing in the bell-clad square due to his UFC obligations. Speaking with Ariel Helwani, 'Poatan' commented: "I'm going to be honest, of course, boxing interests me. But he knows that I'm under contract to the UFC and I can't just leave. I think that's why he calls [me out] and says all of that. I think if the UFC was a league that allowed everyone to fight everywhere, he wouldn't be saying that."

Taking a hiatus from fighting for now, 'Poatan' plans to return early in the following year, aiming to confront the victor of Magomed Ankalaev vs Aleksandar Rakic, slated for later this month. Meanwhile, the 27 year old Paul is gearing up for a clash with Mike Tyson in November.