The two stars have been at loggerheads for the past few years and have even talked about potentially facing each other in the ring

YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul claims he ‘doesn’t really care’ whether or not former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor returns to the cage.

The Irishman hasn’t fought in any form of combat sports since suffering a defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021. McGregor was scheduled to make his UFC return earlier this year against Michael Chandler, but was forced to pull out of the contest due to an injury. Speaking to Bloody Elbow at Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship’s event in Marbella last weekend, ‘The Notorious’ suggested he’s scheduled to fight Dan Hooker in Saudi Arabia. In a brief exchange the BKFC shareholder retorted: “February 1, Saudi Arabia.” Adding: “Dan Hooker” when asked his opponent. That said, ‘The Hangman’ has shut down the potential date as he’s expecting the birth of his second child that month.

UFC boss Dana White has recently confirmed that McGregor will fight next year, but an opponent is yet to be decided. While MMA fans wait for his return, ‘The Notorious’ has made a bit of a name for himself recently, calling out the likes of Floyd Mayweather, KSI and Nate Diaz.

Over the last few years, McGregor and Paul have traded barbs on social media. The Irishman took to X – formerly known as Twitter – to have his say on ‘The Problem Child’s’ most recent win over Mike Perry. “Jake Paul is the biggest p***bag I have ever seen in my life. 40 pound weight difference and still s******* himself in there.” He continued: “And then calling out 60-year-old Mike Tyson fresh off an in flight medical emergency? I swear to god, a fat can of b**** p***.”

A clash between McGregor and Paul seems highly unlikely due to the difference in weight. While the young American predominately competes at cruiserweight, he is set to fight Mike Tyson next month in a heavyweight contest. Meanwhile, ‘The Notorious’ tends to compete in the lightweight division.

In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, when asked for his thoughts on McGregor potentially returning to the cage in the near future, Paul said: “I don’t really care, to be honest. Whatever happens will happen.”

Following McGregor’s latest rant in Marbella, Mayweather and Diaz are yet to respond to his comments. However, KSI – real name Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji – has recently had his say on the Irishman’s call out. In an interview with Misfits Boxing, the social media star said: “I feel like he’s a disgrace to the whole of Ireland, a disgrace to his family.

“I think he’s an embarrassment. What was the last notable thing he did?” The reporter then named the Irishman’s victory over Donald Cerrone four years ago, before the YouTuber was quick to dismiss the reply, saying: “Give me something recent. He is nothing right now and he’s just waltzing about like he’s the s*** when he isn’t.”

When asked if he wants to fight the MMA legend, he said: “I’m here to fight. I said I want big fights and I’m going to get big fights. Next year, we’re going to fight big. That’s how I am and I can’t wait. I’ve been training hard, working hard, making sure I knock out opponents, making sure that the weight is on point every time. So, Conor, let’s go. The thing is with Conor, he’s not even fighting in the UFC. So, I don’t even expect him to fight. He’s not even fighting for Dana, so why is he going to come through to Misfits to fight me? It’s just not going to happen. I think when he finally fights for Dana, then maybe we can actually properly talk, but right now, he’s just a waste of time.”