Who Will Jake Paul Fight Next? Odds, Theories & a Potential Turning Point in His Career

Jake Paul has spent the last few years crafting one of the most polarizing and lucrative boxing careers in modern combat sports, doing so while dancing the line between spectacle and legitimacy. The latest betting odds for his next opponent offer some familiar names, some eyebrow-raising longshots, and perhaps a few clues into how “The Problem Child” might evolve his brand in 2025.

Top Contenders to Fight Jake Paul Next

Here are the favorites to square off against Paul in his next sanctioned boxing or MMA bout, per the July 31 market deadline:

The Jake Paul Formula (So Far)

Jake Paul’s matchmaking strategy has followed a recognizable arc:

• Name over prime: He’s often fought opponents with strong name recognition but limited current combat relevance (e.g., Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva).
• Winnable yet credible: He rarely chooses fighters who are active top-tier contenders, ensuring that while the bouts are marketable, the risk remains calculated.
• Boxing rules only: Paul has avoided MMA rule sets despite dabbling with MMA training, keeping the physicality within his preferred boundaries.

So far, the formula has worked — his brand thrives whether he wins or loses. But fans are beginning to see through the rinse-repeat cycle of facing faded legends or undersized opponents.

Could He Flip the Script?

There’s a some buzz that Jake Paul might be ready to reframe his legacy by taking a real risk. Here’s why:

• He’s plateauing as a villain: The novelty of knocking out ex-MMA guys has worn thin. His last few fights generated less viral buzz than his early appearances. He is focusing on creating a real brand within the boxing community rather than clicks.
• He’s said he wants a title run: Paul has flirted with becoming a legitimate title contender. That requires better opponents.
• Losing might help him win: Ironically, a close loss or a real underdog narrative could rejuvenate interest in his fights. The comeback story would no doubt be a marketing tactic he would consider.

Who Fits That Bill?

• Tommy Fury (+400): A rematch could be framed as a redemption arc. Fury beat Paul in 2023, but barely.
• Badou Jack (+400): A legitimate boxer and former champ — this would be Paul’s toughest test yet.
• Gilberto Ramirez (+500): Active, dangerous, and would flip the odds heavily against Jake.
• Gervonta Davis (+1200): Unlikely due to weight classes, but a mega-event if it happened.

On the other hand:

• Nate Diaz (+600) and Jorge Masvidal (+800) would just be more of the same — flashy names, minimal challenge in a boxing ring.
• Conor McGregor (+2500) is always a wildcard, but odds suggest he’s far from likely.

Hot Take: Jake Paul Might Finally Want to Be the Underdog

Paul may understand that his brand is most interesting when he's fighting uphill. The viral potential of “Jake Paul pulls off the upset” is far more valuable than “Jake Paul beats another retired wrestler.”

If he wants to go mainstream, he may need to pivot from “YouTube boxer” to “true competitor,” even if that means risking a loss.

Jake Paul’s next opponent could either be another notch on his novelty belt or a statement of intent. The odds market suggests he’s circling known names again, but don’t rule out a dramatic pivot. With rising chatter around legitimacy and growing fan fatigue, it might finally be time for Jake to go from matchmaker to risk-taker.