Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has made it clear: he's not interested in stepping into a boxing ring with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, no matter how big the paycheck is. Paul became more controversial when he beat Mike Tyson last year.

With uncertainty surrounding Jake Paul's bout with Gervonta Davis, Ngannou briefly emerged as a potential replacement opponent. But according to the knockout artist himself, that idea didn't even make it past the first conversation.

Ngannou Turns Down Jake Paul's Offer Instantly

Francis Ngannou Breaks Down After Emotional Return to the Cage, Opens Up About Tragic Loss of His Son
Francis Ngannou appears ferocious inside the ring, but he still has a soft spot in his heart especially with the tragedy involving his son Kobe's loss. Richard Pelham/Getty Images

Ngannou told TMZ Sports exclusively that Paul's promotion team, Most Valuable Promotions, reached out after some legal issues put Gervonta "Tank" Davis' fight in jeopardy. However, the 39-year-old fighter didn't entertain the offer.

"I'm like, 'No bro, come on. Don't disrespect me like that."

While MVP reportedly asked if Ngannou might reconsider for the right price, he stood firm, stating that he was not interested in fighting Paul, as it made no sense to him.

A Fight That Never Made Sense

Ngannou's declination is not an issue of pride but of logic. The size and experience difference between him and Jake Paul makes the match very unrealistic. Ngannou stands 6'5" and weighs in the vicinity of 260 pounds, a world-class heavyweight with a background in both mixed martial arts and professional boxing.

While Francis Ngannou competes in major weight classes, Jake Paul fights in much lower ones, and potential opponent Gervonta Davis competes at 135 pounds, which is a significant difference of 125 pounds. A Paul vs. Ngannou fight would have been physically mismatched and, to Ngannou, pointless.

Ngannou Still Focused on Real Competitors

Since parting ways with the UFC, Ngannou has been carving his path into professional boxing, facing off against elite competition in the likes of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, focusing on the pursuit of legitimate, legacy-defining fights rather than spectacle matchups.

While Jake Paul's career has been built on crossover bouts to continue his boxing brand, Ngannou's career arc is rooted in real combat sports legitimacy. The Cameroonian fighter shows that he's valuing his time and energy for "better" things.

Paul's pro boxing resume is something not to be underestimated either. He won over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. five months ago.