The ongoing promotional and social media war between internet-turned-boxing sensations KSI and Jake Paul has escalated to a new level following a major acquisition in the combat sports world. British YouTube star and entrepreneur KSI has seized the opportunity to remind his rival who holds the promotional cards, using the recent high-profile signing of a veteran mixed martial artist to underscore his point about industry dominance.
The fighter at the center of the latest development is Michael “Venom” Page, a globally recognized veteran of combat sports whose explosive striking style and dynamic personality have made him a fan favorite for years. Page, who made his promotional debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championship in March 2024, officially parted ways with the premier MMA organization in early September following the expiration of his six-fight contract. His departure came on a high note, having secured a decisive victory in his final outing inside the Octagon.
Rather than taking extended time off, the 39-year-old veteran opted to test free agency in a rapidly evolving combat sports landscape. Just a month after leaving the UFC, Page reached a landmark agreement to secure his future in the sport, inking a lucrative multi-year deal with MF Sports, better known as Misfits Boxing—the combat sports promotion founded and spearheaded by KSI. The acquisition serves as a massive coup for the influencer-backed promotional banner, which has consistently sought to bridge the gap between traditional combat sports talent and the burgeoning world of crossover entertainment fighting.
Following the confirmation of Page’s multi-year pact with Misfits Boxing, KSI took to social media to direct a series of sharp jabs squarely at his fierce rival, Jake Paul. Utilizing his Instagram Stories, the British creator and fighter highlighted what he framed as a history of missed opportunities and failed recruitment efforts on the part of Paul and his promotional team.
In a pointed message shared with his millions of followers, KSI called out Paul’s past pursuits, bringing up figures such as professional cruiserweight and trainer Viddal, the newly signed Michael “Venom” Page, and former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. The post pulled no punches, reading: "Tried to get Viddal to your company… Failed. Tried to get MVP to your company… Failed. Tried to beat Anthony Joshua… Failed. @misfitsboxing on top."
The public dig highlights the intense, highly competitive atmosphere surrounding the upper echelon of influencer and crossover boxing. While Paul has routinely attempted to position his own promotional ventures and fight career at the absolute pinnacle of the sport, rival organizations like Misfits continue to secure high-caliber traditional athletes, shifting the narrative regarding which promotional vehicle holds greater appeal for seasoned combatants entering the open market.
The rivalry and cross-promotional callouts have not been limited to the boardroom and social media stories. Jake Paul recently captured headlines by releasing a comprehensive public wishlist of dream opponents he intends to face in the near future. The roster of targeted names featured some of the biggest and most recognizable figures across combat sports, including mixed martial arts megastar Conor McGregor, heavyweight knockout artist Francis Ngannou, pound-for-pound boxing legend Canelo Alvarez, and KSI himself, among others.
The public wishlist quickly drew reactions from across the combat sports community, including surging UFC heavyweight contender Josh Hokit. Seizing the opportunity to insert his name into the high-stakes conversation, Hokit took to social media platform X to issue a wide-ranging callout. The heavyweight standout targeted not only Jake Paul but also elite fighters such as Ciryl Gane, light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, and even British boxing star Anthony Joshua.
In his social media post, Hokit did not hold back his frustrations regarding the matchmaking politics of high-profile athletes, offering specific commentary on why he believes a bout with Jake Paul will never materialize. Pointing to demographic factors and competitive risk, Hokit argued that his physical stature and age present an insurmountable hurdle for Paul’s promotional strategy.
Writing to his followers and tagging the involved fighters, Hokit stated that whether the contest takes place under boxing or mixed martial arts rules, none of the targeted names are truly willing to step into the ring or cage with him. He claimed that he would easily dispatch Paul, noting that because he matches Paul’s exact size and age bracket, the YouTuber-turned-boxer would permanently avoid taking the matchup. Furthermore, Hokit took aim at the broader landscape of heavyweight and crossover matchmaking, dismissing external excuses and asserting that his presence in the division creates an unwelcome challenge for top-tier competitors.
The timing of Hokit’s bold statements adds a layer of competitive intrigue to his athletic career, as the surging heavyweight prepares for the most significant test of his professional journey thus far. Hokit is scheduled to step into the Octagon for a high-stakes championship opportunity, where he will face top-tier contender Ciryl Gane at UFC 334, slated for November 14 later this year. As the combat sports calendar moves forward, the intersection of traditional MMA excellence, crossover boxing promotions, and social media rivalry continues to command the attention of fans and fighters alike.
