Stephen A. Smith supports the idea of Conor McGregor boxing Logan Paul over returning to the UFC, believing McGregor would lose either way due to his lack of readiness and Logan’s size and experience advantage.
Stephen A. Smith is all for Conor McGregor boxing Logan Paul instead of making a UFC comeback. Oddly enough, he thinks McGregor would lose either way.
On Tuesday, McGregor mentioned accepting an exhibition match with Logan Paul in India. After that, he plans to focus on returning to the octagon. But hold up—nothing’s official yet about McGregor’s claims. Still, it was enough to get reactions from UFC’s broadcast partner.
Smith, a prominent figure at the network, supports McGregor boxing the WWE star mainly because it wouldn’t be a full-blown MMA battle.
"I don’t think he’s ready for the UFC again," Smith shared on ESPN’s First Take. "He’d get his ass kicked thoroughly." Fighters at that level are serious business, not just about bulking up and looking good. These guys are ready to rumble!
Michael Chandler has been eager to fight McGregor for ages. He knows it’d be a blockbuster event. Yet, it’s still just a dream match—McGregor hasn’t tasted victory much lately. Sure, he beat Donald Cerrone, but even Smith noted Cerrone seemed lost that night. That win? His only one in seven years!
Smith sees the potential McGregor vs. Paul fight as pure entertainment. While Paul has some boxing skills, he’s not as dedicated as his brother Jake Paul.
If this showdown happens, Smith is backing Paul as the favorite for a bunch of reasons.
“I think Logan Paul will beat him,” Smith said candidly. “Conor’s more of a striker than a boxer… You’re not just gonna clip Logan Paul like that.”
Logan Paul is bigger and more experienced in boxing than McGregor, according to Smith. Those bulky muscles of McGregor’s might slow him down. Remember when Conor had that lightning speed? Not gonna work in the ring!