Conor McGregor has hit back at Jake Paul, branding him a ‘Jacka**’, after the YouTuber claimed he could knock out the former UFC champion.

On his Twitter, McGregor shared a video of himself hitting the pads, and appearing to be moving well after suffering a gruesome leg injury last July during his bout with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.

But his recovery has not impressed Jake Paul, who was critical of McGregor’s technique, and claimed he could easily best the Irishman – whether in an Octagon or boxing ring.

The Ohio native said: “This is embarrassing. Your chin is wide open with no head movement for the PRBLM CHILD right hand of God.”

He continued, adding: “I would KO Conor in boxing or MMA”.

McGregor has since posted a response, in which he playfully throws a few jabs and calls Paul a ‘jacka**’, despite having ignored the latter’s criticisms in the past.

Although it seems unlikely for the time being that a fight between the two could come to fruition, a bout could be on the cards in the future.

McGregor’s last win in the UFC came against Donald Cerrone in January 2020, more than two years ago, and the fighter could soon eye a UFC exit, making the prospect of a matchup with the hot-headed Paul an exciting one.

However, he is not expected to make his return to the UFC until the summer and has two fights remaining on his contract. He has also demanded a lightweight title shot upon his return.

Although he has not tasted victory at lightweight since 2016, becoming a UFC champion again would surely entice McGregor to extend his contract with the UFC, delaying any fight with Paul beyond 2023.

The Irishman has currently made only one appearance in the squared circle, losing to Floyd Mayweather.

Jake Paul, meanwhile, has an undefeated boxing record of 5-0, and his resume already includes three wins against UFC fighters – one over Ben Askren, a former Bellator welterweight champion, and a further two over Tyron Woodley, a UFC champion in the same weight class.

Paul has been criticised himself for fighting inexperienced boxers and wrestlers and was set to fight Tommy Fury back in December before it was called off due to Fury’s medical issues.

But unlike Woodley and Askren, McGregor is known for his boxing heavy fighting style, and could make for a much fairer matchup.

Paul has also challenged Jorge Masvidal, a UFC fighter with a similar fighting technique, claiming that both are ‘over the hill.’

In the meantime, Paul is also eyeing the summer as a return to boxing and is expected to reschedule his fight with Fury.