Jake Paul would 'get barbecued' in a MMA fight against Conor McGregor if the two ever locked horns in the Octagon, claims UFC star Anthony Smith.

The Problem Child, 25, has publicly called out the Irish MMA superstar several times over the past couple of years alone.

YouTuber-turned-prizefighting star Paul is confident that he can knock out the Notorious 'in boxing or MMA'.

But former UFC light heavyweight title challenger Smith, 33, doesn't think he would stand much of a chance despite the obvious difference in size.

Speaking to MMA Fighting, the 33-year-old said: “First of all, Conor’s half his size right now.

“People do miss that. Jake’s a big dude and he’s fighting short, stocky, wrestler welterweights. Jake Paul’s my size.

"He’s a big goddamn dude. He’s way north of 200 pounds. Him fighting Conor in a boxing match, that would probably be a pretty good fight, to be honest with you.

"But is he going to knock him out in an MMA fight? No. Not when Conor gets kicking - he’s going to kick Jake Paul’s head right off his shoulders.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 10: Conor McGregor of Ireland walks through the arena before his lightweight bought against Dustin Poirier during UFC 264: Poirier v McGregor 3 at T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

“People say that Jake can wrestle a little bit so [he] might be able to keep it a little bit competitive for a minute or so.

"But no, in an MMA fight, he’s going to get barbecued.”

Having said all that however, Smith also admitted that he does have a bit of a soft spot for Paul as well.

He added: “I’ve come around on Jake a little bit, too, to be honest with you.

“I still think he’s kind of a douchebag, but it’s OK to be a douchebag.

"He’s not my type of dude. I’m not sure he and I could hang out and be friends.

"If he’s truly out here trying to help people and get pay up - and it seems like he’s going into his own pocket to help people on his own shows and stuff - I have a hard time knocking that.

“I’ve always said, I don’t have any problem with him making money. If you can get it, get it. I think everyone has the right to compete if they want to.

"I’ve always stuck up for him and said that he has the right to compete. He has a right to be here. He has a place at the table.”

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