Logan Paul Shares Secret To His Success
Welcome to The Weekly Takedown, Sports Illustrated’s in-depth look at MMA. Every week, this column offers insight and information on the most noteworthy stories in the fight world.
Logan Paul on Floyd Mayweather fight: “The Floyd fight proved to me who I thought I was”
Logan Paul returns to the boxing ring on October 14, where he will prove–once again–that he is a star at practically whatever he does.
The podcaster/YouTuber/WWE superstar/boxer has found success in multiple realms, and he shared the secret to his success.
“It’s a combination of self-belief with a little bit of delusion,” said Paul. “At first, I thought I was crazy. Eventually, that belief, it’s become reality. And I believe it–fully. That was the only way it could come true.
“With WWE and boxing, and really everything I’m doing, I’m very fortunate to have found something I like and that I’m good at. And I’m only warming up.”
A critical part of that confidence was built in June of 2021. Paul lasted eight rounds in a boxing exhibition against Floyd Mayweather, going the distance with one of the greatest to ever step into a boxing ring. Though that fight lacked action, Paul was able to stand and strike with Mayweather.
“In a weird way, the Floyd fight proved to me who I thought I was,” said Mayweather. “The biggest thing that surviving and thriving against Floyd Mayweather did for me was boost my confidence in a way that was so unfamiliar to me at the time. Think about it. People kind of knew me, but then I went toe-to-toe with the greatest boxer alive. So people had to respect that.
“Ever since then, so many doors have opened. Prime started. I got invited to join the WWE. The confidence that fight gave me made me turn into the man I always thought I would be.”
Courtesy Logan Paul
Paul, 28, is eager for his next boxing match. He is the co-main event on The Judgment Day card October 14, headlined by KSI against Tommy Fury. Paul’s opponent is Dillon Danis, an MMA fighter seeking to establish himself in boxing. Danis has capitalized on the interest surrounding the fight by tormenting Paul on social media with pictures of Paul’s fiancée Nina Agdal.
Danis has been relentless in his social media attack. It led to Agdal filing a federal lawsuit, alleging Danis broke revenge pornography laws by posting an explicit photo of her without consent.
“It’s the reason we chose Dillon in the first place: we knew he was an excellent troll,” said Paul. “We knew he could ruffle some feathers–people would want to see him get knocked out or me get knocked out. Either way, the fans would win. But he took it to a level where it didn’t need to be. People ask me, ‘Did he cross a line?’ Cross a line? He broke the law. There is a difference between crossing the line and committing a federal crime.
“Actions have consequences. I keep saying it. He’s going to suffer inside the ring with me. I’m going to make it painful and embarrassing. When that’s done, he’s going to suffer for the decisions he made. Again, actions have consequences. He’s going to suffer for all his actions.”
Despite the vitriol between the two, Paul says he needs no extra motivation to win this fight.
“I couldn’t care less about Dillon Danis,” said Paul. “Whoever is across from me is going to get knocked out. I am a superstar, and you don’t reach that status by half-assing anything. I train hard no matter who my opponent is. I prepare for every event very thoroughly, and I visualize every outcome and strive for the best one.
“I’m giving my all no matter who is across from me.”
Alexander Volkanovski adds tension to the life of Denver Nuggets fans
Alexander Volkanovski engaged in a fun challenge with reigning NBA champion Jamal Murray, attempting to submit him in under 60 seconds.
Volkanovski did not even break a sweat in his pursuit, and he made full use of Murray’s 6’4” frame. There was clearly a shared respect between the two men, but you’ll have to forgive Nuggets fans for holding their breath until they were sure that Murray walked away unscathed.
The Pick ‘Em Section
ONE Fight Night 14 interim women’s atomweight title bout: Stamp Fairtex vs. Ham Seo-hee
Pick: Stamp Fairtex
ONE Fight Night 14 women’s strawweight Muay Thai title bout: Smilla Sundell vs. Allycia Rodrigues
Pick: Allycia Rodrigues
ONE Fight Night 14 women's atomweight submission grappling title: Danielle Kelly vs. Jessa Khan
Pick: Jessa Khan
ONE Fight Night 14 women’s catchweight special rules striking bout: Xiong Jing Nan vs. Wondergirl Jaroonsak
Pick: Xiong Jing Nan
ONE Fight Night 14 bantamweight bout: John Lineker vs. Stephen Loman
Pick: John Lineker
Last week: 5-1
2023 record: 109-63
