Jake Paul Makes the Jump to MMA With PFL Deal

Paul was last seen in the boxing ring in October of 2022, defeating legendary MMA fighter Anderson Silva by decision. It was the 47-year-old’s fifth boxing fight.

Jake Paul has faced multiple former MMA fighters as well, such as the aforementioned Silva, Tyron Woodley (twice), and Ben Askren. Paul has been linked to a lot of other MMA fighters such as Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, Nate Diaz, etc. so it comes as no surprise that Paul is making the jump to MMA in some capacity. Although Paul has no opponent as of this moment, he dropped plenty of details and information in the video released by PFL today.

The Problem Child Plans to Disrupt MMA

The details on the blockbuster move for the PFL, started with Paul confirming the news, “That’s right ladies and gentlemen, you read the tile correctly, I’ve officially signed as an MMA fighter to the fastest growing sports league in the world, the PFL baby!” Paul declared.

Paul went on to explain the details of his new endeavor, “not only am I an MMA fighter now but I’m also a co-founder of the ‘new’ PFL PPV Super Fights division.” Paul went on to explain that along with the big bosses, Chairman-Donn Davis, CEO-Peter Murray, Nakisa Bidarian and Paul himself came together to launch the division.

Paul explained the division further, “I will be the head of fighter advocacy, and as the head I’m going to use my platform to market PFL fighters and introduce them to my fans worldwide.”

Paul then cited his recent remarks on fighter pay and called back to his advocacy for fighter pay, stating “as you guys know, I’ve been trying to increase fighter pay worldwide and with the launch of this ‘new’ PFL Super Fight Division, our fighters will be receiving 50% of the revenue.”

Jake Paul Takes More Liberties with Dana White and the UFC

Paul then aimed his sights at Dana White and the UFC, “A true 50/50 partnership with fighters, that still allows them to be individuals and even monetize their own sponsorship deals.” Paul continued “which as we know isn’t allowed in the UFC, you have to do what your told, wear what your told and promote what your told.”

Paul spoke on the difficulties of MMA, “I know this is such a tough sport and it’s not going to be easy but if I can do it in boxing, I can do it in MMA.” Paul has no opponent currently for his MMA debut, but he does have something in mind. “I’m so dedicated to this that I offered Nate Diaz a two-fight deal. First, we box and then six months later we fight MMA in the PFL smart cage and lay it all on the line. If that’s not balls, then I don’t know what is.” Touché, Paul, touché.

Paul continued to target Diaz, saying “Nate Diaz, I’m down to fight you in your own damn sport. It’s a two-fight deal, let’s make it happen.”

Paul Explains His Love of the PFL Format

“I love the PFL and everything they stand for. They are the only MMA organization with an in-season sports format. So, let me explain, just like the NFL or the NBA, PFL has a regular season, playoffs and then the championship each year, so if you keep on winning, you keep on advancing. This means the best fighters fight the best fighters every single year, which is better for you. I’m bringing you the best fights!” Paul declared.

Jake Paul then went on to state his problem with the sport of boxing that many others seem to sympathize with. “That’s a big problem in the sport of boxing, is everyone is afraid to just make it happen and fight each other and lay it all on the line and in the PFL-fighters got to go against each other.”

Paul said along with himself joining the PFL, his advisor-Nakisa Bidarian is joining as a co-founder of the PFL Super Fights Division. “I’m appointing him the head of making everyone money. Our goal is simple and that’s to make PFL the biggest MMA organization in the world, all whilst making it the best place for fighters to have a home.”

Jake Paul finished his detailed video with calling out White, the UFC and the rest of the MMA world, “This partnership is going to change the way that MMA operates forever. Stay tuned for what’s to come, follow PFL on all social media and we’re about to change the f***ing game, baby, Dana, Dana, Dana?” See full video below.

It is also worth noting that if plans with Diaz fall through, a potential former UFC champ and current PFL fighter has already dropped his name in the hat for Paul’s MMA debut.

Anthony “Showtime” Pettis tweeted, “Welcome to the PFL, Jake Paul. More than happy to welcome you to MMA’s league if Nate isn’t available.”

Featured Image Credit: Getty Images