
Jake Paul has already defeated two former UFC champions. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/jakepaul
Jake Paul is getting closer and closer to taking a break from the ring and testing his skills inside the cage. In January 2023, the YouTuber signed an exclusive contract to compete in MMA under the PFL banner. Although it has been two years since the announcement, the 'problem boy' has yet to debut for the organization. Donn Davis believes that, this year, we will see the former Disney boy in mixed martial arts.
In an interview with 'MMA Fighting's 'Town Hall' program, the PFL chief acknowledged that Jake Paul is focused on his successful boxing career, which has postponed his MMA debut. Despite this, he assured that the YouTuber's MMA debut will happen, possibly in the fall of this year, but not before that, due to the fighter's commitments to the noble art.
“I spoke to Nakisa Bidarian an hour ago. Two things are happening: Jake is super successful in boxing. Whether you love Jake or hate him, we can all agree that this guy dominates when it comes to generating attention, revenue and viewership with his boxing career. It’s more successful now than it was when we signed him. On the boxing side, that success has delayed MMA because he’s making a name for himself in boxing. So, will MMA happen with the PFL? Yes, it will. Has it been delayed? Yes, it has. My guess is fall of this year, but I don’t think it will be before then. He’s got a lot going on in boxing,” Davis explained.
Although he has not yet tested himself in MMA, Jake Paul is undefeated against former UFC fighters. The YouTuber has beaten names like Anderson Silva, Nate diaz, Tyron woodley, Ben Askren and Mike Perry.
Paul's most recent appearance in the ring was last November, when he faced boxing icon Mike Tyson on a discussion panel highly debated in the heavyweight division. On that occasion, he secured a unanimous decision victory against his opponent, 31 years his senior.
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