It has been over two years since Jake Paul signed with the PFL, intending to become an ambassador and eventually compete in MMA for the organization.
Despite continuous hints about his interest in MMA, Jake Paul, now 28, appears more dedicated to boxing. His recent high-profile boxing match in 2024 against Mike Tyson on Netflix drew massive viewership. Paul has recently targeted boxing figures like Anthony Joshua and reignited his rivalry with Tommy Fury, the only boxer to defeat him. Talk of his MMA debut, however, has significantly decreased.
PFL expert Dan Hardy initially suggested a Paul versus Nate Diaz fight as an ideal MMA introduction for the former internet personality. Now, Hardy is less optimistic about “The Problem Child,” also known as “El Gallo,” entering MMA.
“Will we ever see him in MMA? I doubt it,” Hardy stated to MMA Fighting. “I think his focus is firmly on boxing.”
“Switching to mixed martial arts is a significant undertaking, and he won`t face unknown opponents. To draw viewers, he needs to fight recognizable names. Even seasoned MMA veterans, in my opinion, could pose a challenge for Jake Paul.”
Early in his professional boxing career, Paul gained notoriety by defeating MMA fighters transitioning to boxing, including Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva, Nate Diaz, and Mike Perry.
To transition to MMA, Paul would almost certainly need to pause his boxing career for several months or longer to adequately train in the necessary MMA skills for a promotion like the PFL.
Furthermore, Paul was close to securing a boxing match with multi-division champion Canelo Alvarez. However, the opportunity diminished when Alvarez signed a deal to fight for Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia.
In essence, Jake Paul is currently prioritizing major boxing opportunities.
“I don`t see him making any moves towards MMA, at least from my perspective,” Hardy commented. “He recently called out Anthony Joshua, didn`t he? He is certainly adding excitement to the combat sports world.”
“He is undoubtedly a disruptor and benefits the PFL in that role.”
