YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul plans on making his long-promised MMA debut in the near future. Paul has signed with MMA promotion PFL, confirming the move in a recent interview with the New York Times.
“This is about changing MMA, disrupting, innovating, and creating the next big league. I’ve already disrupted boxing, and now it’s time to disrupt MMA. I know this is such a tough sport, and it’s not going to be easy, but if I could do it in boxing, I could do it in MMA.”
Jake Paul To Make MMA Debut After Signing with PFL
The PFl operates differently from other MMA promotions, with a league-and-playoff format. There are six weight classes, with fighters competing twice in the regular season, attaining points for victories and methods thereof. The four fighters in each weight class with the most points can advance to the playoffs, and the winner of the single-elimination playoffs is declared champion, with a $1 million payout.
Although Paul plans on fighting under the PFL banner, his official title with the organization is “Head of Fighter Advocacy”.
Paul has been one of the most vocal critics of the UFC’s business practises, particularly the share of revenues afforded to the promotion’s roster of fighters. Paul is also attempting to lure former UFC superstar Nate Diaz over to PFL for a massive superfight.
“I would beat Nate Diaz up in a MMA fight. There’s nothing he could do. To me, I’ve always felt like I’ve jumped in the deep end, even in boxing, maybe besides, like, Ben Askren.”
Considering the issues he might face transitioning into a new sport, Paul openly discussed the recent additions to his fight game.
“The biggest thing for me would be getting the kicks down. But I’m going to start now, moving forward with some extra time I have within this camp. I’m going to put in some extra time, rolling around doing some jiu jitsu and learning some kicks.”
Traditionally, strikers have struggled to add grappling to their repertoire more than grapplers have with striking. In fact, modern MMA typically relies on seamless blending of a ground game with striking, with the most dominant fighters like Kamaru Usman, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Khamzat Chimaev typically boasting elite wrestling. Although Jake Paul’s brother Logan has some wrestling experience, it’s likely that Jake Paul will need to get plenty of mat hours in if he wants to be a serious competitor in mixed martial arts.
How do you think Jake Paul will do at PFL? Let us know in the comments.
