Jake Paul to fight in MMA in 2023 as he signs multi-year deal with UFC rival PFL to create new division and calls out Nate Diaz
Jake Paul intends to make his MMA debut in 2023 as he has signed a multi-year deal with PFL (Professional Fighters League).
The 6-0 (4 KOs) YouTuber-turned-boxer has made waves in the combat sports world over the past few years, with his next move coming as a major surprise to many.
Jake has confirmed to the New York Times that he's now signed with PFL - a rival MMA promotional company to Dana White's UFC.
The 25-year-old and his business partner Nakisa Bidarian now own an equity share of PFL and are starting a new 'Super Fight' division, which Jake will compete in.
The purpose of this division is to stage PPV events for fighters who are already big names and 'can instantly draw paying customers', rather than those chasing traditional titles.
Jake's official title within the organisation will be 'head of fighter advocacy' as he continues his campaign for better fighter pay within MMA.
The American has been hugely critical of the way in which Dana pays fighters in the UFC and so intends to set a different precedent with the 'Super Fight' division in PFL.
"This is about changing MMA, disrupting, innovating, and creating the next big league," Jake said.
Jake plans to have one boxing match and one MMA fight in 2023.
He has even proposed that both could be against former UFC star - now free agent - Nate Diaz in a stunning two-fight deal.
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His proposal is for them to meet in boxing first and then clash in the PFL 'Super Fight' division in MMA four to six months later.
"I would beat Nate Diaz up in a MMA fight,” Jake said, “There’s nothing he could do...
“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 jujitsu and learning some kicks.”
PFL co-founder and chairman Donn Davis reacted to the partnership by adding: “You’re not a prisoner anymore to UFC.
"You can now choose UFC or PFL, but what makes PFL different is we’re coming out with a true economic partnership for fighters.”