Jake Paul signs with PFL, challenges Nate Diaz to 2-bout match

Jake Paul exits the ring after winning a unanimous decision against Brazil’s Anderson Silva in a cruiserweight bout at the Desert Diamond Arena on October 29, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. Christian Petersen/Getty Images/AFP

Jake Paul is entering the mixed martial arts scene, signing a multi-fight, multi-year contract with the Professional Fighters League on Thursday.

Financial terms were not disclosed for Paul, but ESPN reported that the deal is the first of the PFL’s newly developed “Super Fight Pay-per-view Division.”

But Paul did not stop there. Social media influencer-turned-professional boxer targeted free-agent fighter Nate Diaz for a potential two-fight clash – the first being a boxing match, the second being an MMA fight in the PFL.

“I’ve been messing with boxing, and now it’s time to mess with MMA,” Paul said in a video posted on his YouTube channel. “I know it’s 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.

.” .. I’m so dedicated to this, I offered Nate Diaz a two-fight deal. First, we box. Then six months later we fight MMA in the PFL smart cage and lay everything on the line. If not (guts), then I don’t know what is. Nate Diaz, I’m going to fight you in your sport. It’s a two-war deal. Let’s make it happen.”

Paul, 25, has a record of 6-0 with four losses as a professional boxer. He defeated former UFC champion Tyron Woodley in 2021 and delivered a decision win over former UFC middleweight star Anderson Silva.

PFL chairman and co-founder Donn Davis told ESPN that it could take Paul a full calendar year to make his MMA debut.

“I think what makes Jake interesting to the fans is that he works hard and doesn’t underestimate what it takes,” Davis said. “He knows he’s not ready (for his MMA debut) right now, but he’s starting to train. I think it’s about a year from now, so early 2024, where you’ll see him fight his first opponent. But the type of opponent he’s thinking about will shock the world about status and brand name.

Paul also received the role of head of fighter advocacy in the PFL, which will allow him to promote the series of athletes and help in recruitment.

“As the head of fighter advocacy, I will continue to promote PFL fighters and I call on all top MMA fighters, men and women, to join the PFL and get paid like never before.” Paul said.

Field Level Media

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