Jake Paul may finally make his MMA debut in the near future.
In an interview with Sportskeeda, PFL CEO Peter Murray says that the YouTube star will be stepping into the SmartCage sometime next year. Of course, it will be after his controversial boxing match with aging legend Mike Tyson.
Related: Jake Paul next fight: ‘Problem Child’ is back in November to face ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson
“Obviously, Jake is finishing up boxing this year, with this massive fight against Mike Tyson. Then a lot of planning is going into Jake Paul’s [PFL] debut in 2025 and we’ll be sharing those details after Jake gets in the ring with Mike Tyson and we lay out our schedule for Super Fights next year.”
This coming January will mark two years since Jake Paul signed with PFL. The 27-year-old inked his deal as part of the promotion’s PPV Super Fight Division.
“I’ve proven myself in and out of the boxing ring,” he said after announcing the deal. Since then he has stepped in the ring five times with four victories.
Who Will Jake Paul Fight in PFL Debut?
Jake Paul has received criticism throughout most of his 11-fight boxing career for his choice of opponents. Beginning with a fellow social media celebrity, the Most Valuable Promotions founder has faced former MMA fighters, a retired basketball player, and a pair of unheralded journeymen.
Also Read: Jake Paul Dons Hilarious Disguise to Sneak into UFC 306 To Watch Pal Sean O’Malley Fight
A match up with a medically compromised 58-year-old has not silenced any of his detractors. According to Murray, Paul is planning on changing that trend when he puts on the four-ounce gloves.
“Jake is committed to fighting a very very credible, well-rounded MMA fighter and [that’s] not easy to do. [It’s] not easy to cross over from boxing into MMA. You know, the crossover from MMA or other disciplines into boxing is a lot easier.”
One volunteer is not well-rounded but does have a promotable history with “The Problem Child.” Tommy Fury, the lone person to get his hand raised against Paul, has promised to do the same in MMA.
“I’ll beat him in boxing and in the cage. Big useless prick,” he said in a recent YouTube video while training with UFC heavyweight belt holder Tom Aspinall. However, he believes he’ll need up to two years to “get good at MMA” and “smash his face in.”
In February, ESPN reported that an offer was extended to create a trilogy of the pair. It included a boxing rematch and an MMA fight with Fury guaranteed $15 million to $20 million.
Paul will meet Mike Tyson at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Nov 15. The bout will serve as the main event and air exclusively on Netflix.
Also Read: Sean O’Malley Makes Head Scratching Claim About UFC 306 Loss
