Jake Paul is making the move to MMA.
The New York Times' Kris Rhim was the first to report the news that Paul has signed a multi-year deal with the PFL. The promotion confirmed the signing themselves shortly after via the following tweet, with Paul himself revealing the news in a video statement.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered. Welcome to the Professional Fighters League @jakepaul pic.twitter.com/pgMDUprK6S
— PFL (@PFLMMA) January 5, 2023
Paul's deal includes him taking on a Head of Fighter Advocacy role with the company, and spearheading a new "Pay-Per-View Super Fight Division" which will be separate from the PFL's regular-season roster. Fighters that compete in this Super Fight division, will get at least a 50% revenue share with the promotion. Both Paul and his business partner, former UFC CFO, Nakisa Bidarian, also now own equity in the organization as well.
Paul additionally revealed that he's offered former UFC star, Nate Diaz, a two-fight deal where the pair would first meet in a boxing match and then six months later compete in an MMA bout in the PFL. However, PFL chairman Donn Davis told ESPN the following about when we can expect Paul to make his MMA debut, which might not come until 2024.
"I think what's made Jake interesting to fans is that he works hard and he 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 going to be about one year from now, so early 2024, where you'll see him take on his first opponent. But the kind of opponents he is thinking of will shock the world in terms of their status and name brand."
------------------: a person or thing that interrupts an event, activity, or process by causing a disturbance or problem. pic.twitter.com/ZxiQT5PxHb
— PFL (@PFLMMA) January 5, 2023
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