Getty Image / Christian Petersen
Many have been anticipating what Jake Paul might do next in the fight game. Especially after defeating Anderson Silva in a boxing match.
Well, it sounds like the YouTuber-turned-fighter is taking his talents to MMA. However, he’s not joining the UFC.
According to The New York Times, Jake Paul is officially signing a multiyear deal with the Professional Fighters League. He will be competing in a new division called “Super Fight” and will face MMA fighters in PPV events. On top of that, Paul is becoming an equity share owner of the PFL. His role will be “Head of Fighter Advocacy,” per Front Office Sports.
Jake Paul has signed a multi-year contract with the Professional Fighters League to compete in a new division — Super Fight — with events on PPV.
Paul now owns an equity share of the PFL, per @nytimes, and his official role is “Head of Fighter Advocacy.” pic.twitter.com/8qULIBpZ4t
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) January 5, 2023
To make things even more interesting, Jake Paul already has an opponent in mind to help him make his MMA debut. According to The MMA Media, Paul has made a two-fight offer to UFC fan favorite Nate Diaz. First, he wants to take on Diaz in the boxing ring, then six months later, have a rematch in the cage. Of course, the MMA fight would take place in the PFL.
🚨| Jake Paul has revealed that he has made a two-fight offer to Nate Diaz for a boxing match and an MMA rematch six months later with the PFL. pic.twitter.com/fqArrKRzs2
— The MMA Media (@The_MMA_Media) January 5, 2023
This is massive news for the PFL. This is a fighting organization that quickly grew in popularity through 2022. Now, they’re coming out swinging in the new year after signing Jake Paul. If they can land Nate Diaz, then this league could seriously start giving the UFC a run for its money.
On top of that, Jake Paul has been one of the most vocal critiques of Dana White as he’s called out the UFC President over the organization’s pay distribution to its fighters. With the PFL having Paul take over as the Head of Fighter Advocacy, perhaps he can make some changes to how fighters get paid.
Keep a close eye on Nate Diaz right now though. He has yet to respond to Paul’s fight offer. Even so, we should hopefully hear his response in the coming days.