Jake Paul (blue gloves) Alex Gould/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Jake Paul to make cage fighting debut in 2023 after purchasing shares of PFL MMA

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Jason Burgos | Last updated 1/5/23

Not only is Jake Paul set to compete in mixed martial arts in the near future, but the combat sports lightning rod has also purchased ownership shares in the home for his future MMA bouts, the Professional Fighters League.

On Thursday morning, the New York Times broke the news that Jake Paul had purchased an equity share of PFL MMA. However, the 6-0 boxer will not just serve as a promoter and financier for the MMA promotion. He will also compete for the company as a part of their new pay-per-view Superfight division.

In a video posted to his and the PFL’s social media accounts, the 25-year-old revealed details of his new agreement with the PFL, and that fighters on future Superfight PPV’s will earn 50% of the revenue from those cards.

“I’ve already disrupted boxing and now it’s time to disrupt MMA. I know this is such a tough sport and it’s not going to be easy, but if I could do it in boxing I can do it in MMA. I’m so dedicated to this that I offered Nate Diaz a two-fight deal. First, we box, then six months later we fight MMA the PFL smart cage.”
– Jake Paul

What Jake Paul’s signing means for Professional Fighters League

Landing Jake Paul is a massive coup for the Professional Fighters League. While “Problem Child” certainly has his detractors, there is no denying the sizable audience he brings with him, and his impressive ability to promote himself and the fighters he represents.

Paul has been able to drive a lot of attention to his own bouts in recent years, however, he has also shown the ability to promote fights for fighters under his MVP fight promotion banner. Which included landing a Madison Square Garden main event spot for Amanda Serrano.

The PFL has had trouble making a serious dent in the MMA side of combat sports. The promotion currently broadcasts events on ESPN+, however, they are often overshadowed by industry powerhouse the UFC also airing their events on the streaming service.

While there is no guarantee Jake Paul will be able to make the PFL a major competitior to the UFC, he can surely bring an audience the promotion has never had before, and put a greater spotlight on the brand by way of his massive social media reach.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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