Jake Paul hoping for Francis Ngannou to join PFL

Jake Paul recently announced that he has signed a multi-year contract with the PFL. The former YouTube star has wasted no time in attempting to attract talent to the promotion, as he revealed that he is recruiting former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered. Welcome to the Professional Fighters League @jakepaul https://t.co/pgMDUprK6S

Speaking to Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, the social media personality was asked if he believes he will be able to convince the mixed martial arts free agent to join the promotion, stating:

"Hopefully. I think that's the best thing for him, honestly. I don't think there's a better place for him than the PFL. Working with those guys, working with my team, there's massive things that we could do. We've been in talks and he knows what we have to offer and we'll respect him and appreciate him no matter what, but we're here and ready to work."

While the PFL, and likely every mixed martial arts promotion, would love to add a fighter of Francis Ngannou's caliber, 'The Predator' seems determined for his next fight to take place in the sport of boxing. The former UFC heavyweight champion reportedly turned down $8 million to remain with the promotion, becoming the first reigning champion to leave since B.J. Penn in 2004. He stands to receive what should be the biggest payday of his career if he does land a cross-over boxing match.

Watch Jake Paul's comments on recruiting Francis Ngannou below:

Jake Paul says he's been in talks with Francis Ngannou about joining the PFL 👀 #TheMMAHour

“I don’t think there’s a better place for him than the PFL."

▶️ youtube.com/watch?v=R3WmT0… https://t.co/UIp9Sm5p0a

Jake Paul looking to face Nate Diaz next

Jake Paul has exchanged words with mixed martial arts free agent Nate Diaz for several months, as he has teased a two-fight contract where they clash in both boxing and mixed martial arts.

During his recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, the social media personality revealed that he is hoping that the former UFC lightweight title challenger will be his next opponent, stating:

"I think they're ready. I'm getting through Sunday and we're going to line that one up, ASAP... I think that's next. I think that's what the fans want, and that's who I want. There's been a lot of talk back and forth, we've said our stuff, but it's time to get down to business... Probably like mid-year - maybe summer, sometime in summer... I want to do the one fight boxing, one fight MMA, but I'm not sure if Nate's team is fully aligned on that yet."

Diaz has not shared his plans since his UFC contract expired following UFC 279 in September. Paul will face Tommy Fury, the younger brother of WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury, this weekend, however, he already has his eyes set on his next opponent.

Watch Jake Paul's comments on facing Nate Diaz below: