PFL senior exec confirms Jake Paul’s MMA debut for 2023
Jake Paul is set to have an MMA fight in 2023. 'The Problem Child' made waves in the fight community earlier this year by signing with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
During the announcement, Paul had mentioned former UFC fighter Nate Diaz as a potential opponent for his MMA debut. The social media sensation has barely touched on the subject since.
However, at the recently concluded PFL 1 2023, the promotion's Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications, Loren Mack, told MMA Mania that Paul is sure to step into the cage later this year:
"Jake Paul is absolutely going to fight in 2023. I mean, that’s, that’s been the plan all along. I know, he’s in the gym, and he’s training, taking it very seriously. So expect to see him in the PFL cage in 2023, and it’s going to be MMA. He’s very serious about MMA, and he’s an incredible athlete. I think he’s gonna really develop into a superstar in the sport."
Furthermore, Mack stated that although the former Disney star is yet to lock in an opponent, they were trying to rope in a big name:
"We’re keeping our eyes open for sure. You know, nothing concrete as of yet, but we’re definitely on the look and had a few initial discussions. If you know Jake, he will want a big name for his debut. He puts his money where his mouth is."
Although still green in MMA, Paul boasts a pro-boxing record of 6-1, with wins over the likes of MMA legend Anderson Silva and former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley.
Jake Paul just KNOCKED out Tyron Woodley
Video: https://t.co/DyOwJpkRjt
Jake Paul thinks he can knock out Mike Tyson
Mike Tyson is one of the greatest boxers of all time. Clinching his first world title at just 20 years of age, the former undisputed heavyweight champion finished his career with a record of 50-6-2NC, with 44 KOs.
Regardless of 'Iron Mike's' legendary laurels, Jake Paul thinks he could knock out the boxing legend if they were to fight now. During an appearance on the FLAGRANT podcast, 'The Problem Child' said:
"I would win [a fight against Mike Tyson]... Serious as a heart attack! I think there is a very, very high chance of that [me knocking out Mike Tyson]. He is not the same fighter that he once was, and he knows that."
Catch Jake Paul's comments below: