Jake Paul is set to make his MMA debut towards the end of 2023 or early 2024 after focusing on learning new skills and securing a big name opponent with the PFL.
Jake Paul has a background in boxing and wrestling, but he needs to further develop other aspects of his combat sports game before making his MMA debut. He anticipates this transition will occur at the end of 2023 or the beginning of 2024 at the earliest. Paul shared these plans during a PFL 2 broadcast, three months after signing on to the tournament-based promotion as a partner and future fighter.
When asked about his MMA debut, Paul eagerly expressed his enthusiasm for the sport and the progress he’s made in training. He said, “I’ve been training jiu-jitsu a little bit and getting back to my wrestling roots; I grew up wrestling in Ohio, Division I, I have that background. So I really just have to focus on learning the kicks.” He continued, “I need about a year or so, and then I’m gonna be ready, and I’m excited to be doing it with the PFL. And hopefully, we can lock down a big name because I want to challenge myself.”
As Paul prepares for this new venture, he recently competed in his seventh pro boxing match against Tommy Fury, which ended in a split decision loss. Although he retains the right to an immediate rematch with Fury, Paul is considering several options for his return to the ring. He stated, “I’m revisiting the drawing board, going back to the basics, changing some things around with my team, and we’re assessing who it is that I’m gonna fight next.” Paul is the latest high-profile acquisition of the PFL and the first fighter to take an equity stake in the promotion, previously challenging UFC star Nate Diaz to a fight.