Jake Paul, the YouTube sensation turned professional boxer, has set his sights on a new challenge: mixed martial arts (MMA). Last year, Paul signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), gearing up for what PFL CEO Peter Murray claims will be the biggest MMA debut of all time, surpassing even Brock Lesnar’s iconic 2007 debut.
Murray expressed his excitement about Paul’s upcoming MMA debut in an interview with SunSport. “When Jake Paul debuts in MMA, it will be the largest MMA debut ever, a massive global mega event,” Murray said. “He’s taking the sport seriously while he continues to compete at the highest level in boxing and blows people’s minds. He’s doing it his way, which is incredible to watch, and he really has a fighters-first perspective, thinking not only about his own career but also about other careers within his camp and the world.”
Paul’s commitment to the PFL aligns with his broader support for the league’s mission of prioritizing fighters. His debut is expected to be against a high-profile opponent, with several notable MMA athletes already vying for the chance to face him. “There’s a list and it’s growing. So we will be sharing more details at the appropriate time,” Murray added.
Brock Lesnar, who made a successful transition from WWE to UFC, set a high bar with his MMA debut in 2007. Lesnar won the UFC heavyweight title in 2008 after just four fights and, despite a brief retirement in 2011 following a loss to Alistair Overeem, returned to fight Mark Hunt in 2016, although the result was later overturned due to a doping scandal.
Jake Paul, 27, is also set to return to boxing for a postponed match against 57-year-old boxing legend Mike Tyson. The bout, originally scheduled for July 20, was delayed due to Tyson’s health issues, potentially affecting the timeline for Paul’s MMA debut in the PFL.
The PFL roster already boasts notable names from the boxing world, including Claressa Shields, Savannah Marshall, and Amanda Serrano. Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and multi-division boxing champion, holds a 2-1 record in MMA. Serrano, with a decorated boxing career, has two wins and one draw in MMA, though she has yet to debut in the PFL. Marshall is set to make her PFL Europe debut this Saturday in Newcastle against Mirela Vargas, with plans for a potential MMA rematch against Shields following their 2022 boxing title fight.
Murray highlighted the significance of these women transitioning to MMA, believing they will pave the way for more boxers to follow. “We have Amanda Serrano, champion, and she’s an incredible boxer, obviously, highest level, and she has history in MMA. We signed her and we’re looking forward to Amanda getting back in the cage. But again, with Claressa, Savannah, Amanda, the greatest women in boxing today turning to MMA to the PFL to take on this sport, I think it’s incredibly bold and very exciting to watch.”
News
SUITE SURPRISE Bachelorette fans think Jenn Tran slipped up and revealed ‘secret fling’ with Pete Davidson after Devin’s Fantasy Suite
Plus, Bachelorette fans rage over yet another schedule change ahead of the finale BACHELORETTE fans have been convinced Jenn Tran and Pete Davidson had a secret fling after Monday’s Fantasy Suite episode. During the show, Jenn and finalist Devin, a…
DEEP WOUND Mariah Carey admitted it was ‘safer’ to have no contact with her brother and sister before Alison’s tragic death
Alison Carey, 63, died on the same day as Mariah’s mother Patricia, 87, the singer confirmed MARIAH Carey reflected on her complicated relationships with her siblings years before sister Alison Carey’s tragic death. On Monday, Mariah, 55, announced that her mother Patricia Carey,…
MARIAH’S PAIN From being offered cocaine & ‘pimped out’ by sister aged 12 to sick arson attacks – Mariah Carey’s traumatic family life
The star hit rock bottom in 2001, saying she was ‘broken down by the very people who were supposed to keep me whole’ WHEN Mariah Carey’s mom and sister both died this weekend the pop legend had to be careful…
MOVING ON Ben Affleck looks happier than ever during fast food run after he was spotted with Kick Kennedy following split from JLo
BEN Affleck has been spotted showing off his smile during an outing after his divorce from Jennifer Lopez. The actor stopped for fast food in Beverly Hills, California, on Saturday. 6 Ben Affleck smiling ear to ear while ordering fast…
SUPER BUMP Nicki Minaj shares pregnancy photos in new Gag City Reloaded album announcement leaving fans confused
And why some fans weren’t too thrilled to see Nicki posing with her husband NICKI Minaj has been promoting the upcoming release of her Pink Friday 2: Gag City Reloaded deluxe album with a mix of current and former pregnancy photos. The…
IT’S A WASH Channing Tatum slammed for his ‘disgusting’ and ‘wasteful’ laundry habit in failed ‘attempt to seem relatable’
Fans recently expressed concern for Channing after he shared several bizarre selfies online CHANNING Tatum has been slammed for his wasteful laundry habit in what critics have called a failed attempt to seem relatable. The Don’t Blink star opened up…
End of content
No more pages to load