Jake Paul identities three ‘extremely good’ opponents in the frame for MMA debut amid talks to rematch boxing rivals
JAKE PAUL has three names on a list of potential MMA opponents.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer is 11-1 in the ring and most recently beat 58-year-old heavyweight great Mike Tyson in November.
And already Paul is back in training for his next bout – but behind the scenes talks are ongoing for an MMA switch.
The American is signed to the Professional Fighters League – where he and promotional partner Nakisa Bidarian share equity.
Bidarian – who once served as Chief Financial Officer for the UFC – is working with Paul to pin down an MMA opponent.
PFL founder Donn Davis told SunSport: “Nakisa has three names that he’s focused on.
“I don’t want to share those because I don’t think that’ll help, Nakisa and Jake get those done. They’re really good at that.
“So I don’t think it’s one name. I think there’s a group of three that would be extremely good and they’re working on this.”
Paul, 27, signed for the PFL just one month before losing to Tommy Fury, 25, in February 2023 which is his first and only defeat.
He has won five times since, most recently against Tyson which attracted controversy amid their huge age gap.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
But over 100 MILLION tuned in live on Netflix – with Paul’s commercial success in the boxing ring so far delaying a switch to MMA.
Nate Diaz, 39, who was beaten by Paul in their August 2023 boxing bout was linked with an MMA rematch worth £10million.
Fury was also approached for a two-fight deal that included bouts in both the cage and the ring worth £15m.
And while talks with potential opponents continue, Davis expects this year will mark Paul’s debut in the PFL cage.
He said: “Jake has been so successful at boxing that that’s delayed his MMA. No question about it. And I think 2025 will be the year.
“We thought 2024 would be the year, but it was just so much success forthcoming in boxing.
“I don’t think you could have seen the cultural phenomenon of the Tyson fight coming, and that really took over 2024.
“So, I’m pretty confident 2025. But it’s also about the right opponent. At one point the Diaz opponent was set up and things didn’t happen.
“So it’s opponent-driven, but I think this is the year.”