Jake Paul’s PFL Contract: Two Years Later, Where’s the MMA Debut?

Remember when Jake Paul shocked the combat sports world by signing with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) more than two years ago? The YouTube star-turned-boxer inked a deal that wasn’t just about fighting—it was supposed to transform him into an ambassador for the brand while setting up his eventual transition to MMA. Yet here we are in 2024, and we’re still waiting for “The Problem Child” to step into the cage.

So what exactly happened to Jake Paul’s PFL plans? Let’s break it down…

The Original PFL Deal: What Jake Paul Promised

Back in January 2023, Paul signed what was described as a “multi-year deal” with the PFL. The announcement came with plenty of fanfare about how he would compete in their new “Super Fight” division, which promised bigger paydays and a 50-50 revenue split with fighters.

I remember the MMA community’s reaction was… mixed, to put it kindly. Some saw it as a publicity stunt, while others viewed it as a legitimate attempt by Paul to prove his combat sports credentials weren’t limited to boxing older MMA fighters.

The deal included:

• Jake serving as “Head of Fighter Advocacy”
• Promoting PFL events across his massive social platforms
• Eventually making his MMA debut in the Super Fight division

What’s Actually Happened Since Then?

In typical Jake Paul fashion, he immediately called out Nate Diaz for an MMA fight after beating him in boxing. He also mentioned wanting to fight Jorge Masvidal in the PFL. But instead of pursuing those MMA matchups, Paul has continued his boxing career, recently defeating Mike Tyson in a highly lucrative Netflix event.

The PFL, meanwhile, has undergone significant changes. They acquired Bellator MMA, restructured their format, and continued building their brand—all with minimal visible involvement from Paul.

Notice anything? Not a single MMA fight in the mix.

Why Jake Paul Hasn’t Made His MMA Debut Yet

The reality is, Jake Paul is following the money. His boxing career has been immensely profitable, with the Tyson fight reportedly earning him an eight-figure payday. Why risk getting submitted or having his legs kicked to oblivion when he can make millions boxing?

There are several other factors at play:

Boxing Success

Paul has built significant momentum in boxing, compiling a 10-1 record. Switching sports now would mean starting from scratch in terms of credibility.

Training Timeline

Developing the necessary skills for MMA—especially wrestling and jiu-jitsu—takes significant time. Paul has occasionally posted training videos showing him working on kicks and takedown defense, but becoming cage-ready is a different animal altogether.

Strategic Patience

The PFL likely understands that Paul’s value to their organization increases with each successful boxing venture. His star power continues to grow, making his eventual MMA debut potentially more valuable down the line.

Is Jake Paul Ever Going to Fight in MMA?

The question on everyone’s mind is whether this PFL deal was just for show or if Paul genuinely intends to compete in mixed martial arts.

I think Paul will eventually step into the cage, but only under very specific circumstances:

1. Against an opponent who primarily wants to stand and trade (minimizing grappling exposure)
2. When the financial incentives align perfectly
3. After he feels he’s accomplished everything he wants to in boxing

The ideal scenario for his debut would be against someone like Nate Diaz in a special-rules contest that limits some of the more technical aspects of MMA while emphasizing striking.

What Does This Mean for the PFL?

The PFL hasn’t exactly been vocal about Paul’s absence from their cage. They’ve continued building their organization, with the Bellator acquisition being their biggest move. The promised “Super Fight” division exists but hasn’t featured the marquee names originally anticipated.

In some ways, the PFL benefits from the association with Paul regardless of whether he competes. His investment and occasional promotion of their brand keeps them in conversations they might otherwise be excluded from.

What’s Next for Jake Paul and PFL?

Following the Tyson victory, Paul has multiple options. He could pursue another big-name boxing match, potentially against Canelo Alvarez whom he’s frequently called out. Or perhaps now—with nothing left to prove in boxing exhibitions—the time is finally right for his MMA debut.

If I were a betting man, I’d say we’ll see Jake Paul in the PFL cage by the end of 2025. The money in boxing exhibitions may be reaching a ceiling, and proving himself in a new combat sport would silence many critics who claim he’s afraid of “real fighting.”

Why Should MMA Fans Care?

Love him or hate him, Jake Paul brings eyeballs. His eventual MMA debut would likely be the most-watched PFL event in history, and it would bring mainstream attention to other fighters on the card. The cynical approach is to dismiss him as a sideshow, but the pragmatic view recognizes his value in growing the sport’s audience.

The Bottom Line

Two years after signing with the PFL, Jake Paul’s MMA career remains hypothetical. While he continues to succeed in boxing and grow his combat sports brand, the cage remains uncharted territory. Whether this is a strategic delay or an indefinite postponement remains to be seen.

What do you think? Will Jake Paul ever actually compete in MMA? And if he does, who should his first opponent be? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

Source: Personal analysis based on publicly available information about Jake Paul’s PFL contract and subsequent combat sports career.