Martin Rogers
FOX Sports activities Insider
Jake Paul is ready to make maybe probably the most dramatic transfer of his fight sports activities profession to this point, agreeing to a multi-fight contract to compete for combined martial arts group PFL (Skilled Fighters League).
Paul, the YouTube sensation who has shaken up boxing with a 6-0 begin to his skilled profession and generated a flurry of publicity, is now anticipated to compete in each sports activities in 2023.
“I’ve confirmed myself out and in of the boxing ring, and now I’m going to do the identical in MMA — and there’s no restrict to the constructive affect I could make on the game,” Paul stated, in a press release launched by PFL. “I plan to enter the PFL SmartCage and as soon as once more present the world that something is feasible with exhausting work and dedication.”
The PFL deal entails a collaboration between Paul and the league, according to the launch of a brand new “Tremendous Battle” division that may see its occasions broadcast on pay-per view.
When Paul first boxed, many suspected, like so many different movie star fights, that his contests would carry numerous hype however little sporting substance. Nonetheless, he has quieted skeptics together with his devotion to enhancing his struggle expertise and his final 4 victories have all been towards MMA athletes — Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley (twice) and Anderson Silva.
Outdoors the ring, he has proven dedication to the candy science by selling the rights of feminine fighters and promised to do the identical in MMA.
“I’m aligned with PFL to evolve the game,” Paul added. “I consider in PFL, their mission and what they’ve achieved in a really quick time frame. I invite all high MMA fighters, each women and men, to hitch the PFL and get a payday like they’ve by no means had earlier than.”
The PFL assertion indicated that the Tremendous Battle division will stage two occasions this yr and is “open for enterprise” instantly. Its most eye-catching aspect is the promise of a groundbreaking income break up that may see fighters earn at the least 50% of the PPV take. Paul has been a critic of Dana White and repeatedly claimed the UFC chief underpays his fighters.
In addition to preventing for PFL, Paul can even undertake a task as Head of Fighter Advocacy, the place it’s anticipated he’ll use his large social-media platforms to spice up curiosity within the league.
Paul’s most up-to-date struggle was a unanimous factors determination victory over UFC legend Anderson Silva on October 29.
His transfer to MMA is one other daring step that may inevitably trigger some to query whether or not he can probably be aggressive, given his restricted expertise within the sport.
If Paul has proven something up so far, it’s that he shouldn’t be underestimated.
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Martin Rogers is a columnist for FOX Sports activities and the writer of the FOX Sports activities Insider publication. Comply with him on Twitter @MRogersFOX and subscribe to the every day publication.
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