Jake Paul will make his mixed martial arts debut before the end of 2024, according to Professional Fighters League [PFL] Chairman Donn Davis.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer signed a deal to fight under MMA rules for PFL earlier this year, but he has since been fixated on becoming a world champion in the squared circle.
Paul has a record of 7-1, his only defeat coming against Tommy Fury in FebruaryCredit: Getty
Paul will continue his boxing career when he takes on little-known American professional Andre August, who is 10-1-1, at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida on December 15.
Potential fights with Tommy Fury and KSI appear to be lined up for after that, even though Davis insists the 26-year-old is currently training to change sports.
The man who recently merged his promotion with Bellator expects Paul to debut in MMA for his company during the final few months of next year against a yet-to-be-named opponent.
“Jake was always Q4,” Davis told The MMA Hour on Monday.
“For him to get good, in his standards, for an MMA fight that is legitimate, he says he needs that year.
“He started training a month ago in the Smart Cage down in his home.
“I think that is October-December 2024.”
Paul has made no secret about who he wants to face in his first MMA outing.
Davis recently impressed talkSPORT’s White & Jordan with his PFL planCredit: talkSPORT
‘The Problem Child’ was his first marquee signing, Francis Ngannou followed soon afterCredit: PFL
‘The Problem Child’ beat UFC legend Nate Diaz in boxing earlier this year before immediately calling for a rematch under a different ruleset.
Conor McGregor’s long-time rival has repeatedly distanced himself from fighting Paul in PFL, despite the fact a $10million (£8m) purse has been promised.
Davis isn’t giving up on Paul vs Diaz 2 and he has now upped his offer to the MMA fan favourite to $15m (£12m), which will be the highest payday he’s received during his 35-fight career.
He added: “We are offering him more money than other people because that’s respect.
Diaz gave fans a glimpse of how an MMA fight between him and Paul would play out in AugustCredit: Esther Lin/Most Valuable Promotions
“I’m just trying a canvas that we are open for business… Here’s $15million, here’s Jake, we have all the infrastructure at PFL, and we’re easy to work with.’ Dink. The light’s on.”
Diaz is yet to respond to Davis’s new proposal, but with Paul’s MMA debut still a year away, the two men have plenty of time to thrash out a deal.
If they can’t come to an agreement, Dillon Danis is a free agent and waiting in the wings to settle his beef with Jake after recently sharing the ring with his brother, Logan Paul.
