For anybody doubting Jake Paul’s intention to attempt blended martial arts, he insists it’s going to occur. It simply received’t come earlier than he will get a minimum of yet another boxing match in.
Talking with commentator Sean O’Connell on this previous Friday’s 2023 PFL 2 broadcast, Paul teased when his MMA debut might occur and what he’ll concentrate on in coaching earlier than it does.
“It’s wanting like finish of 2023, perhaps starting 2024. However I’m actually excited,” Paul stated. “Even simply watching (the PFL 2 fights) has bought me overrated. I’ve been coaching jiu-jitsu a little bit bit and getting again to my wrestling roots. I grew up wrestling in Ohio, Division I, have that background. So I actually simply must concentrate on studying the kicks. I would like a few yr or so, after which I’m gonna be prepared.”
Paul, 26, kicked off 2023 by asserting in January the large information that he signed with PFL to compete in an excellent battle division anticipated to happen on pay-per-view. The signing got here after Paul, who rose to fame as a social media influencer earlier than turning into knowledgeable boxer, spent greater than a yr taking goal at UFC president Dana White on the problem of fighter pay and feuding with a lot of big-name UFC fighters.
4 of Paul’s seven boxing fights have come towards former MMA champions. Paul beat Ben Askren by vicious first-round TKO in April 2021 after which twice defeated Tyron Woodley (by split decision and sixth-round knockout) later that yr. Paul additionally received a unanimous decision against Anderson Silva in October 2022.
Preventing MMA guys led to calls followers eager to see Paul step inside a cage, which is able to occur (finally) with the PFL. Paul stated he isn’t on the lookout for some sort of warm-up battle, both.
“Excited to be doing it with the PFL, and hopefully we will lock down a giant title,” Paul stated. “I need to problem myself. Folks suppose I’m loopy, which I’m, however I like doing issues in a different way. For the reason that starting of this complete ‘influencer boxing factor,’ I’ve all the time stated that I’ve needed to do MMA. So for me, I’m excited to do it and to be doing it with the PFL.”
.@jakepaul plotting out his subsequent transfer 🤔#PFLRegularSeason LIVE NOW
🇺🇸 ESPN2 & ESPN+
🌎 https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/FeelLvhVny— PFL (@PFLMMA) April 8, 2023
However first, extra boxing as Paul (6-1) is trying to rebound from the primary lack of his profession, a split decision against Tommy Fury this previous February. Paul lengthy has been linked to a showdown with Nate Diaz, however he didn’t specify if that may very well be his subsequent opponent within the ring.
Paul is weighing his choices.
“I’m revisiting the drafting board, going again to the fundamentals, altering some issues round with my staff, and we’re assessing who it’s that I’m gonna battle subsequent,” Paul stated. “There are some actually massive names on the market. We’re speaking to a number of completely different groups, attempting to make one other large battle. So keep tuned and hopefully you’ll hear an announcement from me quickly.”
