Jake Paul moves a step closer to MMA debut as manager confirms talks with UFC legend

Jake Paul's manager has given an exciting update on his aspirations to compete in MMA following on from a blockbuster deal between Most Valuable Promotions and PFL.

One of the most disruptive figures in boxing after putting on huge fights with Mike Tyson and Anthony Joshua, Paul now has his eyes set on competing with UFC.

Last month, his MVP combat sports company - which put on a massive MMA card headlined by Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carrano announced they had merged with PFL (Professional Fighters League) in a game-changing announcement.

The deal will see both boxing and MMA events under the same umbrella.

But the news was also followed up by the announcement that Paul will make his MMA debut in 2027, as he said: "I look forward to putting my entire promotional muscle into our new company, returning to the boxing ring and making my MVP MMA debut".

'The Problem Child' was signed to PFL's roster previously but did not fight in MMA. That does look set to change in the near future once Paul fully recovers from the jaw fracture he suffered against Joshua.

In fact, Paul is so serious that he is already in discussions about training in the sport. According to MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian, talks have already been held with UFC legend Royce Gracie in regards to him teaching Paul jiu-jitsu.

"When (Paul) makes that decision, he is going to go all in on training,” Bidarian said in an interview with the New York Post.

“We were talking to Royce Gracie last night about him and his family becoming a part of his jiu-jitsu training.

“So make no mistake, when Jake Paul decides to do something, he is fully committed, and he will be very professional in how he approaches it.

Gracie is a pioneer of martial arts, winning three of the first four UFC tournaments and deservedly earning a place in the promotion's Hall of Fame.

The Brazilian showed that technique and grappling skills could beat those who were bigger and stronger and continues to teach the discipline today.

Who does Jake Paul want to fight in MMA debut?

Paul has already taken on his fair share of MMA fighters in boxing, boasting wins over the likes of Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva and Nate Diaz.

Paul beat Diaz comfortably in a unanimous decision victory in August 2023, dropping the former UFC fighter in the fifth round.

They were said to have originally had an agreement to fight in MMA as well as boxing but nothing materialised. However, upon the announcement for MVP MMA, it didn't take long for Paul to call out Diaz.

"I've been talking about MMA and doing it for a long time, but it's official," Paul said.

"Now with this new partnership, I'm going to get into the cage. Nate Diaz, stop ducking. We need to make this happen for sports, to change the world, to change the history, and the landscape of combat sports forever.

"But don't worry, I am still boxing. Everyone's asking me, 'Jake, when are you coming back?' And it is as soon as possible.

"We are in contract talks and negotiations with multiple opponents, so it's time to box, and then kick Nate Diaz's ass in MMA."