Love him or hate him, there’s no denying the splash Disney actor-turned-boxer Jake Paul has made in the combat sports world. At times, it seems like Jake Paul, also known as “The Problem Child,” has mastered the balance between marketing and athletic ability. His name consistently makes waves, not just in the boxing ring but within the mixed martial arts (MMA) sphere as well.
While his older brother, Logan Paul, continues to rise as a prominent heel in WWE, Jake has carved out his own impressive path, boasting a 10-1 professional boxing record. However, despite his wins, his journey has not been without controversy. Critics often argue that he selects opponents significantly older and past their athletic prime. These accusations are unlikely to fade anytime soon, especially as Jake is set to face yet another veteran, the legendary Mike Tyson, in a Netflix-streamed boxing event on November 15. By fight night, Tyson will be 30 years older than Jake, further fuelling the criticism that Paul avoids taking on younger, more competitive opponents.
Boxer Jake Paul to Make MMA Debut?
While the upcoming fight with Tyson has been the talk of the town, fresh speculation surrounds Jake’s potential foray into MMA. His sole loss to Tommy Fury last year remains a sore spot, one he’s openly expressed a desire to avenge. According to Peter Murray, CEO of the Professional Fighters League (PFL), Jake’s next step could be inside the PFL’s smart cage, not the ring.
“I’m not sure if it’s going to be his very next fight in combat sports, but he will debut in 2025,” Murray revealed in a recent interview with The Mirror. Though promises of MMA debuts (or returns) are often delayed, as seen with UFC star Conor McGregor, Jake appears eager to make the leap into mixed martial arts. Tommy Fury seems ready for the challenge as well, having recently trained with UFC heavyweight interim champion Tom Aspinall.
The transition from boxing to MMA has always been a difficult one, with many athletes underestimating the complexities of switching between these combat sports. Exactly what is next for Jake Paul? Will Jake find the same level of success in the cage as he has in the ring? How will he stack up against the deep roster in the PFL? One thing is certain—the combat sports world will be watching closely.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
