Donn Davis Expects Jake Paul’s PFL Debut Next Year
PFL Chairman Donn Davis expects Jake Paul to make his MMA debut at some point next year.
Paul signed up with the PFL last year but has continued his boxing ventures. He is on a four-fight win streak after having suffered his first career loss against Tommy Fury. Despite losing a split decision, he put up a decent fight after dropping Fury with his jab.
He is coming off a sixth-round victory against Mike Perry on July 20. He faces Mike Tyson on November 15. The original fight was set to take place in July, but Tyson withdrew with an inflamed ulcer. The Tyson fight will be the first time that Netflix broadcasts a boxing bout, increasing the anticipation to see it happen.
Paul’s Career
Given that Paul beats Tyson, naturally, the attention will turn towards his MMA debut. There are several possible opponents that Paul could face. After having beaten Nate Diaz, Paul offered to run things back in the PFL. He made a $10 million offer after which Davis stated that he would be willing to increase it to $15 million. Diaz did not take up the offer, but they could revisit things. Diaz has not had a UFC fight since beating Tony Ferguson at UFC 279, while Diaz has indicated his desire to return to the UFC.
There is nothing to indicate that he will do this anytime soon unless there is a big fight available. Paul also has the option of running things back with Mike Perry. Paul stated that he is willing to consider fighting him in MMA, which makes sense, especially since Perry’s future in BKFC is uncertain. After his loss, Conor McGregor confirmed that Perry was fired. While McGregor does not have the final say over such issues, he is a part owner of BKFC, leaving fans wondering if Perry will make his appearance in the organization.
Another option is to face Tyrone Woodley. Paul has fought Woodley twice in boxing bouts, beating him on both occasions. He knocked out Woodley in their previous fight. Woodley has not had a UFC fight since leaving in 2021, setting up the narrative for an MMA bout. Alternatively, Paul could also face Tommy Fury in an MMA bout. The Problem Child reportedly made a $15-20 million offer which included a deal for two fights.
Davis On Paul
One of those would be a rematch in boxing, while the other would be in MMA. Fury did not take up the offer but has since then indicated his desire. He was recently seen training with UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall. During the training sessions, Fury revealed that he would knock out Paul in MMA, increasing the narrative to see that happen. Either way, Davis is expecting some news next year.
“We have a partnership with Jake and we’re looking forward to supporting him in MMA. We’re going to stage that mega event next year and more to come on that too, that will happen. There’s a number of opponents who continue to line up. Conceptually this event continues to getting bigger and bigger. Jake has committed to take on a for real, legitimate fighter. So it’ll be a spectacle,” Davis said
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