Jake Paul Could Face Tyron Woodley In His PFL Debut
Jake Paul has still not made his MMA debut since signing for the PFL last year.
The Problem Child is preparing to face Mike Perry on July 20, followed by Mike Tyson on November 15 in two boxing bouts. Provided he gets past those two fighters, there is an expectation that he will make his MMA debut. He has been linked with Nate Diaz. Paul defeated him via a unanimous decision in boxing last year. After the win, Paul offered Diaz $10-15 million to take a rematch in MMA under the PFL.
The fight could not be agreed upon as Diaz moved on. Diaz will now fight Jorge Masvidal in a boxing bout on July 6. Paul has also been linked with one of his former foes, Tyron Woodley. Paul defeated Woodley in two boxing fights. Woodley has been pursuing a boxing fight with Manny Pacquiao.
Hardy Reacts
That appears to be off the table, as Pacman will now face RIZIN Featherweight Champion Chihiro Suzuki on July 28 in a three-round boxing exhibition. The Filipino is also being linked with a fight against Mario Barrios. That leaves Woodley free to pursue other options. PFL’s chief Dan Hardy felt Woodley is the best fit.
“If we’re doing it, the one that makes the most sense is Tyron Woodley. He’s been commentating with the PFL, he does a great job with that. Every time I see him, we have a very frosty handshake. I feel like he still wants to punch me in the face. Of course, he’s got that knockout loss to Jake Paul. If I’m Tyron Woodley, I’m putting myself at the front of the line to welcome Jake Paul into MMA. I think that’s the kind of opponent Jake Paul could be enticed by,” Hardy said
Woodley Responds
Woodley is receptive to making the fight happen. When Paul was being linked with the Diaz fight, Woodley responded by offering to step in. A fight with Diaz is likely to sell more since he is a bigger name. However, a bout with Woodley is against an MMA fighter who only retired in 2021. While he lost his last four UFC fights, Woodley is the former welterweight champion.
He has also not let himself go, as he keeps in shape. Taking the fight is a big risk for Paul, as he could suffer extensive damage. Despite having a wrestling background, facing an MMA fighter is a different ball game. If he desires to become a world champion in boxing, he must continue winning. A loss in MMA, however, could result in a serious injury. Woodley is ready to take up the challenge.
“If you really, really want to prove that you can do it in my world, you fight the No. 1 guy in that world. Nate has never touched gold, never been close to gold ever. Neither has [Derek] Brunson and I saw some other people barking. Everybody wants to jump on the bandwagon. You kind of sound like groupies. Everybody wants to fight Jake. Remember, I never asked to fight Jake. I was staying out the mix. I was cornering Ben Askren,” Woodley stated
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