JAKE PAUL has followed through on his vow to compete in MMA – by signing with the Professional Fighters League.
The YouTuber turned boxer has flirted with the prospect of competing in mixed martial arts for the last two years – although his numerous hints weren’t taken seriously.
But he appears to be on course to make good on his promise by inking a multi-year deal with the PFL – which is rapidly on course to becoming MMA’s second major promotion.
Paul – who has bought equity in the company along with business partner Nakisa Baridian – plans to compete in the promotion’s newly-formed “Super Fight” division.
According to the promotion, the division will see combatants earn a whopping 50 per cent of the revenue generated by pay-per-view sales.
Paul’s official role with the promotion will be “head of fighter advocacy.”
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In an interview with The New York Times, he said: “This is about changing MMA, disrupting, innovating, and creating the next big league.”
The Super Fight division will feature on two fight cards this year, although no bouts have been finalised.
Paul, 25, plans to compete twice this year – once in boxing and once in MMA.
The PFL are excited to have the social media sensation on board, with CEO Peter Murray saying: “He’s got a growing boxing career.
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“But it doesn’t prevent him from entering into the sport of MMA, and we’re excited about that.”
In less than four years, the PFL is on the precipice of becoming the second-biggest mixed martial arts promotion in the world.
Co-founder Donn Davis told fighters: “You’re not a prisoner anymore to [the] UFC.
“You can now choose UFC or PFL., but what makes PFL different is we’re coming out with a true economic partnership for fighters.”
Despite having very little MMA experience, Paul is looking forward to the challenge of fighting in the cage.
He said: “The biggest thing for me would be getting the kicks down.
“But I’m going to start now, moving forward with some extra time I have within this camp.
“I’m going to put in some extra time, rolling around doing some jujitsu and learning some kicks.”
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Paul hasn’t fought since his showdown with former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, whom he defeated via unanimous decision.
Prior to that, the former Disney star brutally knocked out former welterweight champ Tyron Woodley to stretch his record to 5-0.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
