Jake Paul maintains that he still intends to make a crossover into mixed martial arts in the near future.
`The Problem Child` signed a multi-fight deal to compete under the PFL (Professional Fighters League) banner back in January 2023.
More than two years on, Jake Paul appears primarily focused on his professional boxing career, holding an 11-1 record. He is set to face former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on June 28. However, the 28-year-old internet personality turned fighter promises he will begin training soon for his highly anticipated MMA debut.
Jake Paul vs Oleksandr Usyk in MMA?
During a recent launch press conference where Jake Paul faced off with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Paul was asked about his MMA plans. Former UFC champion Holly Holm was also present, having signed a deal with Paul`s Most Valuable Promotions.
“Yeah, I want to be like Holly here and test my skills in the cage,” Paul stated. “That’s something I’m super, super interested in, and I think it would be a very, very big spectacle.”
Paul added, “Nate Diaz is still ducking, but we would need to find the right opponent. [Oleksandr] Usyk, maybe.”
Nakisa Bidarian, Paul’s business partner, elaborated on why an MMA clash with boxing`s top heavyweight is a genuine possibility.
“Usyk has called out Jake multiple times in MMA. They’ve been in touch with us behind the scenes saying they wanna do that fight in 2026. So it’s something that we definitely want to pursue,” Bidarian explained.
Paul confirmed the potential timeframe: “I haven’t started any MMA training, so it would definitely be interesting. We are looking at 2026 for that as a possibility.”
Dan Hardy doubts Jake Paul would fight Oleksandr Usyk
In a recent interview, PFL commentator Dan Hardy offered his perspective on the prospect of Oleksandr Usyk competing in MMA against Jake Paul.
“I know for a fact that Usyk is interested, like legitimately interested in fighting in MMA,” Hardy said. He described Usyk as eccentric and potentially possessing a wrestling background, believing he would adapt well to MMA.
However, Hardy expressed concerns for Paul in such a matchup. “The downside to Jake Paul though is unless his wrestling is up to par, that’s a horrible fight for him in boxing or mixed martial arts. Usyk’s a smart guy with great footwork, he’s ambidextrous. I think he would be a problem in mixed martial arts.”
Hardy concluded his assessment with skepticism about the fight actually happening: “I think if we see Jake Paul, he’s gonna be fighting someone that’s well into their 40s if it’s an MMA fight.”
Gareth Pendleton