Jake Paul’s PFL deal is an intriguing gamble that puts a lot of weight onto his shoulders.
The jury is still out Jake Paul Since Thursday, he has been a fighter as a boxer, and now as a mixed-martial artist. He signed with the Professional Fighter’s League. The New York Times First reported Paul’s signing at the PFL.
Paul is, however, a genius in marketing and attracting attention. He also makes a lot of money with a sport where he’s still a novice.
Paul indicated that he would love to fight Nate Diaz, an ex-UFC fighter, twice in 2023. One in boxing and one in MMA. However, Diaz’s representative Zach Rosenfield says that this won’t be possible.
Rosenfield responded via text that “Nah” to a question about whether there were any talks for a Diaz/Paul fight. Then he sent Yahoo Sports a text message in which he stated, “We are still looking at a half dozen offers in boxing. Nate has already stated what he intends to do when he becomes a free agent. I won’t talk about who those offers are.
So we won’t get Diaz-Paul in 2023, or, most likely, ever. However, that doesn’t mean Paul isn’t doing a great job. He attracts more attention than any other fighter in boxing or MMA. He’s been boxing exclusively, and has never fought a professional boxer.
He’s been praised for his work ethic and development As a boxer, Silva was unable to beat Anderson Silva in October’s boxing match. Silva is 47 years old and has only had four bouts since he met Paul.
Fighters — mostly in MMA — have repeatedly called him out and offered to fight him, because he’s able to generate notoriety and fan and media attention. These things often bring about money.
The PFL announced Thursday its two-part exclusive partnership agreement with Paul, which will allow it to accelerate PFL’s mission to grow and innovate MMA globally.
Paul’s fights on the PFL will not take place during the season, which lasts a year. The champions are chosen and the winner receives a $1 million prize. They will be called “PFL PPV Super Fights”, which are separate events on pay-perview. In these fights, the promise is to share half the revenue with the fighters on the PPV.
Paul has been vocal in his criticism of the UFC’s pay structure And of UFC president Dana WhiteHe has publicly stated that he would like to form a fighter’s association.
Paul, in a statement by the PFL, stated that he would do his best to recruit fighters to increase their earnings.
“I’ve proven myself in and out of the boxing ring and now I am going to do the same in MMA, and there is no limit to the positive impact I can make on the sport,” Paul said in his statement. “I plan to enter the PFL SmartCage and once again show the world that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. Outside the cage, equal fighter pay and advocating for female fighters is my passion. PFL has helped me to grow the sport. I believe in PFL and their mission. It is amazing what they have achieved in such a short time. PFL is my exclusive partner, as both a fighter AND a businessman. As Head of Fighter Advocacy, I will consistently promote PFL fighters and I invite all top MMA fighters, both men and women, to join the PFL and get a payday like they’ve never had before.”
Paul’s ability to perform in this role seems to depend on his performance as a fighter. Many UFC fighters have had the opportunity to compete with them over the years. They had great talent, grandiose goals and visions of becoming a major player. However, it has not been easy.
Interviews with Paul and tweeting about PFL are unlikely to change this.
He’ll get the most attention if he fights. That’s when his message is most likely to be heard. He will be able theoretically to chip away at the UFC’s huge lead by competing more.
Paul does not have to bring down the UFC to be successful. Neither does the PFL. The UFC is recognized by the vast majority of MMA fans as the premier league in MMA. This day will be historic if Paul can help raise the profile of the PFL, generate more revenue, and attract a greater percentage of the best fighters in the world.
Paul is still a novice in boxing and it won’t be any different for MMA. Claressa Shields, the best female fighter in the world, is arguably the greatest woman’s boxer ever. However, she has had some struggles as an MMA fight fighter. She’s fought in PFL and is currently 1-1. Paul is far more skilled and developed than Shields, who is also a better boxer and athlete. If Shields is having a hard time, it’s understandable that Paul will experience his own struggles as he transitions from one sport to another.
That brings us to the issue of selling his PPV fights. It’s difficult to sell a PPV if he is facing low-level MMA talent. Although a fight with Anthony Pettis (a PFL veteran and former UFC lightweight champion) would draw great interest, Paul would be extremely overmatched.
Both Paul and the PFL are taking a risk with this gamble.
Paul will succeed in increasing fighter benefits and pay. It will be a risk worth taking.