Jake Paul Shares Major Update on His Long-Planned MMA Debut

Jake Paul has spent years talking about making the jump to MMA, but the timing never quite lined up. Boxing remained the priority, negotiations dragged on, and his PFL plans repeatedly took a back seat. That has finally changed, apparently. 

Following the blockbuster merger between his Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and the PFL, Paul has put a timeline on his long-discussed MMA debut, revealing that he intends to step into the cage in 2027 after returning to the boxing ring later this year. 

Jake Paul Says 2027 Target for MMA Debut

Speaking on ESPN's SportsCenter, the sensational YouTuber-turned-boxer revealed that his MMA ambitions have finally fallen into place following the MVP-PFL merger. According to the 29-year-old, previous discussions repeatedly hit roadblocks behind the scenes, but the newly formed combat sports venture has created the right environment to make the move.

"I've been trying to make it happen for a long time, and it's really just come down to negotiations behind the scenes," Paul said.

"I'm gonna go come back, hopefully later this year, into boxing and then looking to do MMA in 2027. So there's still a long list of opponents out there that I wanna fight, massive names. I'm only developing my skill. I'm 29 years old. There's still a long way for me to go on the path to world champion, and that's what I want to be able to do and accomplish."

Jake Paul on Transitioning from Boxing to MMA

That said, Paul reiterated his passion for the sweet science, explaining that boxing remains his immediate focus, with multiple opponents under consideration before he shifts attention to MMA. 

Perhaps the most surprising revelation, however, was Paul's admission that despite talking about competing in MMA for years, he has yet to complete a formal MMA training session.

"I don't know," he said when asked about the challenge of transitioning to the sport. "That's the funny thing. I've never even done a single day of MMA training. I have a wrestling background. I grew up in Division One, Ohio, wrestling in high school, but I've never actually said, 'Hey, today we're training MMA.'"

While “The Problem Child” believes the intensity of training will be similar to boxing, he acknowledged that MMA’s technical distinction requires him to balance striking, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu instead of focusing on a single craft.

As of now, Paul's professional boxing record stands at 12-2, with his last outing ending in a knockout loss to Anthony Joshua. 

Paul’s Latest Jab at Dana White Comes As MVP-PFL Eyes UFC Territory

Interestingly, Paul's bombshell MMA announcement comes amid heightened tension in his long-running rivalry with UFC CEO Dana White.

The relationship between the two has been defined by years of public criticism, with Paul repeatedly taking aim at fighter pay, UFC business practices, and White himself. Now, with MVP and the PFL joining forces to create a unified boxing and MMA promotion, those verbal exchanges are taking on added significance.

Shortly after making the merger official, the Cleveland native reacted to another viral White moment. During media availability ahead of UFC Serbia, White was asked which fight on the card excited him the most. 

However, rather than naming a bout, the UFC boss dismissed the question, saying, "That's a sh***y question," sparking debate in the community. 

The clip quickly spread across social media, with many fans joking that White's response suggested he wasn't particularly invested in the event's lineup. In the wake of the UFC CEO’s reaction, Paul simply reposted the video with the sly caption, "Nothing else needs to be said."

Jake Paul's Rivalry with Dana White Just Getting Started

While brief, the post was another reminder that Paul has no intention of easing tensions with the UFC president. The timing is notable. Paul is no longer just a boxer taking shots at the UFC from the outside. As a co-founder of MVP, he now has a direct stake in a promotion that plans to compete in both boxing and MMA. 

Moreover, his own MMA debut would be one of the promotion’s biggest wildcards and another opportunity to challenge the UFC's grip on the sport.

Whether that first opponent is a familiar rival like Nate Diaz or Tyron Woodley, or another high-profile name, remains unknown. But after years of speculation, the internet sensation has finally put a timeline on his highly anticipated crossover.