Jake Paul Exits PFL Contract
Jake Paul has officially exited his contract with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). This marks the end of his three-year association with the promotion. Paul had signed with PFL in 2023, expressing interest in transitioning from boxing to mixed martial arts (MMA). However, he never competed in the PFL during this time.
Details of Jake Paul’s PFL Exit
The news of Paul’s departure was confirmed by sources to MMA Fighting, following an initial report from Yahoo Sports. It appears this separation occurred without any significant conflicts, as Paul’s contract simply expired. His commitment to MMA was notable, yet he did not take decisive steps to fight or compete in the PFL.
Pursuit of MMA and Boxing Career
Despite his initial enthusiasm for MMA, Paul made only casual attempts to challenge fighters, including UFC veteran Nate Diaz. In a statement issued upon his signing with PFL, Paul stated, “I’ve proven myself in and out of the boxing ring and now I am going to do the same in MMA.” He aimed to fight in their SmartCage, highlighting his belief in hard work and dedication.
- Joined PFL: 2023
- Contract Duration: Nearly 3 years
- First notable MMA call-out: Nate Diaz
- Planned MMA bouts: Unfulfilled
Focus on Boxing
Throughout his time with PFL, Paul primarily focused on his boxing career. He engaged in several high-profile fights, including a notable match against Mike Tyson and a bout with Anthony Joshua. The latter ended in December with Paul suffering a significant knockout defeat, marking his second professional loss.
After the fight, he underwent surgery to repair jaw injuries. Despite this setback, Paul has announced his intention to return to boxing by 2026, aiming to compete once he recovers.
The Future Beyond PFL
Currently, there are no immediate plans for Jake Paul to fight within the MMA sphere. His boxing options remain plentiful, allowing him to pursue lucrative opportunities instead. As a 29-year-old athlete with a diverse background, Paul’s next steps continue to generate interest among fans and analysts alike.
