YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul is making waves in the martial arts world once again, this time with a surprising proposal.
Paul, who boasts a 9-1 boxing record, has announced his move to mixed martial arts (MMA) under the Professional Fighters League (PFL) banner.
At the same time, Jorge Masvidal, a prominent figure in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), received permission from the organization to explore opportunities in boxing before returning to the Octagon.
Jorge Masvidal
Instagram / @gamebredfighter
Masvidal, 39, is scheduled to make his boxing debut on June 1st against veteran fighter Nate Diaz. Although Diaz lost to Paul in a boxing match last year, the two are scheduled to rematch in the boxing ring.
Nate Diaz
Instagram / @natediaz209
Interestingly, while their feud continues, Masvidal and Diaz united in expressing their disdain for Jake Paul in a lively press conference in Las Vegas.
Undeterred by the hostility, Paul boldly offered both Masvidal and Diaz $2 million to fight in the PFL cage.
PFL chief executive Peter Murray acknowledged the scale of the spectacle and justified the substantial financial offer.
“We know what that fight will bring. It’s one of the biggest events in MMA. Of course, in terms of drawing crowds on the internet, that’s what it’s all about.”
He’s training and building it and there’s a line of top MMA fighters who want that chance and that opportunity. Of course, when it comes to attracting customers online, that’s what it’s all about. ”
