Jake Paul’s MMA debut set for indefinite delay as he prioritises boxing ahead of Mike Tyson fight

Jake Paul’s first PFL appearance is unlikely to happen this year.

The YouTube star has signed a deal with MMA promotion PFL, but is yet to make his debut despite beginning his training in the sport, with footage already showing leg kicks.

Paul has since continued his boxing career and will next face heavyweight legend Mike Tyson on July 20.

And providing an update on Problem Child’s first in-cage appearance, PFL chief Donn Davis insisted it would be delayed until further notice.

He said during a media scrum: “The good news is that if people didn’t think Jake was serious about fighting, he turned out to be serious.

“He’s definitely improved. He’s doubled down on his boxing at the moment, there’s no doubt about that.

“There was a time when he could have done both 50/50 and right now it seems he’s 90/10 in favor of boxing over MMA.

“So his development in MMA is not happening as quickly as we thought. Will he fight for the PFL? One hundred percent.

“Is he going to move to MMA? One hundred percent. Is the timing delayed? It’s true.”

Paul’s debut was due to take place this year, but he has made it clear that he is prioritizing his lucrative boxing exploits.

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He has verbally offered an MMA rematch deal to former boxing opponent Nate Diaz, whom he outpointed in August 2023, but no contest has yet taken place.

The 26-year-old first defeated boxer Andre August in December 2023, before stopping Ryan Bourland in March 2024, since signing his contract with the PFL.

A huge event with heavyweight icon Tyson is understandably the center of attention, but it hasn’t been without its critics.

Despite a 31-year age gap between the two men, Paul believes he had every right to accept the fight and that it was too good an opportunity to turn down.

Tyson has not fought professionally since retiring from boxing in 2005, and will be 58 when he laces up the gloves again this summer.

He did, however, fight in an eight-round exhibition against Roy Jones Jr in November 2020, which was ruled a draw.

And even though Tyson hasn’t fought professionally for that long, Paul believes he should still be afraid of the veteran’s power, with fans also pointing out his raw speed in recent training footage.

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