Jake Paul’s first appearance in the PFL is unlikely to take place this year.
The YouTube star signed a deal with MMA promotion PFL, but has yet to make his debut despite beginning his training in the sport, with footage emerging of him already practising leg kicks.
Paul announced he would make his MMA debut with PFLCredit: PFL
Paul has since continued his boxing career, and will next take on heavyweight legend Mike Tyson on July 20.
And when giving an update on the Problem Child’s maiden cage appearance, PFL chief Donn Davis insisted it will be delayed until further notice.
He said during a media scrum: “The good news is, if people didn’t think Jake was serious about combat, he’s proven to be serious.
“He’s certainly got better. He’s doubled down on boxing at the minute, there’s no question about it.
“There was a time when he might have done 50/50 of both and right now it looks like he might be 90/10 in favour of boxing over MMA.
“So his development in MMA is not coming along as quickly as we thought. Will he fight for the PFL? One hundred per cent.
“Will he move to MMA? One hundred per cent. Is the timing delayed? It is.”
Paul’s debut was expected to take place this year, but he has made it clear that he is prioritising his lucrative boxing exploits.
Paul vs Tyson is set for July 20Credit: Jake Paul – Instagram
He verbally offered an MMA rematch deal to former boxing opponent Nate Diaz, who he outpointed in August 2023, but any contest has yet to materialise.
The 26-year-old first defeated boxer Andre August in December 2023, before stopping Ryan Bourland in March 2024, all since inking his deal with PFL.
A huge event with heavyweight icon Tyson is understandably the focus, but it has not been without criticism.
Despite a 31-year age gap between the pair, Paul believes he was well within his rights to accept the fight and that it was an opportunity too good to turn down.
Tyson hasn’t fought professionally since retiring from boxing in 2005, and will be 58 when he laces up his gloves again this summer.
He did, though, fight in an eight-round exhibition against Roy Jones Jr in November 2020, which was called a draw.
And even if Tyson hasn’t fought professionally for so long, Paul believes he should still fearful of the veteran’s power, with fans also pointing out his raw speed in recent training footage.
