Jake Paul got submitted by featherweight in first MMA ‘fight’ before launching boxing career, beating former UFC champions and signing with PFL

YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul is set to transition to MMA.

On Thursday, it was announced that the 6-0 professional boxer has signed with the Professional Fighters League [PFL] – a rival MMA promotional company to Dana White’s UFC.

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Paul and his business partner Nakisa Bidarian now own an equity share of PFL and are starting a new ‘Super Fight’ division, which he will compete in.

The purpose of this division is to stage PPV events for fighters who are already big names and ‘can instantly draw paying customers', rather than those chasing traditional titles.

While announcing his PFL move, Paul called out Nate Diaz whom he wants to face in the boxing ring this year before doing a rematch in MMA six months later.

The 25-year-old will not be entering the world of martial arts as a complete novice, following a 2018 sparring session with former Bellator fighter, AJ Agazarm.

After receiving a call out from fellow internet celebrity KSI – who will box Faze Temperrr on January 14 – Paul proposed they fight in MMA and hit the gym.

Ultimately, ‘The Problem Child’ ended up beating KSI’s brother, Deji, in the boxing ring but not before he took on the featherweight prospect in a ‘cage fight’.

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Paul was 20 years old when the video was made and was easily handled by the well-respected jiu-jitsu black belt who submitted him with an armbar before going 3-2 as a professional fighter.

Almost six years later, the former Disney actor has beat big MMA stars, Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva in the boxing ring while consistently talking up a potential crossover bouts.

Paul trained with Jorge Masvidal, sparred with Mike Perry and showed off his improved kicking ability before signing with the PFL who enjoyed a bumper year in 2022.

Now, he’ll gear up to what promises to be an eagerly anticipated MMA debut.