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Jake Paul shocked the world of combat sports by announcing his decision to sign with the PFL. Prior to his announcement, 'The Problem Child' was at the peak of influencer-boxing as its most well-known and successful athlete. He sports victories over the likes of Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley and even Anderson Silva.
Throughout most of those bouts, however, many fans were certain that the youngest Paul brother would never truly test himself in the cage. Instead, the common assumption was that he was content with simply plying his trade in the squared circle.
But Jake Paul stunned all of his doubters by making the boldest move of his career thus far. Not only is it the boldest move of his career, but it is the right move and this list details why 'The Problem Child's' decision is a positive one.
#5. Jake Paul will earn legitimacy
A common complaint that has followed Jake Paul throughout his career is that he isn't fighting top-quality opponents. His viral knockout win against Nate Robinson was dismissed due to the latter being a basketball player and not a fighter. His subsequent bout came against Ben Askren.
While 'Funky' is a retired mixed martial artist and former world champion, he was a wrestler instead of a striker. Furthermore, he was significantly older and smaller than 'The Problem Child' and was also coming off major hip surgery. That win was also dismissed, as was his win over Tyron Woodley.
Many called for the younger Paul brother to fight a boxer instead of challenging MMA fighters outside of their element. Even his win against Anderson Silva didn't earn him the respect he sought. But after signing with the PFL to begin his journey in MMA, it'll legitimize him as a fighter.
Now that he'll be facing mixed martial artists in their backyard, nothing more can be said about his legitimacy as a fighter.
#4. It offers an alternative to the UFC
One of the cards in the UFC's backpocket is that it hosts most of MMA's PPV draws. However, recent events have led to a subtle paradigm shift. Nate Diaz recently left the UFC and there have been rumblings about him potentially signing with the PFL.
Not long after, Jake Paul announced his signing with the PFL. The surge in interest this created was only magnified after it was revealed that Francis Ngannou opted against renewing his contract with the UFC. While he is yet to commit to a new promotion, his family member was seen wearing a PFL shirt in a social media post.
The apparent migration of PPV draws into the PFL bodes well for the promotion. 'The Problem Child' will attract a newer and younger generation of MMA fans that the PFL would otherwise be unable to attract. It turns the organization into a must-watch promotion and an occasional alternative to the UFC.
#3. It might force the UFC to reconsider its pay structure
Jake Paul is a vocal advocate for better fighter pay and has repeatedly taken aim at the UFC's controversial pay structure. One of 'The Problem Child's' frequent targets is UFC President Dana White. With the youngest Paul brother now being signed to the PFL, this puts an even greater spotlight on the UFC's issues.
Francis Ngannou, with whom Jake Paul once had a sitdown to discuss problems with the UFC's pay structure, is likely PFL-bound. If 'The Problem Child' was a highly visible figure before, he's even more relevant in MMA circles now due to his position in the UFC's pay structure.
If he continues shedding light on this issue while simultaneously offering other fighters a genuine alternative in the form of the PFL, MMA altogether will benefit. Fighters are underpaid and deserve a greater percentage than what the UFC has been willing to offer.
#2. There's a possible Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz fight on the horizon
At the end of the day, MMA is a business. The main goal of every promotion is to generate revenue. The PFL is no different in that respect. While there's a limit to the number of big PPV bouts the promotion can schedule, a potential matchup between Jake Paul and Nate Diaz would be extremely lucrative.
Stockton's finest is currently a free agent. He is taking his time and considering every option at his disposal. One such option is a two-fight deal with 'The Problem Child.' Alongside the likes of Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz is another fighter who Jake Paul issued a public challenge to.
Paul offered Diaz a two-fight deal involving one boxing match and one MMA bout. If such a bout comes to fruition, then it will be the PFL's most successful endeavor. It will put enough eyeballs on the promotion that it will become a stronger alternative for not only other fighters, but fans.
If Paul can increase the profile of the promotion and become an even bigger PPV draw by defeating Diaz, he will become a money fight that others will chase.
#1. He will bring a new generation of fans into the fold
One of the reasons Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey are such box office stars is the appeal they have among people who wouldn't otherwise watch MMA. Before 'The Notorious,' there were very few Irish MMA fans. Furthermore, casual fans who only watch the sport when one or two fighters compete were unheard of.
Yet, the Irishman brought an influx of fans who would otherwise watch other sports or none at all. His charisma and personality attracted their attention. The same is true for Ronda Rousey, who drew so much attention that she became a brief Hollywood staple. An entire generation of women became MMA fans due to her.
Mothers turned up with their young daughters to watch 'Rowdy' fight. While Jake Paul is unlikely to replicate their PPV success, he can build from it. 'The Problem Child' attracts a different audience that wouldn't otherwise care about MMA. A younger generation follows in his every footstep.
He can draw them into the world of MMA. People who frequent YouTube and Tik Tok and grew up in the digital age all know about Jake Paul.
