Jake Paul is targeting 2027 for his long-discussed MMA debut, and he already has two familiar opponents at the top of his list.
Following the merger of Most Valuable Promotions and the Professional Fighters League, Paul named Nate Diaz as his preferred matchup while also expressing interest in facing Mike Perry.
He has defeated both men in boxing, but neither proposed MMA fight has been formally announced.
Paul Plans to Enter MMA After His Next Boxing Match
Paul told ESPN that he hopes to return to boxing later in 2026 before turning his attention to MMA the following year. He said negotiations were taking place behind the scenes but did not reveal who was being considered for his next boxing match.
Although Paul previously signed a multiyear deal with the PFL and has helped promote MMA events, he has never competed professionally under mixed martial arts rules. His earlier PFL agreement expired in 2026 without him entering the cage.
Paul also acknowledged that he has never completed a dedicated MMA training session. “I’ve never even done a single day of MMA training,” he said. Paul wrestled while attending high school in Ohio, but a complete MMA camp would require him to divide his preparation among boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and other disciplines.
Nate Diaz Remains Paul’s Preferred Opponent
During an interview with TMZ Sports, Paul said discussions surrounding an MMA fight with Diaz had continued without producing an agreement. He believes the MVP-PFL merger has made the matchup more realistic after previous conversations failed to reach the point where the fight made sense for everyone involved.
“I want the Nate Diaz MMA fight very, very bad,” Paul said. Paul defeated Diaz by unanimous decision in their August 2023 boxing match. An MMA rematch would move the rivalry into Diaz’s established discipline, where the former UFC fighter has competed professionally since 2004.
Mike Perry Is Another Familiar Option
Paul also identified Perry as a possible opponent, telling TMZ Sports that a fight with him “would be great.” The two previously sparred before meeting in a professional boxing match in July 2024. Paul dropped Perry three times before stopping him in the sixth round.
Perry later returned to MMA and defeated Diaz by corner stoppage during MVP’s first MMA event in May 2026. He would offer Paul a different challenge in the cage, where punches can be combined with kicks, takedowns, submissions and fighting against the fence.
The MVP-PFL Merger Gives Paul a Platform
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MVP and PFL announced their merger on July 30, creating a combined combat sports company that will operate under the MVP banner.
Paul and MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian will serve as co-founders and board members of the new organization. PFL CEO John Martin will become CEO and a board member while leading the combined business.
The organization says its roster will include nearly 400 athletes across boxing and MMA. Paul is expected to remain involved in audience growth, fighter development, promotion and brand expansion while preparing for his own eventual appearance in the cage. No opponent, date, weight class or venue has been announced for his MMA debut.