The opponents of Jake Paul can get their wish for him to undergo one of the best awarded boxing … kind of.
Paul has become an increasingly polarized figure since he established himself as a prominent part of the combat sport space through his efforts in the ring and words war with Dana White about hunter paying in the UFC.
To date, the competitive company of the native Cleveland has remained in the ring. But that seemed to change at the beginning of 2023, when Paul signed an exclusive MMA deal with PFL prior to an expected debut in the cage later that year.
That did not flourish and since then little has emerged about the chance of an MMA fight for 'the problem child' – so far.
“The fight can absolutely happen” 👀
Jake Paul's manager, Nakisa Bidarian, about the prospect that Paul is fighting against Anthony Joshua 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/wcivqiupou
– Sky Sports Boxing (@skySportsboxing) 31 July 2025
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Talk 'On the way' for Jake Paul vs. Oleksandr usyk in MMA
Since Paul Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. In his latest boxing competition, Focus has aimed at his ambitious callout by Anthony Joshua. The newest update with regard to a collision between the YouTuber-Omtoed Pugilistic and former uniform heavyweight boxing champion was positive, with the first manager said that Paul vs. Joshua “absolutely can happen”.
But a member of the entourage of another boxer has suggested that Paul is in conversation for a much, much other assignment.
Sergey Lapin, a key figure in undisputed heavyweight King Oleksr's team, claimed in an interview with Plejmo that conversations “on the road” are for a shock mma -fight between the Ukrainian star and Paul.
“The team is currently working on the next fight,” said Lapin. “We look at a few options, aimed at those who have interest and status logical both sport -wise and in terms of the public.
“Almost every hunter has declared Jake Paul. But our story is different. For us it is about MMA, something non-standard, and that is where its power lies.
“We are not talking about a boxing match with Oleksandr Usyk,” Lapin continued. “No lack of respect for Jake, but in MMA the chances are more right. Jake is some experience, while Oleksandr should adjust quickly.
“This could be a huge show with a huge global audience. There are already conversations going on, and if everything is in line, the fight could happen early next year.”
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty images
Jake Paul's manager confirmed claims from MMA interviews with Team Ussyk
After Paul and Usyk were confronted with Wembley in July, the discourse increased over a possible MMA match
The manager of the American, Nakisa Bidarian, had previously unveiled the urge of Team UsyK to make the match happen, with an explanation during a press conference for Paul vs. Chavez Jr. That they hoped to negotiate a 2026 fight in the cage.
“Usyk has called Jake to MMA several times,” said Bidarian. “They have been in contact with us behind the scenes and say they want to do that fight in 2026.
“It's something we definitely want to pursue.”
It marks MMA's first conversation for 'The Problem Child' since his short feud with Nate Diaz.
After the ex-Disney star defeated the native Stockton in the ring, Paul Diaz offered a rematch in MMA. The former UFC star has rejected the apparent proposal of $ 10 million because of his refusal to compete in the PFL.