Jake Paul is moving into MMA with big aspirations.
Next month, Paul officially enters the MMA promotional space with MVP MMA 1. Broadcast live on Netflix and headlined by a matchup between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, the event will almost certainly be the most-viewed MMA event of all time, and speaking with Complex, Paul outlined his ambition to turn the MMA promotional landscape on its head.
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“It’s needed. It’s very, very needed in the sport,” Paul said. “I think it’s been a monopoly for so long, run by the UFC, and the fighters haven’t had another place to go where they get the exposure and more pay. And so MVP MMA is providing that with some of the biggest names, and obviously, the biggest streaming platform.
“So, it’s really a monumental shift in the timeline for MMA fighters, and for MMA fans. Because we want to provide the best and the biggest fights, and go head-to-head with the big dogs. It’s just a very exciting time for everyone because of that.”
Rousey and Carano are not the only big names Paul and his business partner, Nakisa Bidarian, brought in for their first foray into MMA. The co-main event of MVP MMA features former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, and the feature bout is a battle between two of the biggest stars in combat sports outside of the UFC, Nate Diaz and Mike Perry. And while there are no official plans for a second event just yet, Paul hopes that this first one will draw the attention of other fights, leading to a sea change in how MMA fighters currently manage their careers.
“I think we just poach all of them, honestly,” Paul said. “Get the fighters what they deserve to be paid, similar to boxing. That’s why a lot of the UFC guys want to box, because they can get 10, 15, 20 million dollars for a fight versus $1.5 million for being the champion. …
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“Hopefully, UFC fighters can start to follow the path of Francis Ngannou, where he fought his way out of his contract, and went on to do multiple boxing matches for 20, 30, 40 million dollars,” Paul added. “Now he’s fighting for MVP MMA, making more than the whole UFC roster combined.
“So, hopefully, fighters can realize they need to fight their way out of their UFC contract and then find more lucrative opportunities elsewhere, with the same or more amount of viewership. Because I think the reason they’ve wanted to stay is, ‘OK, the pay is not good, but this is the best place to become famous.’ And it’s like, no, not anymore.”
While Paul’s move into MMA promotion certainly seems big, the UFC is the dominant entity in the sport, and UFC CEO Dana White has made a career out of crushing his competition, famously even keeping a fake tombstone in his office with the names of organizations the UFC has put out of business. Even Paul admits that White probably isn’t concerned at the moment, but he says White should be.
“I don’t think [he’s nervous],” Paul said. “I think he’s checked out. Bro’s already a billionaire. He’s just going and gambling. He’s happy with his life.
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“And I also think that everyone in my whole career underestimates me, and then I surpass expectations, and they’re like, ‘Oh, OK, yeah, well, he’s there now.’ So, he probably doesn’t think that me and Nakisa are going to take over MMA in any way, shape, or form. So I don’t think he’s nervous because of that.”
For as much as Paul may talk, though, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. And while MVP MMA has its inaugural event next month, just a few weeks later, the UFC counters with UFC White House, arguably the biggest card in promotional history. But Paul believes their card stands up against any that the UFC is putting out.
“It’s like LeBron and Jordan,” Paul said. “So, I think it’s at the same level, but I know that it will get more views. I think that’s just because it’s Netflix, and free with the subscription. But I do think it is a better card, and more entertaining. So, I think that’s why people are comparing it. We’ll see what happens, I guess.”
