But he might be what MMA needs to survive.
At first glance, the headlines make no sense.
“Jake Paul Signs With Professional Fighters League”.
HUH? If you’re like me, chances are you read that and instantly said (potentially out loud), “what an idiot.”
And if you’re like me, you instantly texted your buddies saying how big of an idiot he is and how he is going to get murdered in MMA. Your brain is moving a million miles an hour thinking about who he’d fight and how it’d end.
Then you realize that’s exactly what Jake Paul wants you to do.
It’s no secret Paul is a polarizing figure. He’s amassed a following as a social media “bad boy” generating incredible controversy by being the world’s biggest troll. Within the past three years, however, he’s transitioned into a new profession: boxing.
Paul’s love for the fight game probably started early considering he wrestled in high school. Since entering the ring as an adult–albeit with some interesting opponents–he’s earned an undefeated 6-0 record. He’s called out some of the greatest fighters of all time (the “6” on that record came after he recently defeated Anderson Silva, arguably the most elite Middleweight in UFC history). These fights are no joke. These fighters are real fighters.
Not only has he called out fighters themselves, but he has been systematic about criticizing the godfather of MMA. Yet, Dana White has previously been able to dismiss the banter; sitting atop his throne while the UFC cruises to its highest valuation ever.
Until today. Jake Paul joining the PFL is a wake-up call to White and the UFC.
And the timing could not be better: Dana White is getting destroyed in the media and dealing with the blowback for his recent egregious actions (hitting his wife).
So what does Paul want? First, he’s attacking White’s notoriously low pay structure. In his multi-year contract, Paul will fight a newly created division for the PFL known as “Super Fight”. This will feature PPV bouts of high-profile fighters. While the UFC only pays fighters 20% of revenues, the Super Fight division will pay 50%. This, in turn, will attract talent and create a flywheel never before seen in professional mixed martial arts. If fighters can earn 50% of revenue share vs 20%, the athletes with the most talent will see the increased earning potential and flee the UFC.
The main difference between the UFC and PFL is the PFL functions as a tournament. There are still the same weight classes, but instead of fight nights and PPV cards, PFL events take place every few months. Those who win continue to the next PFL event (usually a few months later). It continues throughout the calendar year until two fighters are left from each weight class. Those two fighters have a chance to win $1 million if they win the final fight. This is known as the championship.
The UFC was founded on this idea, only back then the UFC tournaments were completed in one night (which was insane).
Think of it this way: say you’re Jorge Masvidal, who could probably do very well in the PFL but will never be a UFC champion. How do you not jump ship when you’d be guaranteed 50% of PPV numbers AND a shot at $1 million by winning your weight class?
This is what Paul is banking on, and it might just work.
It’ll take time, but Jake Paul is willing to play the waiting game. The PFL already has an ESPN deal (as does the UFC), and is coming off a successful third season. The momentum could not be more in the PFL’s favor.
Jake Paul may still be a troll, but he’s not stupid. He wants us to keep thinking he’s stupid, and if this works, which it just might, he will go down as the savior of professional MMA, and we’ll know he was the smartest guy in the room this whole time.
Follow Will Everett @WillyBeansMMA on Twitter