Jake Paul's Team Predicts 20 Million Viewers for MMA Debut
Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), is "no doubt" that Jake Paul's first MMA fight will become the most-viewed match in the sport's history.
Bidarian made the prediction to TMZ Sports, citing Paul's massive following in the world of boxing. Paul has said he intends to make his MMA debut after returning to boxing later in 2026, with 2027 currently his target. The business partner wants Nate Diaz across the cage from Paul, as the two previously fought under boxing rules in August 2023.
Diaz is interested in another fight with Mike Perry, who he met at MVP MMA 1 in May. Bidarian said MVP supports a potential rematch before turning its attention toward Paul. However, no agreement for Paul-Diaz or a Diaz-Perry rematch has been announced.
The PFL merger gives Paul an established MMA platform, with access to a roster of over 300 PFL fighters and an international distribution network spanning more than 170 countries. MVP and PFL have existing media relationships with Netflix, ESPN, and Sky Sports, but have not announced which platform will carry Paul's eventual MMA debut.
Paul has now publicly committed to making his MMA debut, after originally signing an exclusive MMA agreement with PFL in 2023. He said, "I look forward to putting my entire promotional muscle into our new company, returning to the boxing ring and making my MVP MMA debut." Paul targeted 2027 for that debut, saying he first plans to box again later in 2026 and then devote himself to MMA preparation.
MVP already drew millions of viewers with its first professional MMA event in May, headlined by Ronda Rousey's return against Gina Carano. The event peaked at nearly 17 million global viewers, while its three main-event fights averaged 12.4 million viewers worldwide.
With Paul's massive following in boxing and the established platform of MVP, it's clear that his MMA debut will be a major event. The question now is which platform will carry it, and what kind of numbers it will attract.
Source: Yahoo Sports
