RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - There is no doubt the eyes of the MMA world will be focused on Riyadh this coming Saturday when Francis Ngannou takes on Renan Ferreira for the PFL Super Fights heavyweight title live on DAZN.
However, shockwaves are set to be sent through the sport of MMA in 2025 when Jake Paul finally makes his debut in the PFL.
Paul signed a multi-year deal with the PFL back in 2023, however, "The Problem Child" is yet to step inside the SmartCage with boxing still being a prominent part of his career in combat sports, and he is currently preparing for a huge clash against boxing legend Mike Tyson on November 15.
Once his meeting with Tyson has taken place, it will be full steam ahead for Paul's MMA debut and when speaking to DAZN, PFL CEO Peter Murray confirmed this huge sporting moment will take place in 2025 whilst also praising Paul's impact on the sport.
"Jake is an advocate for athletes, an advocate for fighters, boxing and MMA," Murray began.
"He has a massive platform and voice, I'm really impressed and how he's blazed the trail for himself, in the media landscape with his voice, as an athlete, as a boxer, it's polarising.
"When we had the opportunity to partner with him, part as a promoter because of his advocacy for the sport and athletes, and then as a fighter to usher Jake into MMA professionally for his debut and that debut will be in 2025.
"All I can tell you is that there is a line of fighters who would love the opportunity to be a part of that debut. It's going to be a massive event."
Murray then claimed that Paul's MMA debut will be something akin to a fight involving UFC superstar Conor McGregor.
"It will be Conor McGregor-like in terms of viewership and it will be a real fight," Murray continued.
"This means a top a caliber fighter that Jake is committed to taking on in his debut."
Paul's last boxing bout in July came against a former UFC fighter in Mike Perry who the former beat by stoppage in the sixth round.
Watch Ngannou vs. Ferreira on DAZN
Watch Francis Ngannou's return to the cage as he faces Renan Ferreira in the PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants this Saturday on DAZN Pay-Per-View.
The card also features Cris Cyborg against Larissa Pacheco for the women's featherweight world title.
The PPV is priced at £19.99 for UK viewers to watch on any device, including Smart TV's, game consoles, phones, tablets and PC's.
To purchase and find the prices in your region click here.
Purchasing the PPV includes a seven-day free trial of all of DAZN's programming across a range of sports.
More PFL
- Ngannou ready for PFL debut after years away from MMA
- Bellator middleweight world title rematch added to 'Battle of the Giants'
- PFL alternative viewing experience for Battle of the Giants with DAZN
- Jake Paul talks Jon Jones fighting the winner of Ngannou vs. Ferreira
- PFL announces launch of PFL Africa