Paul’s harsh criticism of MMA’s evolution

Jake Paul, a former YouTuber turned professional boxer, has once again stirred controversy with his strong opinions on mixed martial arts (MMA). In a recent interview on All the Smoke Fight, he claimed that MMA has lost its uniqueness and is becoming a weaker version of boxing. According to Paul, the sport has become predictable and less exciting.

“MMA isn’t what it used to be, and that’s the truth,” Paul stated. “Boxing is bigger than ever. The biggest sporting event in 2024 was boxing, my fight against Mike Tyson, while MMA is turning into bad boxing.”

Paul believes that boxing, with its 600-year history, is a more stable and well-established sport. He also argues that UFC fights have fewer significant strikes per round compared to boxing, despite MMA rounds being longer.

Questions surrounding Paul’s PFL involvement

In January 2023, Paul signed a contract with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), securing a business partnership and a stake in the organization. He was actively involved in promoting major events, such as Battle of the Giants in October 2023, where Francis Ngannou faced Renan Ferreira.

Despite his role in PFL, Paul’s latest remarks have led to speculation about his true commitment to MMA. Some fans now wonder whether he still sees the sport as a long-term project or if his involvement in PFL was purely a business move.

“MMA is just kickboxing now”

Paul argues that modern MMA has become dominated by strikers because most fighters have improved their takedown defense. He believes this shift has led to fewer submission attempts and ground exchanges, making the sport less dynamic.

“Everyone has mastered takedown defense, and most fighters are black belts in jiu-jitsu. That means we rarely see submissions anymore. Wrestling exchanges are minimal, and when they happen, they’re boring. At this point, MMA is just kickboxing.”

He highlighted Alex Pereira, a former kickboxer and current UFC champion, as an example of how strikers are taking over MMA due to their knockout power.

“Who is the biggest star in MMA right now? Alex Pereira, a kickboxer. He knocks everyone out because no one can take him down or submit him.”

Will Jake Paul actually fight in MMA?

Despite his criticism, Paul has repeatedly stated that he wants to compete in MMA. He has been training inside a professional cage at his Puerto Rico gym, working on his wrestling and grappling skills in preparation for a future PFL debut.

According to PFL CEO Peter Murray, Paul is expected to make his first MMA appearance in 2025, following his boxing match against Mike Tyson scheduled for November 2024. However, it remains to be seen whether his latest comments will impact his relationship with the league.

The MMA community reacts to Paul’s claims

Paul’s statements have sparked strong reactions within the combat sports world. Some agree with his assessment, arguing that modern MMA relies too much on striking, while others defend the sport’s evolution. Critics point out that styles naturally change over time and that wrestling remains a key element of MMA.

If Jake Paul competes in PFL in 2025, he will have the chance to prove whether his criticisms are justified or if he underestimated the depth of MMA. Will he back up his words, or will his opponents expose his lack of experience in the cage?

Source: MMAnytt.se

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