The world of combat sports has never been shy of spectacle. From crossover boxing matches to social media stars entering the ring, fans have seen it all—or so they thought. But now, with Professional Fighters League (PFL) CEO John Martin confirming his openness to a Jake Paul vs. Oleksandr Usyk fight, the stage may be set for one of the biggest MMA super-fights in history.
Martin, who officially stepped into the role as PFL’s new leader earlier this summer, has already been thrown into the deep end of blockbuster fight negotiations. And his latest comments on a potential Jake Paul vs Oleksandr Usyk MMA fight have set the internet ablaze.
John Martin Takes the Helm of PFL
The Professional Fighters League has grown rapidly over the past few years, transforming itself into a credible competitor to the UFC. With unique tournament formats, the “Smart Cage” technology, and a growing roster of stars, PFL has made it clear they want to be a disruptor in mixed martial arts.
Enter John Martin, a former Turner Broadcasting CEO known for his ability to pull in massive audiences. In July, Martin officially took over as PFL’s CEO, and in just his first month he was presented with the opportunity of a lifetime: a potential mega-fight between Jake Paul and Oleksandr Usyk.
For Martin, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. “It’s been a busy first month,” he admitted in a recent interview. But when asked if he would consider booking Jake Paul vs Usyk in MMA, he responded with three simple words that ignited global buzz:
“The answer’s yes.”
Why Jake Paul vs Oleksandr Usyk in MMA Is a Big Deal
At first glance, the idea of a fight between Jake Paul, the YouTuber-turned-boxer, and Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, seems almost absurd. Usyk is widely considered one of the greatest technical boxers of this era, a fighter who dominated at cruiserweight before moving up to conquer the heavyweight division, defeating Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury along the way.
On the other hand, Jake Paul is a relative newcomer. Though dismissed by critics early on, he has managed to build a respectable boxing résumé, defeating MMA veterans like Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley, and Nate Diaz inside the ring. Still, the gap between him and a world-class boxer like Usyk is massive.
But this fight isn’t about boxing—it’s about MMA.
Jake Paul has a wrestling background from his high school days, and he has hinted repeatedly that his move into mixed martial arts was inevitable after signing with PFL in 2023. If he were to face Usyk inside the cage, the rules would shift drastically. No longer would Paul be forced to match Usyk’s world-class boxing footwork and timing. Wrestling, kicks, and submissions could all come into play, making this matchup far more intriguing than a standard boxing bout.
Oleksandr Usyk Calls Jake Paul Out
What makes this storyline even more fascinating is that the callout didn’t come from Jake Paul—it came from Usyk himself.
Fresh off his victory over Daniel Dubois, Usyk shocked fans by suggesting that once he retires from boxing, he’s open to fighting Paul in the cage. On social media, Usyk even replied to Jake Paul’s “bucket list,” where the influencer ranked fighting Usyk as number five. Usyk’s response was clear, sharp, and dripping with confidence:
“Good plan. But I’m not here for 5th place — only first. Soon, I’ll close the book on boxing, and after that, I’ll be waiting for you in the cage. Let’s see if you’ve got the balls or just a hunger for hype.”
For Usyk, approaching his late 30s and already cemented as a boxing legend, a switch to MMA might serve as a bold, legacy-sealing final chapter. For Paul, it represents the ultimate credibility test.
John Martin’s Vision for PFL and the Fight
When asked directly about the fight, John Martin didn’t shy away from the possibility. He praised Jake Paul’s success in boxing, noting that Paul has surprised many by proving he can hold his own inside the ring.
“I would love the opportunity to consider him doing an MMA fight with PFL,” Martin said. “That’d be amazing.”
Martin’s background in television makes him an ideal figure to promote this type of event. He knows the importance of building hype, crafting storylines, and making the fight feel like a cultural phenomenon rather than just another match. With Jake Paul’s star power and Usyk’s legendary status, the marketing potential is virtually unlimited.
The Risk and Reward for Jake Paul
There’s no denying that Jake Paul would enter an MMA cage against Usyk as the underdog. Even though MMA rules level the playing field compared to boxing, Usyk’s conditioning, footwork, and combat IQ are second to none.
But Paul has built his career on taking risks. From his early YouTube days to stepping into boxing against seasoned fighters, he has constantly been willing to challenge himself while silencing critics along the way. A win against Usyk, even in MMA, would instantly make Paul one of the most talked-about names not just in combat sports, but across all of entertainment.
The reward? A legacy-defining moment.
The risk? Facing humiliation against a world champion who has already proven himself at the highest levels.
Usyk’s Legacy and Why MMA Appeals to Him
Oleksandr Usyk doesn’t need to prove anything in boxing. He has already unified cruiserweight, moved up to heavyweight, and defeated every top contender in front of him. His status as an all-time great is secure.
So why MMA?
For Usyk, it could simply be about the challenge. He has always admired fighters like Evander Holyfield, who successfully moved through weight classes. Crossing into a completely new discipline may be his way of pushing boundaries and testing himself one final time.
And facing Jake Paul, a global superstar, guarantees attention from fans outside of the traditional boxing audience. It’s the type of spectacle that could make headlines far beyond sports pages.
What This Fight Means for PFL
For the Professional Fighters League, this would be a dream scenario. The UFC has long dominated MMA, but a fight like Jake Paul vs Oleksandr Usyk would instantly thrust PFL into mainstream conversations.
The bout would not only attract hardcore fight fans, but also casual viewers curious about whether Jake Paul could actually hold his own against a world champion. With Usyk’s credibility and Paul’s ability to market, the event could rival some of the biggest pay-per-view numbers in combat sports history.
If PFL can secure this fight, it could be the company’s equivalent of Conor McGregor vs Floyd Mayweather—a spectacle that transcends the sport itself.
Fan Reactions and Speculation
Reactions to the potential matchup have been mixed. Some fans see it as a circus act, another example of Jake Paul manufacturing hype. Others argue that Usyk stepping into an MMA cage levels the playing field, making the fight genuinely interesting.
On social media, fans are already debating who would win. Some point to Paul’s wrestling background as an advantage, while others dismiss his chances against a disciplined champion like Usyk. Either way, the speculation is driving engagement—and that’s exactly what promoters like John Martin want.
Could the Fight Happen in 2026?
While no official date has been set, speculation suggests that if the fight does happen, it could take place as early as 2026. That timeline would allow Usyk to finish his boxing career on his own terms while giving Jake Paul time to continue training in MMA.
For now, Martin remains cautious. “We’ll wait and see what happens,” he said. But his enthusiasm—“The answer’s yes”—makes it clear that discussions are well underway.
A Potential Game-Changer
The potential Jake Paul vs Oleksandr Usyk MMA fight is more than just a gimmick—it’s a crossroads moment for the future of combat sports.
For Jake Paul, it represents the chance to silence critics once and for all. For Usyk, it’s an opportunity to test himself in a new arena while broadening his already legendary legacy. For PFL, it’s the golden ticket to cementing itself as a legitimate global force.
If this fight becomes reality, it won’t just be about wins and losses. It will be about entertainment, history, and the evolution of what fans expect from combat sports.
And if you ask PFL CEO John Martin, there’s no hesitation. When it comes to Jake Paul vs Oleksandr Usyk in the Smart Cage, the message is clear:
“The answer is yes.”
