Former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis welcomed Jake Paul to the PFL with a challenge for his debut.
Internet influencer turned boxer Jake Paul was last seen in action against legendary mixed martial artist Anderson Silva in October. He managed to edge out ‘The Spider’ on the judges’ scorecards and scored the sole knockdown of the contest. Earlier today, Paul announced he penned a deal with the PFL as a MMA fighter, teasing a highly anticipated move to the sport.
Anthony Pettis wants to be Jake Paul’s debut fight in PFL
In a recent tweet, Anthony Pettis reacted to Paul joining the PFL and expressed his willingness to take him on in his debut.
“Welcome to the PFL @jakepaul. More than happy to welcome you to MMA’s league if Nate isn’t available.”
Welcome to the PFL @jakepaul
More than happy to welcome you to MMA’s league if Nate isn’t available 🤝 @PeteMurrayPFL @PFLMMA @DonnDavisPFL
— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) January 5, 2023
Pettis developed a reputation for being one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC between 2011 and 2014, when he racked up an impressive five-fight win streak, with notable finishes of Donald Cerrone, Joe Lauzon, and Benson Henderson.
Paul called out Diaz for 2 contests
Paul called out fan favorite Nate Diaz in the announcement. He offered Diaz a two-fight deal, where one competition will be in the boxing ring while the other would be inside the octagon six months later under the PFL banner.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm4UJr1BtpS/
Diaz recently completed the last fight on his contract with the UFC when he took on Tony Ferguson in Sep. at UFC 279. He was originally lined up with top-ranked welterweight contender Khamzat Chimaev but got shuffled with Ferguson after ‘Borz’ came in seven and a half pounds over the nontitle weight limit. He dispatched Ferguson in the fourth round and indicated he would not re-sign immediately as he wanted to explore free agency.
He has previously shown his interest in the prospect of facing ‘The Problem Child’ in a boxing match but is yet to comment on Paul’s latest callout and move to MMA.
