Jake Paul is officially entering the MMA promotional world, and he is doing it with one of the most high-profile launches the sport has seen in years.
Next month, MVP MMA 1 goes live on Netflix. The debut card is already drawing attention for its lineup, headlined by a matchup between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano. The event also features former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, while Nate Diaz and Mike Perry meet in a featured bout.
Speaking to Complex, Paul framed the move as more than just a new promotion. He sees it as a challenge to the current structure of MMA.
“It’s needed. It’s very, very needed in the sport,”
“I think it’s been a monopoly for so long, run by the UFC, and the fighters haven’t had another place to go where they get the exposure and more pay. “
“MVP MMA is providing that with some of the biggest names, and obviously, the biggest streaming platform.”
He added that the goal is to change how fighters are paid and promoted, especially with the reach of Netflix behind the venture
Getting the Fighters What They Deserve!
A central theme in Paul’s vision is fighter compensation. He pointed directly at the gap between UFC pay and opportunities outside the promotion.
“Get the fighters what they deserve to be paid, similar to boxing. That’s why a lot of the UFC guys want to box, because they can get 10, 15, 20 million dollars for a fight versus $1.5 million for being the champion.”
Paul also pointed to Francis Ngannou as an example of what he believes fighters can achieve outside the UFC system.
“Hopefully, UFC fighters can start to follow the path of Francis Ngannou, where he fought his way out of his contract, and went on to do multiple boxing matches for 20, 30, 40 million dollars,”
“Now he’s fighting for MVP MMA, making more than the whole UFC roster combined.”
He went even further on his ambition for talent acquisition.
“I think we just poach all of them, honestly,” Paul said. “Get the fighters what they deserve to be paid, similar to boxing.”
UFC leadership, competition talk, and Netflix factor
UFC CEO Dana White remains the central figure in MMA promotion, but Paul downplayed concerns about immediate pushback.
“I don’t think [he’s nervous]”
“I think he’s checked out. Bro’s already a billionaire. He’s just going and gambling. He’s happy with his life.”
What do you think? Will MVP MMA on Netflix ever rival the UFC?