JAKE PAUL has had a custom-made cage built in his gym in preparation for his MMA debut – which could be against a familiar face.
The YouTube star has an 8-1 boxing record since making his debut in 2020 and has voiced lofty ambitions of winning the world title.
But last year he also signed to the Professional Fighters League – a rival to the UFC – where he is set to make his MMA debut.
Paul has a £3MILLLION two-story gym in his adopted home of Puerto Rico, where he trains for his big-money boxing fights.
And in the upstairs section – next to where brother Logan films his popular Impaulsive podcast – Paul has a section dedicated to MMA.
He has even built an exact replica of the PFL’s SmartCage as his preparations to cross over from the ring progresses.
It even features branding on the posts and was recently lit up with lights for a photoshoot.
PFL CEO Peter Murray told SunSport: “He’s determined, so when he makes his debut in MMA it’s going to be massive.
“Opponents are lining up and we’re looking forward to, with Jake and Nakisa [Bidarian], announcing that very soon.”
A month before Paul, 27, announced his deal with the PFL, he suffered the first boxing defeat of his career.
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He lost a split-decision to Tommy Fury, 24, in Saudi Arabia but has bounced back with two wins since.
Paul returns on March 2 against 17-2 boxer Ryan Bourland, 35, while Fury meanwhile beat another YouTuber-turned boxer in KSI, 30, last October.
But talks for the celebrity boxing rivals to rematch remain ongoing.
Paul’s business partner Bidarian recently talked up a deal worth £16m.
It would see Fury rematch the American in boxing and then complete a trilogy in MMA.
And Murray added: “All I can tell you is, we’ve got the bank, we’ve got the platform, we have the biggest stars.
“We have athletes from MMA, athletes from boxing lining up, the best of the best, they want in.
“So we’re taking our time, making our selections in putting that fight together and for all involved, for everybody who is worth their weight in gold they will definitely get paid and it will be massive for the sport.”
Asked if there had been any talks with Fury’s camp, Murray replied: “There have been some conversations.”
Fury’s team declined to comment when approached.
