What Jake Paul's next move will be after Mike Tyson fight as career change rumoured

Jake Paul has been tipped to make his MMA debut in 2025 after taking on Mike Tyson in their eight-round boxing match next month

Jake Paul is gearing up to discuss his potential MMA debut after his upcoming bout with boxing icon Mike Tyson. The social media star is set to go toe-to-toe with the former heavyweight champion in Texas next month, in what's been a much-debated and postponed eight-round contest.

Paul boasts a 10-1 record in the ring, with his sole defeat coming at the hands of Tommy Fury last year. Despite being 30 years younger than Tyson, Paul isn't just eyeing boxing glory; he's also looking to make waves in the MMA world after teaming up with top-tier promotion PFL in 2022.

His MMA debut could happen as early as next year, as he pauses his quest to secure a boxing world title. "I'm not sure if it's going to be his very next fight in combat sports but he will debut in 2025," said PFL CEO Peter Murray to Mirror Fighting, ahead of Francis Ngannou's MMA comeback against Renan Ferreira.

"Look what Jake has proved in boxing; he's an incredible athlete, he's a pro boxer and he's taken on some legit opponents and he has blazed his own trail. He's going to do it the same way in MMA; he's all about being an advocate for athletes and blazing new trails so he's absolutely going to take on MMA and be as focused and dedicated as he is to boxing."

Since losing to Fury in Saudi Arabia, Paul has openly expressed his desire for revenge. With a rematch potentially on the cards, this time possibly in the MMA arena, the stage is set for an intriguing clash.

This comes as Fury has been spotted training with UFC's Tom Aspinall, fuelling speculation about a cross-discipline showdown, according to reports from the Mirror.

Murray expressed optimism about the match-up possibilities, stating: "I believe [they could fight in PFL]; we'll see, there's a list and it keeps growing, that's what's exciting about it. There are a number of fighters who would like to be part of that debut so we will be talking to Jake after the Tyson fight."

Amid the buzz in the MMA world, names like Nate Diaza renowned figure who lost to Paul in their boxing bout last yearare mentioned as possible adversaries for Paul's foray into MMA. Despite a whopping $10 million (£7.7m) offer reportedly on the table, Diaz appears to have shrugged it off, potentially eyeing a return to his familiar promotional stomping grounds.

Paul's dance card might also include a third tussle with Tyron Woodley, whom he's already bested twice between the ropes. Moreover, Paul is embroiled in an ongoing face-off with Jorge Masvidal, who's temporarily stepped away from UFC battles.

Before Paul can entertain these challenges, he's lined up to take on Mike Tyson. Tyson, absent from professional competition since quitting mid-fight against Kevin McBride in 2005, made a cameo for an exhibition spar against Roy Jones Jr in 2020, which ended in an uninspiring draw after eight rounds.