Jake Paul agreed to fight Mike Perry in an MMA rematch following Perry's victory over Nate Diaz on May 16, 2026, in Los Angeles.
Why it matters: This matchup revives a rivalry that started in boxing and showcases the growing intersection of boxing and MMA. Paul’s foray into MMA could attract fans from both sports.
- Paul previously defeated Perry in a boxing match two years ago, but the MMA rematch offers a new dynamic with different rules and skills involved.
- Perry's victory by doctor’s stoppage against Diaz adds momentum to this anticipated rematch, with both fighters eager to settle the score.
- The fight highlights the blurred lines between combat sports, as traditional boxing and MMA continue to influence each other.
Driving the news: Mike Perry secured a win against Nate Diaz via doctor’s stoppage at MVP MMA 1, prompting him to call out Paul immediately after the fight. Paul, acting as a promoter for the event, stepped into the cage to accept the challenge.
- Perry's corner threw in the towel after round 2, with Diaz requesting a rematch due to a broken finger sustained during the fight.
- After Perry's victory, he stated, "But I would do MMA against Jake Paul," directly challenging the YouTuber-turned-boxer.
- Paul responded positively, saying, "I’ll MMA this motherf—er, I already beat that a– in boxing," indicating his readiness to engage in the octagon.
The big picture: The upcoming rematch is part of a broader trend where stars from different combat sports are crossing over, generating excitement among fans.
- This event could pave the way for more crossover fights, leveraging the popularity of both MMA and boxing.
- Paul's involvement in MMA signifies his ambition to expand his brand beyond boxing, potentially appealing to a wider audience.
- As fighters like Perry and Paul embrace these cross-discipline challenges, it may redefine how fans perceive traditional boundaries in combat sports.
What they're saying: Reactions from both fighters and industry insiders highlight the significance of this rematch.
- Perry expressed confidence in his MMA skills, saying, "I’m more of an MMA fighter, you saw the s— I landed tonight, you wouldn’t have f—ing liked that s— either."
- Paul acknowledged Perry's abilities, stating, "I love you Mike, you’re a warrior, this is your night, your moment but we can run it."
- Industry experts view this matchup as a potential ratings bonanza, capitalizing on the existing rivalry and the personalities involved.
By the numbers: The rematch between Paul and Perry marks a notable moment in combat sports history.
- Paul has amassed a professional boxing record of 6-1, with his only loss coming against Tommy Fury in February 2023.
- Perry has a professional MMA record of 14-8, with his recent win against Diaz adding to his credentials.
- This fight is expected to attract a large audience, building off the success of their previous boxing match, which drew considerable attention.
Yes, but: There are hurdles to overcome before the rematch can happen.
- Contractual obligations and scheduling conflicts could delay the fight, as both fighters have busy calendars ahead.
- Ngannou's recent knockout victory and his call-out of Paul adds another layer of complexity, as fans speculate about future matchups.
- Both fighters will need to navigate their promotional commitments, especially with Paul’s role at Most Valuable Promotions.
What's next: Fans can expect updates on the rematch as negotiations progress.
- Paul and Perry's teams are likely to discuss fight dates and locations in the coming weeks, aiming for a summer showdown.
- Meanwhile, Paul is also facing calls from Francis Ngannou, who expressed interest in a potential fight, complicating Paul’s immediate plans.
- UFC's Dana White announced UFC 329, featuring Conor McGregor, which could overshadow Paul and Perry's event if not properly timed.
On the same night as the MVP MMA 1 event, Dana White made headlines by announcing UFC 329, scheduled for July 11, 2026, which includes high-profile matchups like McGregor vs. Max Holloway 2. "Oh, the cokehead is back," Paul remarked, criticizing White's timing as an attempt to overshadow their event. Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, expressed a more measured response, praising McGregor's return and the potential for a Paul-McGregor fight in the future. This juxtaposition of events highlights the competitive nature of combat sports, where timing and publicity can significantly impact audience engagement.