Tony Ferguson has renewed his offer to train YouTube star Jake Paul for his MMA debut in 2024.
Paul announced that he would make his MMA debut after signing with promotion PFL on a long-term deal with a view to competing in the cage and mentoring fighters. The YouTube star has always said he wishes to compete in MMA and boxing, and is already hoping to bring big events to the PFL, including a fight against Nate Diaz, to whom he has already made a two-bout offer.
It is expected that Paul will first focus on his boxing career before beginning MMA training ahead of beginning competition in the cage in 2024. UFC star Ferguson had insisted he would be willing to help out in the 'Problem Child's' camp if required, tweeting: "Let me know when you need a good MMA coach @jakepaul. You can be one of my students."
He has since doubled down on the offer, adding in a fresh tweet: "Yo @jakepaul, I haven’t heard back from you. Although you follow my play more than t****, it's all about CSO in my opinion. Set a meeting with me if you are smart. Remember kid, I'm watching champ."
Ferguson has a wealth of experience in the cage having shared the Octagon with some of the UFC's leading fighters, including most recently when he was choked out by Paul's rival Nate Diaz. The YouTuber has a background in wrestling but is yet to fully test out his skills, although he is expected to compete in the PFL's new 'super-fight' division when he begins his campaign.
Paul has tried his hand at promoting in the boxing world and he will also have an involvement within the MMA promotion, taking up a new role as the head of fighter advocacy. He issued a statement on a YouTube video, saying: "I've officially signed as an MMA fighter to the fastest-growing sports league in the world, the PFL. Not only am I'm an MMA fighter but I'm also a co-founder of the new PFL pay-per-view super-fight division.
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"I will be the head of fighter advocacy and I'm going to use my platform to market PFL fighters and introduce them to my fans worldwide. I personally will be deeply involved in making sure the PFL is the best place in the world for fighters, with the launch of this new division our fighters will be receiving 50 per cent of the revenue.
"A partnership that allows fighters to be individual and for them to monetise their own sponsorship deals which as we know, isn't allowed in the UFC. This is about changing MMA. Disrupting, innovating, and creating the next big league. But I’m going to start now, moving forward with some extra time I have within this camp. I’m going to put in some extra time, rolling around doing some jiu-jitsu and learning some kicks.”
