Jake Paul Wanting New Deal for Usman Nurmagomedov Backfires as Undefeated Star Waiting for Dana White’s Offer

Jake Paul faces major hurdle as Usman Nurmagomedov hints at potential financial opportunities influencing his decision to move promotions.

Jake Paul Wanting New Deal for Usman Nurmagomedov Backfires as Undefeated Star Waiting for Dana White’s Offer

Usman Nurmagomedov shakes Jake Paul by hinting at potential UFC move (via Bloody Elbow, Sportico)

Jake Paul co-founded Most Valuable Promotions alongside Nakisa Bidarian and completed its biggest move yet through a landmark merger with the PFL. However, PFL top star and lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov has now hinted at a potential move to the UFC.

Nurmagomedov established himself as Bellator lightweight champion with a dominant unbeaten run before the promotion’s closure. After Bellator dissolved, he defeated Paul Hughes in their rematch to claim the PFL lightweight title. Nurmagomedov then submitted Alfie Davis at PFL Dubai to secure his first successful defense.

Nurmagomedov defeated Archie Colgan at PFL New York, extending his unbeaten professional record to 22-0. The victory also marked the final fight of his existing PFL contract. Speaking with Paul afterward, the Dagestani star stressed that his future depended on the best financial offer.

MVP, they always trash talk a little bit about Dana [White] and say that he doesn’t pay. Now, we’re going to see how they’re going to pay.

Usman Nurmagomedov via PFL New York octagon interview

Nurmagomedov’s comments carry added significance given Paul’s long-running criticism of UFC CEO Dana White. The YouTuber-turned-boxer has repeatedly questioned UFC fighter pay and criticized the promotion’s contract structure. Those positions have remained central to his combat sports ventures in recent years.

White has also pushed back against Paul and Most Valuable Promotions throughout their long-running public feud. The UFC head honcho has frequently criticized Paul and Nakisa Bidarian. The MVP co-founder also recently alleged UFC fighters were discouraged from working or dealing with MVP.

Nurmagomedov’s potential UFC arrival has remained a major talking point for years. The biggest obstacle was Islam Makhachev‘s reign as UFC lightweight champion, given their close relationship. However, Makhachev moved to welterweight and captured the title at UFC 322 by defeating Jack Della Maddalena.

UFC fighter pay has remained a constant issue across the sport for years. While Dana White initially faced most criticism, recent attention has increasingly shifted toward UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell. Former UFC superstars Ronda Rousey and Colby Covington have both publicly criticized Campbell due to the role he plays in fighter negotiations.

Jake Paul’s MVP MMA has already staged its inaugural event, headlined by Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano. The card generated a reported $2.2 million live gate at the Intuit Dome. However, Usman Nurmagomedov’s recent comments have created fresh uncertainty over his long-term future with the promotion.

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Jake Paul calls out former rival for a rematch in MMA

Jake Paul faced Nate Diaz in a professional boxing match on August 5, 2023, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. ‘The Problem Child’ secured a unanimous decision victory after 10 rounds against the former UFC lightweight title challenger. The event marked Diaz’s first professional boxing match after leaving the UFC.

Even after their boxing match, Paul and Diaz’s rivalry has taken a different direction. Both fighters agreed to an MMA rematch, keeping interest alive around a potential return to competition. Since then, they have continued their rivalry online through callouts and exchanges while pushing for another showdown.

Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz
Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz (via MMA Fighting)

Paul signed with the PFL in 2023 as he planned to compete in MMA and promote fighters through the promotion. The partnership centered around the PFL Super Fight Division before his contract ended in January 2026. After MVP’s merger with the PFL, Paul renewed his callout for an MMA fight with Nate Diaz.

I’ve been talking about MMA and doing it for a long time, but it’s official. Now with this new partnership, I’m going to get into the cage. Nate Diaz, stop ducking. But don’t worry, I am still boxing. Everyone’s asking me, ‘Jake, when are you coming back?’ And it is as soon as possible. We are in contract talks and negotiations with multiple opponents, so it’s time to box, and then beat Nate Diaz in MMA.

Jake Paul via PFL MMA

Nate Diaz recently returned to MMA competition at MVP MMA 1 after his first boxing victory, which was a majority decision against former rival Jorge Masvidal. The Stockton superstar faced Mike Perry but suffered a second-round TKO defeat after a doctor’s stoppage. However, Jake Paul’s latest callout has renewed interest in their potential MMA rematch.

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