Jake Paul has vowed to take on the UFC and its founder, Dana White, after his Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) agreed to merge with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).

The deal will give Paul’s company more resources as it prepares to build a stronger rival to the UFC in boxing and mixed martial arts.

“It’s war as far as I’m concerned,” Paul said in an interview on the Bloomberg Business of Sports podcast. He added, “It’s Coke versus Pepsi. It’s Nike versus Adidas. This is exciting.”

Paul Targets UFC

The merger will bring boxing and mixed martial arts under one company. The new venture will operate under the MVP banner from 2027.

The PFL will continue its current broadcast partnerships for the rest of the year. The company will also keep its model of sharing 50% of revenue with athletes.

MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian believes the revenue-sharing model can help attract and motivate fighters.

“If you look at other sports, when athletes get a fair share, they’re more invested,” Bidarian said. “They’re more committed. The product is better.”

The financial terms of the merger remain undisclosed. However, PFL shareholders Knighthead Capital and 885 Capital will provide fresh capital as founding investors in the new company.

Paul’s Influence in Boxing

Paul has used his huge social media following to promote MVP events. The influencer-turned-boxer has about 70 million followers across major platforms.

His fight against Mike Tyson on Netflix attracted more than 108 million viewers worldwide. Netflix described the event as the most streamed sporting event in history.

Paul faced criticism when he first entered boxing. Critics questioned his decision to fight retired boxers and non-professional opponents.

However, Paul and Bidarian believe his ability to attract huge audiences has helped boxing reach new fans.

“I would say the track record proves that I’ve made more of an impact in the sport of boxing than any boxer that’s alive today,” Paul said. “And no one could argue that.”

MVP Expands Into MMA

MVP has also made moves in mixed martial arts. Ronda Rousey’s return under the company attracted 17 million viewers globally in May.

The UFC still holds a strong advantage in audience reach. A UFC event held on the White House’s South Lawn in June attracted twice as many viewers.

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