Jake Paul Pitches Khabib Nurmagomedov on Fighting for MVP After PFL Merger
Jake Paul made a direct appeal to Khabib Nurmagomedov to come out of retirement and compete for the newly merged MVP promotion.
The exchange took place backstage at PFL New York on July 31, shortly after Usman Nurmagomedov stopped Archie Colgan to retain his lightweight title. Khabib, who serves as Usman’s coach, stood nearby as Paul approached.
Paul opened by asking for the former UFC champion’s opinion on the recent business deal. “What do you think MVP PFL?” he said.
Nurmagomedov offered a measured reply. “Amazing. I think it’s good, it’s good for MMA.”
Paul then expanded on the vision behind the July 30 merger between Most Valuable Promotions and the Professional Fighters League. The combined company now operates under the MVP banner, with Paul and Nakisa Bidarian as co-founders and board members and former PFL CEO John Martin serving as CEO.
“With what we’re doing, this merger with MVP, we’re changing MMA forever, where we give fighters a better place to live,” Paul told Nurmagomedov. “If you fought for us, it would monumentally change the sport, change the sport forever. So it’s about change.”
Nurmagomedov listened without committing. The 37-year-old retired undefeated at 29-0 in October 2020 after submitting Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. He has consistently declined offers to return, citing a promise made to his mother following his father’s death.
The pitch fits a broader pattern of recruitment efforts by the new promotion. Paul has publicly invited fighters from other organizations to join once their contracts expire. Usman Nurmagomedov became a free agent after the New York win and is expected to decide his next move soon.
Paul has also spoken of the merger as a long-term platform that extends beyond any single athlete. In related comments captured at the event, the conversation turned toward branding and permanence, including plans for matching “most valuable” tattoos with partners as a symbol of lasting commitment to fighters in both MMA and boxing.
Khabib remains focused on coaching. He continues to work with high-level athletes from Team Khabib and has shown no public indication of reversing his retirement.
The merger itself positions MVP as the clearest challenger to the UFC’s dominance, combining PFL’s roster and infrastructure with Paul’s promotional reach and boxing events. Five premium cards across both disciplines are already scheduled for August.
Whether the conversation yields any further talks remains unknown. For now, Nurmagomedov’s polite endorsement of the merger stands as the clearest response he has given to Paul’s invitation.