November is set to be a monumental month for combat sports fans, as two major events are colliding in terms of global attention and hype. First, Jake Paul and Mike Tyson are taking to the ring on November 15 in Arlington, Texas, a match that has generated unprecedented buzz, especially with Tyson’s return to boxing after two decades. Just one day later, Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic will go head-to-head in a high-stakes bout at UFC 309 in Madison Square Garden, marking a career-defining fight for both athletes. Despite the historic weight of Jones vs. Miocic, the Tyson-Paul fight has dominated internet searches worldwide, sparking concern about UFC 309’s potential viewership and pay-per-view sales.
Instagram page MVP Updates highlighted this interest disparity, sharing Google Trends data indicating that the Tyson-Paul matchup has consistently outpaced UFC 309 in search interest, particularly in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. While it may simply reflect public curiosity, the timing is challenging for UFC 309, which originally had substantial anticipation before being postponed due to Jones’s injury. However, with Tyson’s star power and the accessibility of the event on Netflix, UFC 309 is facing competition that could split the audience, especially with Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor as the co-main event for Tyson-Paul, adding another layer of intrigue for boxing fans.
Jake Paul’s response on social media leaned into the attention, claiming the hype as his own success. This is not the first time the UFC has faced tough competition; earlier in 2024, a Canelo Alvarez boxing event impacted the buy rate for UFC 306. Now, as fans gear up for a thrilling week, only time will tell if Tyson-Paul’s popularity will significantly impact UFC 309 or if Jones vs. Miocic can hold its own amidst this unique overlap.