Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz: From Boxing Ring to MMA Cage?
The rivalry between Jake Paul and Nate Diaz has reignited as the two fighters exchange challenges over a potential MMA rematch. This comes over a year after their boxing match in August 2023, where Paul defeated Diaz by unanimous decision.
Paul has a deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), called out Diaz, claiming the former UFC star is avoiding him in the MMA cage.
“We want to fight Nate Diaz, but our opponents don’t really want to,” Paul said during a media roundtable. “It’s funny that Nate Diaz is actually scared to fight me in MMA. The biggest payday of his life would be me and him in MMA. I’m ready.”
Diaz didn’t waste time firing back. He posted a sharp response on social media platform X, daring Paul to sign the contract right away.
“Sign the contract, Scary, and not in 12 months from now and in a (expletive) organization, Scary,” Diaz wrote.
Paul has made it clear that Diaz remains his top choice for an MMA bout under the PFL banner. Nakisa Bidarian, Paul’s advisor, confirmed Diaz is the only opponent who could momentarily shift Paul’s focus from his boxing career.
“Jake just put on the biggest boxing event in history,” Bidarian said, referring to Paul’s recent high-profile match against Mike Tyson in November. “If the right opponent — like Nate Diaz — wants to fight, Jake has always said he wants to do it.”
This exchange is the latest chapter in their ongoing rivalry. Since their 2023 bout, Paul has remained undefeated in boxing, adding wins over fighters like Mike Tyson and Mike Perry. Meanwhile, Diaz rebounded from the loss to Paul with a victory against former UFC star Jorge Masvidal in July.
Fans are waiting to see if the two will settle their differences in the MMA cage.
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