Jake Paul already has a venue and an offer for Nate Diaz, who just became a free agent

Adam Miller

After Nate Diaz officially became a free agent, Jake Paul called him up once again.

Diaz defeated Tony Ferguson in September at UFC 279 to fulfil the terms of his contract with the UFC. He had been scheduled to compete against Khamzat Chimaev. However, when Chimaev missed weight, the opponents had to be switched. Diaz defeated Ferguson by way of submission.

Diaz’ contract had a three-month exclusive negotiating period with the UFC after the bout. However, nothing came to fruition and that contract is now officially over.

Jake Paul turned to Twitter shortly after learning of Diaz’s free agency to challenge the Stockton native to a boxing clash. He even said that Diaz already had a location and a contract in place.

“Hi Nate. Finally out of your UFC contract? Let’s see how tough you are in the boxing ring instead of hallway slap contests. @NateDiaz209. I have a venue booked. Offer is ready when you are. Just need you to sign.”

The last several months have seen Jake Paul rallying to take on Diaz in a match. Despite being in shape and prepared to compete, Diaz was benched for more than a year in an attempt to extend his contract – and ultimately to get a McGregor trilogy off the ground.

Diaz’ manager said the negotiations with UFC were amicable and mellow as well as that they’re interested in pursuing any deals UFC might want to offer to Diaz in future.

Diaz competed at 170lbs while Paul competes between 190 and 200lbs – indicating a hefty weight advantage he’d have coming into the bout.

Paul opened as a favorite as soon as the speculations started.

Paul immediately slotted in as more than a 2-to-1 favorite (-260) to defeat Diaz, while the 37-year-old UFC veteran opened as a +200 underdog.

Paul then began looking for Diaz to challenge him in a boxing contest. Now that the UFC veteran is no longer bound by any contracts, Paul is getting closer to the big contest.

Jake Paul has won a grueling boxing match against legendary mixed martial artist Anderson Silva. He managed to get the only knock down of the evening and edged out a decision win legitimizing his career in process.

Diaz has already indicated interest in the contest, so a confrontation between Paul and him cannot be ruled out.