Jake Paul has teased his plans to box Nate Diaz in the summer, pending an official agreement after his next outing. This is exciting news for MMA and boxing fans alike, as the potential matchup promises to be a blockbuster event.
Former UFC superstar Nate Diaz has been out of action since his last UFC outing with fellow fan favorite Tony Ferguson in the headlining bout of UFC 279 last September. He was initially scheduled to compete with top-ranked welterweight contender Khamzat ‘Borz’Â Chimaev but got his opponents shuffled after ‘Borz’ missed weight. Diaz powered through a competitive bout with Ferguson and managed to dispatch him in the fourth round by submission.
After, it was reported that Diaz’s contract with the UFC had expired, and he had opted not to sign a new deal to explore free agency.
In a recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Jake Paul shared a promising update on his quest to face Diaz.
“I think they’re ready,” said Paul.
“I’m getting through Sunday, and we’re going to line that one up ASAP. I think that’s next. That’s what the fans want, and that’s who I want. There’s been a lot of talk, back and forth, and we’ve said our stuff, but it’s time to get down to business.”
Paul and Diaz have traded verbal jabs in the past. Diaz called out Paul’s father for being fake and disrespecting him several months ago.
After signing with the PFL, Paul offered Diaz a two-bout contract earlier this year. He’s targeting a showdown with Diaz both inside the MMA cage and in the boxing ring.
‘The Problem Child’ further explained his focus to compete with Diaz in the summer later this year. He also talked about the need to solidify the nature of their agreement.
“I’m not sure if Nate’s team is fully aligned on that yet, or I don’t know if they realize how serious I am about that. I think they thought I was just doing it for hype.”
Before Paul can target Diaz, he will need to get past Tommy Fury this Sunday, Feb. 26, in a match billed as ‘The Truth’ in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. The boxing bout is a PPV event on ESPN+