Nate Diaz is set to face off against Jake Paul in a boxing match on August 5th in Dallas, Texas. However, Diaz’s upcoming bout may be in jeopardy due to his comments about pot use during a recent press conference.
“Nate Diaz was always the plan after Tommy. That was what I said. Even in the build-up to Tommy, I was like it’s Nate Diaz after Tommy Fury. So that was always the plan… This is a big fight. This is a fight that I’ve wanted for a long time. [Nate] got out of his UFC contract and this is probably the biggest fight of the year, only topping me versus Tommy,” Paul said.
“I want to make big events, big fights happen and strike while the iron’s hot. He was a free agent. Let’s run it. Make it happen. Settle the shit talk. I’m ready for war. I’m excited to be here. Thank you for having me out, Dallas. I love y’all and I’m going to do what Conor McGregor couldn’t do, and I’m gonna knock this man out.”
“I’m used to the non-believers, and I’ve always said exactly what I’m gonna do and then I’ve done it. And so, yeah, we’re finally here. I predicted the future but it is surreal, you know, and I had to put in the work to get here. And I’m just excited to be here putting on massive events. This is just the start of what I’m going to accomplish. Everything else I’ve said still holds true as well. And this is proof of that.”
Zero-Tolerance Policy on pot in Texas
At the press conference, Diaz joked about having “a lot of weed” in his system. However, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has a zero-tolerance policy for pot use in combative sports events. Diaz’s agent is currently working with the TDLR to find a solution.
The situation has left many fans wondering if Diaz will be able to compete in the upcoming match against Paul.
Potential Move to California
During the press conference, Diaz also made a comment about potentially moving the event to California, where pot use is legal.
However, it’s unclear whether he was serious or not. Regardless, Diaz and his team will need to find a solution to the issue in the near future.
Return to UFC After Paul Bout
Regardless of the outcome against Paul, Diaz plans to return to the UFC and pursue several highly-anticipated matchups, including a trilogy bout against Conor McGregor.
Speaking to media, Diaz said: “I think there’s a respect there. From me for sure anyways. He fought Floyd Mayweather, title fight after title fight.”
“He’s on the level where he understands what’s going on. And I’m gonna fight his a*s too.”
The MMA star last competed in September 2022, defeating short-notice replacement opponent Tony Ferguson in the UFC 279 main event.