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Jake Paul is no stranger to stirring up headlines, but his transition from boxing to MMA is shaping up to be one of the sport's most intriguing storylines. After defeating Nate Diaz in their highly anticipated August 2023 boxing match in Dallas, Paul is eager to face the Stockton star again—but this time in the PFL cage. The question remains: Is Nate Diaz willing to accept the challenge?
Paul Calls Out Diaz for PFL Clash
Paul has been vocal about his desire to step into the MMA world, particularly for a rematch with Diaz under PFL rules. During a roundtable discussion with Amanda Serrano and MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian, Paul doubled down on his claim that Diaz is hesitant to fight him in mixed martial arts.
“It’s funny that Nate Diaz is actually scared to fight me in MMA,” Paul said. “The biggest payday of his life would be me and him in MMA. I’m ready.”
Paul’s comments come on the heels of his recent unanimous decision victory over Mike Tyson in a polarizing boxing match at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The event, which became the first live sporting event streamed on Netflix, drew over 100 million viewers, further cementing Paul’s reputation as a box office magnet.
The PFL Partnership and MMA Aspirations
Paul’s partnership with the PFL has been one of the biggest stories in combat sports. His intention to bring a wider audience to MMA aligns perfectly with the PFL’s innovative approach to the sport. According to Bidarian, Paul is ready for his MMA debut—but only if the opponent is right.
For Paul, the stakes are clear. An MMA bout with Nate Diaz would not only draw massive attention but also legitimize his transition into the sport. However, the clock is ticking, and Paul’s patience seems to be wearing thin.
Nate Diaz Responds with Conditions
Diaz, never one to back down from a challenge, recently responded to Paul’s taunts on social media. In typical Diaz fashion, he threw down his own terms:
“Sign the contract Scary and not in 12 months from now and in a shitty organization Scary,” Diaz wrote.
While it’s unclear whether Diaz’s conditions are serious or simply a way to prolong the drama, his response reignites the possibility of this blockbuster fight. Diaz, known for his relentless grit and well-rounded MMA skills, would pose a significant challenge for Paul in the cage.
The Bigger Picture
A Paul vs. Diaz rematch in MMA could be transformative for both fighters. For Paul, it’s an opportunity to prove he can excel beyond the boxing ring and silence critics who question his legitimacy in combat sports. For Diaz, it’s a chance to add another lucrative chapter to his storied career while testing Paul in a discipline he has yet to master.
The fight also has massive implications for the PFL, which has been steadily growing its brand with innovative formats and high-profile signings. A bout of this magnitude would further cement the organization’s place in the MMA landscape.
What’s Next For Jake Paul & Nate Diaz?
For now, all eyes are on Diaz. Will he sign the contract and meet Paul in the PFL cage? Or will this potential MMA debut remain a what-if scenario?
One thing is certain: Jake Paul knows how to stay in the spotlight, and his push for this fight ensures that fans will remain captivated by the saga. The ball is now in Nate Diaz’s court, and the MMA world is waiting for his next move.
Stay tuned to Fight.TV for updates on Jake Paul’s MMA debut and all the latest in combat sports.
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