Jake Paul-VS-Nate Diaz: Results and What’s Next
By Eddie Sanchez
This past weekend, fans across the combat sports spectrum were treated to a surprisingly entertaining fight between Jake Paul and MMA legend, Nate Diaz. While not the most technically sound affair, this bout showcased showmanship, personality, and loads of action. Paul improved his professional record to (7 – 1), while Nate Diaz left with a loss in his professional debut.
The Problem Child was in control for the majority of the fight, with only two rounds out of the ten-round unanimous decision victory being universally awarded to Diaz. Jake established himself well in the first round with a strong hook to the head and again to his body. Diaz was left bruised from this point onward, though it wasn’t until round five when Jake Paul secured a knockdown, that Diaz looked to be in serious trouble. Jake walked away victorious while taking on minimal punishment, and earning his longest experience on the professional stage at ten rounds. Given the eventful night, what can be expected from both of these men going forward?
Nate Diaz is a showman. He brought tons of excitement to the ring, and fans awarded him with thunderous applause throughout the night. It cannot be questioned that he is still a major box office draw. Jake Paul challenged Nate Diaz to a rematch of sorts, though with a second fight taking place in the cage under the promotion of the PFL. While this would be exciting, I would rate the odds of this happening at zero percent. Diaz, who spent fifteen years fighting for the UFC would likely not fight under the PFL banner unless he was given a Godfather-esque offer. You know… an offer he can’t refuse. With that prediction in hand and the success of this PPV in the boxing ring, I’d wager that Dana White will call Diaz and his team to finally set up the trilogy with Conor McGregor. The planned McGregor-Chandler bout has not materialized as planned, and Gaethje would obliterate this rendition of McGregor (respectfully). Diaz however, would provide the UFC with a box-office-worthy opponent for McGregor, in what would truly be a 50-50 fight at this stage of their respective careers.
Jake Paul will be watching this October when Tommy Fury takes on KSI. Fury should undoubtedly win this fight, the only question will be whether it is by decision or knockout. Following this affair, the stage will be set for Jake Paul to attempt to avenge his only defeat. Tommy Fury-vs-Jake Paul 2 would bring in massive revenue. The PPV would sell incredibly well, and this is a fight that is surely on each of their minds. A rematch with Diaz in the boxing ring could possibly sell well again, though I see no reason for that. Perhaps McGregor would be a formidable opponent, though I can’t imagine the UFC signing off on this fight. It’s Fury or bust. I see this fight happing in Q1 of 2024.
Say what you will about influencer boxing, but when Jake Paul fights, eyeballs are watching. With another successful show in the books, we shall see what’s next for Nate Diaz and Jake Paul.
