Nate Diaz’s Next Fight: Everything we know
In a surprising turn of events, Nate Diaz left the UFC after his fight with Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 last year. Now, Diaz is gearing up to face YouTuber-turned-prizefighter Jake Paul in a boxing match on August 5th in Dallas. The bout is contracted for eight rounds at 185 pounds. With a history of trash talk and physical altercations, this fight is bound to be an attention-grabber.
In this article, we will explore the background leading up to this match, analyze the fighters, and discuss the potential implications of Nate Diaz’s next fight.
Background on Nate Diaz
Nate Diaz’s next fight is set to be a huge departure from his long-standing career in the UFC. After an impressive victory over Ferguson at UFC 279, Diaz announced his exit from the UFC and the formation of his own promotion, Real Fight, Inc. This new venture will showcase boxing matches, MMA fights, and even grappling competitions. Diaz’s desire to explore other sports has been met with support from UFC President Dana White, who expressed his gratitude for Diaz’s contributions to the UFC and his hope that Diaz will eventually return to the organization.
“It’s been a blast having him here, I wish him well,” White stated in the UFC 279 post-fight press conference.
“Whatever he moves on to do, I wish him nothing but the best. He’s starting his own organization or getting into promoting or doing something else, I wish him nothing but the best of luck. It’s been awesome having him here.”
The lead-up to Nate Diaz’s next fight, a boxing match against Jake Paul, has been rife with drama. Both fighters have been exchanging trash talk on social media and in the press for over a year. Their two teams even got into a physical altercation backstage during one of Paul’s fights. Paul has been vocal about wanting to fight Diaz, most notably in his post-fight interview after beating Anderson Silva last year.
The Matchup: Diaz vs. Paul
As Nate Diaz vs. Jake Paul approaches, many fans are curious about how the styles and strengths of both fighters will match up in the ring. Diaz is known for his boxing prowess in the world of MMA, which could make for an interesting bout against Jake Paul’s developing skillset as a boxer. In the UFC, Diaz has been able to rely on his strong ground skills if the fight was to ever head in that direction — he won’t have that luxury inside the boxing ring.
One factor to consider in this matchup is the size advantage that Jake Paul might have over Diaz. Paul has never weighed in at less than 183.6 pounds, while Diaz has fought mostly as a lightweight (155 lbs) and welterweight (170 lbs) in the UFC. This size difference could play a role in the fight’s outcome.
Impact of the Fight on Diaz’s Career
The stakes are high for Nate Diaz in this fight against Jake Paul. A victory would not only cement his status as a versatile combat sports athlete but could also open up more opportunities for high-profile fights in both boxing and MMA. On the other hand, a loss could raise questions about Diaz’s ability to compete at a high level outside of the UFC.
One potential outcome of a win for Diaz is the possibility of securing high-profile matches against fighters like Conor McGregor. With their history of unforgettable fights in the UFC, a boxing match between Diaz and McGregor would undoubtedly be a massive draw for fight fans.
Diaz has commented on a potential trilogy bout with McGregor and it seems that there’s a fair chance it’ll happen — either inside or outside the UFC.
“I would like to get the third fight with Conor,” Diaz told MMA Junkie. “I think it’s inevitable. For sure, we’ll be fighting.”
Furthermore, in the first Nate Diaz vs. Jake Paul press conference, Diaz revealed his intentions to actually return to the UFC and fight for a title.
“I would like to [return to the UFC],” Diaz said. “At the end of the day, I’d like to go back and fight for a world title. If not, I’m going to have make my own world title and make the best come to me. I would like to be back in the UFC or fight the belt holders in boxing.”
“The UFC has the best fighters in the world and have for years,” Diaz said. “I’m trying to fight the best.”
As Nate Diaz’s next fight approaches, the world will be watching to see if he can make a successful transition from the UFC to the boxing ring.
Diaz vs. Paul Betting Odds
Popular bookmaker BetUS already has odds up for the Nate Diaz’s next fight against Jake Paul, with Diaz listed as a huge underdog.
At these odds, a $100 bet on Nate Diaz would return a total of $315 if he defeats Jake Paul in August. On the other hand, a bet of $270 on Paul would be required to receive profit of $100 if Paul was to win.
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Expert Opinions and Predictions
As anticipation builds for Nate Diaz’s next fight against Jake Paul, experts have begun weighing in on the matchup and its potential outcomes. Many believe that Diaz’s extensive combat sports experience will give him an edge in the ring, while others argue that Paul’s size advantage and growing boxing skills could make for a competitive bout.
Fighters have already started to share their opinion on the fight, as well, with Anderson Silva, one of the greatest UFC fighters of all time, sharing his thoughts on the upcoming Diaz vs. Paul fight.
“Jake’s training a lot,” Silva said. People need to respect everything he’s doing, because it’s very professional and focused. It’s very hard to say who wins, because both are good fighters. Nate is more experienced, he has good boxing and good cardio. I respect both.
“Jake has a good coach, he’s very smart. The fight is not about power, it’s about timing and both have good timing. Jake has now some good experience in boxing and is learning every day, but Nate is a beast! When you go to fight him, you need to prepare for war. I think he has more experience and is the favorite.”
The impact of this fight on the sport could be significant, as it could pave the way for more crossover fights between MMA and boxing athletes, with high-profile stars like Conor McGregor potentially following in Diaz’s footsteps.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Nate Diaz vs. Jake Paul fight?
Nate Diaz’s next fight is against Jake Paul in a boxing match. The bout is scheduled for August 5.
What are the odds for the Nate Diaz vs. Jake Paul fight?
Popular bookmaker BetUS already has odds up for the Diaz vs. Paul fight with Diaz as +215 underdog. Paul is listed as a -270 favorite.
How does Nate Diaz’s background in MMA compare to Jake Paul’s boxing experience?
Nate Diaz has a 15-year career in the UFC, with boxing as one of his strengths in MMA. In contrast, Jake Paul is relatively new to boxing, with a record of 4-1 and notable wins over former UFC fighters.
What led to Nate Diaz’s departure from the UFC?
Nate Diaz left the UFC after his win over Tony Ferguson at UFC 279. He has since announced the formation of his own promotion, Real Fight, Inc., where he plans to hold boxing matches, MMA fights, and grappling competitions.
In summary, Nate Diaz’s next fight against Jake Paul is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in his career, as he steps away from the UFC and into the world of boxing. With a lot on the line for both fighters, the matchup promises to be an exciting and closely watched event. As Diaz and Paul prepare to face off in the ring, fans and experts alike will be eagerly awaiting the outcome and its potential impact on the future of combat sports.