In an unprecedented move, ESPN+ and DAZN have agreed to a partnership that will allow this weekend’s much-anticipated boxing match between internet sensation Jake Paul and MMA superstar Nate Diaz to stream on both platforms.
This strategic collaboration will undoubtedly expand viewership, allowing millions more to witness what promises to be one of the most exciting boxing matches of the year.
How to Watch
The Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz fight will be broadcast in the U.S. on ESPN+ PPV and DAZN PPV starting at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 5.
The pay-per-view can be purchased on ESPN+ PPV.
International viewers can check DAZN for streaming options.
The Fighters
Set to take place at Dallas’ American Airlines Center, the match will cap off nearly a year of verbal jousting between Paul and Diaz. Jake Paul, whose provocative nature has garnered him much attention, has utilized this tactic repeatedly to generate interest in his fights.
Though his last match ended in a decisive loss to Tommy Fury, half-brother of heavyweight legend Tyson Fury, Paul remains confident. He recently promised a TKO victory over Diaz, a prediction that, if realized, could reignite his boxing career.
On the other side of the ring, Nate Diaz, a former UFC contender known for his durability and technical ability, will be making his boxing debut. Despite being the favored contender according to betting odds, Diaz faces a considerable challenge in the form of the unpredictable and unorthodox Jake Paul. Regardless of the outcome, the fight is sure to be a spectacle and a talking point for fans worldwide.
The Deal
The agreement comes as ESPN+ looks to increase its streaming revenue. The involvement of Jake Paul, a notorious figure within the boxing world known for generating interest and raking in profits, is viewed as a smart business move for the sports network. This bout only increases in appeal with the inclusion of Nate Diaz, one of MMA’s most popular fighters.
This fight, initially scheduled to air exclusively on DAZN, will now reach a significantly larger audience thanks to ESPN+, which enjoys a far greater reach within the United States.
Joseph Markowski, a spokesperson for DAZN, acknowledged the ground-breaking nature of this partnership in a statement: “This arrangement demonstrates DAZN’s, MVP’s, ESPN’s, and Top Rank’s commitment to bring the fragmented combat PPV market together to deliver one of the biggest PPV events of the year to fight fans on August 5.”
Fight Card
The event will feature not only the main event but also an undercard full of exciting matches:
- Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz, 8 rounds, 185 pounds
- Amanda Serrano vs. Heather Hardy, 10 rounds, for Serrano’s undisputed women’s featherweight title
- Shadasia Green vs. Olivia Curry, 10 rounds, women’s super middleweights
- Ashton Sylve vs. William Silva, 8 rounds, lightweights
- Alan Sanchez vs. Angel Beltran Villa, 8 rounds, welterweights
- Chris Avila vs. Jeremy Stephens, 6 rounds, super middleweights
This historic agreement between ESPN+ and DAZN is a significant step forward in making major boxing events more accessible to fans across the United States and potentially globally.
By collaborating, the companies ensure a wider distribution, which will only enhance the excitement surrounding the Paul vs. Diaz showdown. Whether you’re rooting for Jake Paul’s redemption or Nate Diaz’s successful boxing debut, one thing is clear: this is a fight you won’t want to miss.