Nate Diaz has finally answered Jake Paul’s challenge for an MMA bout, posting a short message to the celebrity boxer after the MVP-PFL merger announcement.
Paul, who holds a boxing win over Diaz from their 2023 matchup, told reporters he wants to make his cage debut against the Stockton veteran once the merger closes in early 2027, according to MMA Mania. Diaz responded on social media with two words: “Pull up.”
What Diaz Brings To A Cage Fight With Paul
A mixed rules setting would allow Diaz to use his jiu-jitsu, which has produced submission wins over Conor McGregor, Tony Ferguson, and Jim Miller during his UFC run. The 41-year-old has shown less interest in Paul’s previous callouts but may have fewer options after losing to Mike Perry in a bare-knuckle bout in May.
Diaz holds a 21-14 professional MMA record. Paul has never competed in a sanctioned mixed martial arts contest. The merged promotion has not confirmed whether the fight is in development.
After Nate’s most recent performance, hard to argue he’s worthy of stepping into the cage with THE PROBLEM CHILD. Paul sees an easy W here.
Mike Perry would be the far better MMA debut opponent for Paul.
Diaz had zero cardio and that’s what he is known for. He likely never set foot in the gym to train for the fight. He showed up for a paycheck.
Even if his cardio had been better, I wonder how much motivation he even has to try and win. Dude was likely on a guaranteed purse and I don’t think he particularly cares about his record.
The performance reminded me of the Bob Sapp World Tour like a decade ago where he was just going to regional shows and turtling up for the local headliner.
Diaz coulda turtled and saved himself some damage
After Cro Cop broke his orbital, he only did rigged fights (out of the country). He even bragged about it. $25,000 per fight to show up and drop to the ground after barely getting hit.
The Problem Child destroys Nate. Again. He could come into the ring with one arm tied behind his back and one leg looking like Silva’s after he kicked Weidman, or Weidman’s after he kicked whoever, and still win.
Jake would make Nate quit on the stool in a diaper of stool, again…