DALLAS – Jake Paul and Nate Diaz have spent the better part of two years talking trash about each other in interviews and through social media, with everyone wondering if they’d ever settle the score, which took another step closer to happening Tuesday when both men were in each other’s presence for the first time.
Paul and Diaz attended a news conference at American Airlines Arena, where they will square off in the boxing ring. On Aug. 5, the YouTuber-turned-pro-boxer and former UFC star will fight in an eight-round, 185-pound matchup that headlines a pay-per-view co-promoted by DAZN and Diaz’s Real Fight Inc.
The fight is a long time coming after Diaz, 38, was finally granted his release from the UFC late last year shortly after a win over Tony Ferguson in his final octagon appearance.
“Nate Diaz was always the plan after (fighting) Tommy (Fury),” Paul said. “That was what I said even in the buildup to Tommy. That was always the plan. This is a big fight. This is a fight that I’ve wanted for a long time. He got out of his UFC contract, and this is probably the biggest fight of the year.”
Paul continued, “I want to make big events, big fights happen and strike while the iron’s hot. He was a free agent. Let’s run it, make it happen, settle the shit talk, and I’m ready for war.”
Not surprisingly, so is Diaz, who’s aware of the chatter from naysayers – such as UFC Hall of Famers Daniel Cormier and Michael Bisping – doubting his ability to keep up in the boxing ring with the younger, stronger, 26-year-old Paul.
Diaz, the self-proclaimed “best fighter to ever fight in the UFC,” has something for those folks.
“I’ve been going to boxing gyms since I was 15 years old, sparring pro boxers,” Diaz said. “I don’t think I’ve ever got my ass whipped in a boxing and not came back and been the last guy to win the rounds. I’ve always wanted to box. I feel like I was a pro boxer the whole time. … I’m glad I get to come here and showcase my skills in boxing.”
Especially against Paul, it seems.
“He’s young, he’s motivated, he’s working hard, I could see that, I’m sure everybody could see that. That kind of motherf*cker is unstoppable,” Diaz said. “Those are the kinds of people I want to fight. … I think he did a great job, and I’m here to let motherf*ckers know that I’m here to do a great job, too.”
Paul has experienced much success in his early boxing career but not against actual boxers. He owns victories over former MMA champions Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva, to go along with wins over social media influencer AnEsonGib and former NBA player Nate Robinson. Paul’s one fight against a traditional boxer, his most recent vs. Tommy Fury this past February, ended with Paul losing a split decision.
For that reason, Paul is putting a lot of pressure on himself to get the job done vs. Diaz.
“I have a lot to prove, two chips on each shoulder, and it’s do-or-die for me,” Paul said. “I have to leave it all on the line. I think it’s the same for Nate Diaz. He’s leaving the UFC on a win. He wants to come in this game, make a bunch of money, knock out the YouTuber kid, then go back and finish his legacy off. And that’s why this is such an amazing fight.
“But I just lost, and if he beats me, where does that leave me? So it’s two people who can’t lose, who don’t want to lose, who never back down, who keep on fighting. That’s why this is war, and I’m ready for war.”
For more on the matchup, visit MMA Junkie’s hub for Paul vs. Diaz.