Jake Paul Challenging Notable Figure from Combat Sports to Engage in His Upcoming Bout
Jake Paul Challenging Notable Figure from Combat Sports to Engage in His Upcoming Bout
Jake Paul's promotion, MVP Promotions, held a small event on a Friday, and Jake was present, bringing plenty of media attention for the controversial figure.
Paul engaged with the press after the event, addressing criticisms of his controversial victory over Mike Tyson in November by unanimous decision, and discussing his upcoming fight. Paul has a plethora of options for his next boxing contest, but the focus shifted to MMA combat.
Paul has inked a deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) for an MMA encounter, slated for 2025. The question remains: who will be the challenger?
If Paul has his way, Nate Diaz would be his rival in a re-match of their boxing bout in August 2023. Paul vocally challenged Diaz for a rematch on numerous occasions during last Friday's event.
Paul claimed that Diaz is avoiding an MMA match with him, fearing the largest financial reward in his combat sports career. Here's Paul's take on the matter:
Paul emerged victorious in their boxing bout through a unanimous decision. In MMA, where Diaz, a Stockton, California native, has 34 professional fights and has become a distinguished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, Paul recognizes a much more challenging scenario.
Diaz weighed in on Paul's video clip, stating that Paul needs to seal the deal, but not with a "piece of trash" organization. Diaz is referring to the PFL, where Paul is signed to participate in MMA.
Diaz responded to Paul's video, stating that Paul needs to seal the deal, but not with a "piece of trash" organization. Diaz is referring to the PFL, where Paul is signed to compete in MMA.
It's hard to believe that Diaz is truly scared of facing Paul. However, it does seem as though Diaz bears some loyalty to the UFC. Though Diaz is no longer under contract with the UFC since 2022, and he can technically fight anywhere he chooses, the 39-year-old is unwilling to compete for the PFL, even for what appears to be an eight-figure reward.
No noted fighter has abandoned the UFC, fought in the PFL, and then returned to the former promotion. Diaz could easily retire from combat sports, having already amassed considerable wealth through his talents.
He would likely be even more financially secure if he faced Paul and claimed the massive payday that comes with battling the Problem Child.
Beyond some level of loyalty to Dana White and the UFC, it's challenging to imagine why Diaz wouldn't take the payday and challenge Paul in the PFL.
Things can change, but it seems likely that Paul's MMA debut will go against an unfamiliar competitor whose talents mirror his more well-known rival. In the end, that might be the best course of action, despite the desire to pit him against a more recognizable adversary.
Due to the difficulty in finding an opponent in the MMA world, Paul may opt to remain in boxing for the near future. There was a push for Paul to battle Nico Ali-Walsh, Muhammad Ali's grandson, in a boxing bout.
However, Ali-Walsh has declined, as he desires his career to be perceived as serious. He felt that fighting Paul would equate to "playing in the mud."
Regardless of who Paul's next opponent is, one thing is certain: the battle will undoubtedly draw a large crowd.
Jake Paul's MMA debut with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) has sparked interest, with Nate Diaz being a potential challenger. Paul has publicly challenged Diaz for a rematch, but Diaz has expressed his disdain for the PFL, calling it a "piece of trash" organization. Despite Diaz's criticism, he could significantly increase his wealth by facing Paul in the PFL, as the fight would offer a massive payday. However, Diaz's loyalty to the UFC seems to be preventing him from competing in the PFL. As a result, it's unclear who Paul's MMA debut opponent will be, but the anticipation for the fight is growing. Meanwhile, Paul's boxing opponent for the near future remains uncertain, as Nico Ali-Walsh, Muhammad Ali's grandson, has declined a potential bout due to its perceived lack of seriousness.