Jake Paul, the internet personality turned boxer, continues to stir the combat sports world, even on the sidelines of an MVP Promotions event. Fresh off his controversial unanimous decision victory over former boxing champion Mike Tyson in November, Paul fielded questions about his future, and the conversation quickly shifted from boxing to mixed martial arts. Signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) for an MMA debut slated for 2025, Paul has his sights set on a rematch with Nate Diaz, this time inside the cage. The two previously faced off in a boxing match in August 2023, which Paul won by unanimous decision.
Paul’s public callout of Diaz has become a recurring theme, with the Problem Child accusing Diaz of being “scared” to face him in MMA and passing up a lucrative payday. While Diaz’s boxing background pales in comparison to Paul’s, the Stockton native is a seasoned MMA veteran with 34 professional fights and renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, posing a significantly greater threat in his natural domain. The dynamic shifts drastically from a boxing ring to an octagon, where Diaz’s grappling expertise could prove to be Paul’s undoing.
Diaz responded to Paul’s taunts, challenging him to sign a contract, but pointedly refusing to fight under the PFL banner, referring to it as a “s##### organization.” This refusal hints at a deeper loyalty to the UFC, the promotion where Diaz spent the majority of his career. While no longer under contract with the UFC since 2022, Diaz appears reluctant to fight for a competing organization, even for a potentially eight-figure payday. This loyalty, coupled with his potential unease with the PFL’s perceived lower status, creates a roadblock for the Paul-Diaz rematch in MMA.
Diaz’s reluctance to fight in the PFL raises questions about his motivations. While financial security is undoubtedly a factor, his hesitation may stem from a desire to protect his legacy and maintain a connection with the UFC. A move to the PFL, even for a substantial sum, could be perceived as a step down, potentially hindering a future return to the UFC. This loyalty, coupled with the potential risk to his reputation, makes the PFL matchup less appealing than it might seem on the surface.
The impasse between Paul and Diaz presents a challenge for Paul’s MMA debut. Finding a suitable opponent who can generate comparable interest and possesses a similar skill set is proving difficult. While a clash with a seasoned MMA fighter would be a more legitimate test, Paul’s relative inexperience in the sport likely necessitates an opponent more aligned with his own developing abilities. Matching him against a lesser-known fighter, while less exciting for fans, would provide a more appropriate stepping stone in his MMA journey. This pragmatic approach, while less glamorous, offers a more realistic pathway for Paul’s development in the sport.
Beyond the challenges of securing an MMA opponent, Paul remains a significant draw in the boxing world. A proposed match against Nico Ali-Walsh, grandson of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, generated considerable buzz but ultimately fell through. Ali-Walsh declined the offer, aiming to establish his boxing career on his own merits rather than through the spectacle of a Paul fight. This decision underscores the double-edged sword of Paul’s celebrity status; while it guarantees attention and lucrative payouts, it can also be seen as a shortcut to fame, diminishing the perceived legitimacy of opponents. Despite the setbacks in both boxing and MMA matchmaking, Paul’s ability to attract viewers remains undeniable, ensuring that his next fight, regardless of opponent or discipline, will be a highly publicized event.
