Jake Paul’s MVP Promotions hosted a small show on Friday, and he was on hand, which means there was a ton of media attention for the Problem Child.
Paul spoke to the media following the event and fielded questions about criticisms of his unanimous decision victory over Mike Tyson in November, and his next fight. While Paul has no shortage of suitors for his next boxing match, the focus shifted to an MMA bout.
Paul is signed with the Professional Fighters League for an MMA fight, which both sides have said will happen in 2025. Who will the opponent be?
If Paul has his way, he’ll face Nate Diaz in a rematch of their boxing match that took place in August 2023. The Problem Child called Diaz out again for what seems like the tenth time on Friday night.
Paul says Diaz is scared to fight him in MMA and that he is neglecting what would be the biggest payday in his combat sports career. Here is a look at Paul’s answer:
Paul won their boxing match by unanimous decision. He’d figure to have a much tougher time against Diaz in MMA, where the Stockton, California native has had 34 professional fights and established himself as one of the premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners in the sport.
Diaz responded to Paul’s clip saying Paul needs to sign the contract, but not with a s##### organization. Diaz is referring to the PFL where Paul is signed to compete in MMA.
Diaz responded to Paul’s clip, saying Paul needs to sign the contract, but not with a s##### organization. Diaz is referring to the PFL, where Paul is signed to compete in MMA.
Is Diaz actually afraid to face Paul? That’s absurd. However, it does appear as though there is some level of loyalty between Diaz and the UFC. While Diaz hasn’t been under contract with the UFC since 2022, and he’s technically free to fight anywhere he wants, the 39-year-old isn’t willing to fight for the PFL–even for what figures to be an eight-figure payday.
No esteemed fighter has left the UFC, fought for the PFL, and returned to the former promotion. Diaz could easily retire from combat sports already with what he’s made from his talents.
He’d figure to be even more financially secure if he fought Paul and collected the massive payday that comes with fighting the Problem Child.
Beyond some level of loyalty to Dana White and the UFC, it’s tough to imagine why Diaz wouldn’t take the money and fight Paul in the PFL.
Things can change, but I’m guessing Paul’s MMA debut will wind up happening against a lesser-known fighter whose skill set is comparable to his far more famous opponent. In the end, that’s probably how it should be despite the urge to throw him in the PFL SmartCage with someone more recognizable.
Because of the difficulty finding an opponent in MMA, Paul could elect to stick with boxing for the foreseeable future. There was a push for Paul to face Nico Ali-Walsh, the grandson of Muhammad Ali, in a boxing match.
However, Ali-Walsh has declined as he wants his career to be taken seriously. He felt that fighting Paul would equate to him “playing in the mud.”
No matter who Paul’s next opponent is, we’ve learned the fight will undoubtedly draw a crowd.
