Jake Paul appeared on Theo Von's podcast and stated he wants to fight Nate Diaz under MMA rules if Diaz can defeat Mike Perry. Paul called Diaz the easiest and worst boxer he has ever fought. He emphasized that money is not a factor in making this fight happen. Paul expressed confidence that the MMA bout will materialize. The statement suggests Paul is looking to expand beyond boxing into mixed martial arts competition.
Jake Paul has issued a callout to Nate Diaz for an MMA fight, but with a condition attached: Diaz must first defeat Mike Perry before Paul will pursue the bout. Paul made the statement during an appearance on Theo Von's podcast, adding that money would not be an obstacle in getting the fight made and expressing confidence the matchup would eventually happen.
Paul also took the opportunity to dismiss Diaz as a boxer, describing him as the easiest and worst opponent he has faced in the boxing ring. The comment is notable given that Diaz, now 41, has built one of the sport's most recognizable careers and carries a 22-13-0 professional record. The Stockton native trains out of the Cesar Gracie Fight Team and brings a well-rounded game to any ruleset, averaging 4.57 significant strikes per minute with a 76-inch reach and posting 1.3 submission attempts per 15 minutes across his MMA career.
Standing between Diaz and that potential matchup is Perry, known as Platinum, who holds a 14-8-0 record at 34 years old. The six-foot Perry stands a shade under five-foot-eleven at 178 cm and carries a 71-inch reach. An orthodox striker, Perry lands 4.32 significant strikes per minute at 47 percent accuracy, making him a high-volume, forward-pressing fighter.
Why it matters
- Paul is publicly signaling an interest in competing under MMA rules, a significant step beyond his boxing career
- A Diaz victory over Perry would set up a high-profile crossover matchup with genuine name recognition on both sides
- The stylistic contrast between Paul and Diaz in MMA — Diaz's submission volume against an opponent with limited verified MMA experience — would carry obvious intrigue
- Perry's own aggressive striking style means Diaz would first need to navigate a dangerous stand-up threat before any Paul fight becomes relevant
