Jake Paul stated on Theo Von's podcast that he plans to fight Nate Diaz under MMA rules if Diaz defeats Mike Perry. Paul made strong comments about Diaz, calling him the easiest and worst boxer he has ever faced. He emphasized his desire to compete against Diaz in MMA regardless of financial motivations. Paul expressed confidence that the fight will happen. The post invited audience reactions on whether this potential matchup would be interesting to watch.
Jake Paul has declared that a mixed martial arts fight with Nate Diaz is his next target — but only if Diaz first gets past Mike Perry in their upcoming bout.
Paul made the callout during an appearance on Theo Von's podcast, where he minced no words about his feelings toward Diaz. The YouTuber-turned-professional fighter described Diaz as the easiest and worst boxer he has ever faced, while simultaneously expressing a genuine desire to test himself against the Stockton native under full MMA rules. Paul insisted financial reward is not his primary motivation, and said he is confident the fight will happen.
Nate Diaz, 41, carries a 22-13 professional record built largely inside the UFC's lightweight and welterweight divisions. Fighting out of the Cesar Gracie Fight Team, the southpaw stands six feet tall with a 76-inch reach — 193 cm — and brings a well-rounded combat skill set to any ruleset. He lands 4.57 significant strikes per minute and averages 1.3 submission attempts per 15 minutes, a reminder that his grappling remains a genuine threat alongside his boxing.
Standing across from Diaz in the fight Paul is referencing is Mike Perry, nicknamed Platinum, who holds a 14-8 record and competes as an independent fighter. The 34-year-old orthodox striker stands five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach and lands 4.32 significant strikes per minute at 47 percent accuracy, making him a durable and aggressive opponent for Diaz.
Why it matters
- A Diaz victory over Perry would set up a high-profile crossover MMA matchup with Paul, elevating both fighters' profiles
- Paul has prior boxing history with Diaz, which adds a revenge narrative to any potential MMA contest
- Diaz's submission game — averaging over one attempt per 15 minutes — would represent a serious new threat for Paul under MMA rules
- The callout keeps Paul's name tied to combat sports between his own scheduled bouts
