Jake Paul stated on Theo Von's podcast that he plans to fight Nate Diaz under MMA rules if Diaz can defeat Mike Perry. Paul made a dramatic vow, swearing on his mother's life about his intentions. He called Diaz the easiest and worst boxer he has ever fought against. Paul expressed that he doesn't care about the money at this point and simply wants the MMA fight to happen. The callout comes as Paul continues to expand his combat sports career beyond boxing. Reactions to the potential matchup are mixed, with some fans expressing interest and others suggesting the previous boxing match between the two was sufficient.
Jake Paul has issued a public challenge to Nate Diaz, declaring he will fight the veteran under full MMA rules — but only if Diaz first defeats Mike Perry. Paul made the vow during an appearance on Theo Von's podcast, going so far as to swear on his mother's life that the MMA bout would happen should Diaz clear that hurdle.
Nate Diaz, 41, is one of the most recognizable names in combat sports. The Stockton native carries a professional MMA record of 22-13-0 and has built his reputation on relentless pressure and high-volume output, landing 4.57 significant strikes per minute over his career while also averaging 1.3 submission attempts per 15 minutes. Standing six feet tall with a 76-inch reach, the southpaw is a product of the Cesar Gracie Fight Team and remains a marquee name at 170 pounds and beyond.
Standing in the way of that potential matchup is Mike Perry, who goes by "Platinum" and carries a 14-8-0 record. The 34-year-old orthodox striker from the United States trains independently and has shown durable aggression throughout his career, landing 4.32 significant strikes per minute at a 47 percent accuracy rate. At five feet ten inches with a 71-inch reach, Perry is a physically compact, high-output fighter whose style rarely produces quiet nights.
Paul, during the podcast appearance, also took a verbal shot at Diaz, calling him the easiest and worst boxer he has ever faced — a reference to their previous meeting under boxing rules. He added that money is no longer his primary motivation, framing the potential MMA contest as something he simply wants to see happen.
Why it matters
- A Diaz victory over Perry would set up a crossover MMA contest with genuine mainstream attention
- Diaz's submission threat and grappling pedigree would represent a markedly different challenge than a boxing match
- Fan reaction has been divided, with some viewing their boxing encounter as a satisfying conclusion to the rivalry
