Jake Paul stated on Theo Von's podcast that he intends to fight Nate Diaz under MMA rules if Diaz defeats Mike Perry. Paul made the claim emphatically, calling Diaz "the easiest and worst boxer" he has ever faced. He expressed strong interest in an MMA matchup, stating he has sufficient money and simply wants the fight to happen. Paul suggested that he believes this MMA bout will eventually take place, pending Diaz's performance against Perry.
Jake Paul declared on Theo Von's podcast that he wants to fight Nate Diaz under MMA rules, but only if Diaz first gets past Mike Perry in their upcoming bout.
Paul was direct about his intentions, calling Diaz the easiest and worst boxer he has ever faced. He added that money is not an obstacle and that he simply wants the fight to happen, expressing confidence that the MMA matchup will eventually come together depending on how Diaz performs against Perry.
Nate Diaz, 41, is one of the most recognizable names in combat sports. The Stockton-born southpaw carries a 22-13-0 professional record and has long been affiliated with the Cesar Gracie Fight Team. Standing six feet tall with a 76-inch reach, Diaz is a high-volume striker who lands 4.57 significant strikes per minute and attempts 1.3 submissions per 15 minutes, reflecting the dangerous grappling pedigree that defines his style.
Standing in his way is Mike Perry, known as Platinum, a 34-year-old orthodox striker with a 14-8-0 record. Perry stands five feet ten inches tall with a 71-inch reach and lands 4.32 significant strikes per minute at a 47 percent accuracy rate. He has built a reputation as an aggressive, heavy-handed fighter since departing the UFC.
Why it matters
- A Paul-Diaz MMA contest would mark Paul's first bout under full MMA rules, raising the competitive stakes considerably beyond boxing.
- Diaz's submission game, averaging over one attempt per 15 minutes, presents a threat profile very different from anything Paul has faced in boxing.
- Perry's own striking volume and knockout power mean Diaz must first navigate a dangerous fight before any Paul matchup becomes relevant.
- The callout keeps Paul's name attached to the MMA world while the outcome of Diaz versus Perry remains the deciding factor.
