Jake Paul has called out Nate Diaz as his intended opponent for his MMA debut, set to take place in 2027 under the newly merged MVP MMA and PFL banner. Paul publicly urged Diaz to stop "ducking" and finalise the cage fight, which has been in discussion since their 2023 boxing bout. Paul also confirmed he will return to boxing beforehand, with negotiations against multiple opponents currently ongoing.
Jake Paul has set his sights on Nate Diaz as the opponent for his MMA debut, reportedly targeting a bout in 2027 under the banner of the newly merged Most Valuable Promotions and Professional Fighters League organization. Paul made the callout publicly, accusing Diaz of avoiding the fight and urging him to commit to the cage matchup. The pairing has been a topic of conversation since the two met in a boxing match back in 2023. While nothing is officially signed, Paul also indicated he plans to compete in boxing before stepping into the MMA cage, with negotiations involving multiple potential opponents said to be underway.
Nate Diaz, 41, is one of the most recognizable names in the sport. The Stockton, California native fights out of the Cesar Gracie Fight Team and carries a professional MMA record of 22 wins and 13 losses. A southpaw with a six-foot frame and a 76-inch reach, Diaz has built his reputation on pressure fighting and active grappling, averaging 4.57 significant strikes landed per minute with a 45 percent striking accuracy. He also contributes on the ground, averaging 1.05 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.3 submission attempts per 15 minutes across his career.
Why it matters
- A Paul vs. Diaz MMA bout would represent Paul's first professional mixed martial arts contest, raising significant questions about how his combat sports background translates to the cage.
- The newly merged MVP-PFL platform gives Paul promotional infrastructure to stage a high-profile crossover event.
- Diaz's submission-oriented grappling game would present a stylistic test unlike anything Paul has encountered in boxing.
- The bout remains unconfirmed, and Paul's stated intention to box first means any MMA timeline hinges on multiple moving parts falling into place.
