Former UFC star Nate Diaz and Youtuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul are all set to collide between the ropes. Three months prior to their bout, the pair had their first staredown during a press conference this Tuesday.
As expected, you knew what to expect from both men at the press conference, with significantly different personalities on display. While the press conference had started, Diaz excused himself to use the bathroom while Paul brought a prop to the stage in the form of a toy monkey, insinuating it resembled a brain of Diaz.
Last November, Diaz was officially a free agent after parting ways with the UFC after 15 years and teased a big-money move to boxing. His next move has come to fruition, and the Stockton native will make his boxing debut on August 5.
Nate Diaz on UFC Exit
“My plan in fighting is always to fight the biggest name and the best fighters there are,” Diaz said. “When I was on the way out [of the UFC, Jake Paul] was doing the biggest and best things for fighting…I was glad I had a worthy opponent as soon as I got out.”
Paul is hopeful of returning to the win column after facing his first defeat in boxing to Tommy Fury in February. Fury earned a split decision victory in a lacklustre fight in Saudi Arabia. Paul has found great success against notable MMA fighters. Haven defeated Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva and Ben Askren in the past.
“I think [Nate Diaz’s] going to be sharp for a couple of rounds but there’s just nothing he can do to stop me,” Paul said. “I’m faster, I’m stronger, I’m the better boxer…I see it ending in four rounds or less.”
Quotes via Yardbarker
If he’s able to get past Diaz, Paul intends to put together a fight with Conor McGregor, a former two-time opponent of the Irishman. Paul has slandered McGregor many times in the past and believes a fight has been brewing between the pair.
The bout is scheduled to take place at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, in a 185-pound eight-round bout.
What do you make of the first staredown between Nate Diaz and Jake Paul? Let us know in the comments!
