Is Nate Diaz Returning to MMA With a Fight Against Jake Paul? Are They Going to Fight in UFC or PFL for $10M?

It’s finally here! We’re just two days away from Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz’s boxing clash at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. But there’s a popular opinion brewing ahead of the fight – the ‘Stockton Native’s MMA comeback. 

What’s more – ever since the Youtuber-turned-boxer revamped the promotion of his wished-for MMA fight against the UFC veteran – the idea has struck a chord with fans. Many fans and pundits are interested in finding out whether Paul’s suggestions can actually hold their ground. And why not? Both ‘The Problem Child’ and the ‘Stockton Slapper’ boast a massive fan following – Diaz especially, has always proved to be the ‘people’s champ.’ But on another note, is there a possibility that the UFC veteran makes a surprise move to PFL for his comeback?

Will Nate Diaz and Jake Paul step into the cage for an MMA fight after their boxing bout?

Flashback to a couple of weeks ago, when Paul offered a jaw-dropping $10 million to Nate Diaz for an MMA fight, trying to entice him into the octagon. Although the idea fell through, the 26-year-old still thinks it’s not too late to pursue the idea. 

In a recent interview that aired a week ago, he revealed this same far-fetched idea, catching both interviewers and fans by surprise. He boldly declared, “Yeah – I have 10 million dollars for Nate Diaz, I want to fight him in MMA… We can fight August 5th – sure, but I want to fight him in MMA.” 

But as we all know, they’re now set to lock horns in boxing. However, the idea has not been tossed away by Diaz yet. 

Nate Diaz confirms his intentions to make UFC return

After the open workouts in Dallas, the UFC veteran and Jake Paul spoke to Ariel Helwani and somewhat cleared the air around his return. Although there’s no official news yet, the Stockton Slapper now seems to be down for an MMA fight – to make a comeback ever since his UFC 279 exit. 

When Helwani tricked Diaz with an open-ended question, predicting that his next fight would be in MMA, the UFC veteran chimed in, adding, “Yeah…Probably.” 

The laid-back reply is enough to spark a frenzy among the Diaz fanbase. Hinting at the potential rematch, he somewhat confirmed his intentions for a UFC comeback, adding, “It[the rematch] will probably either be back in the UFC.”

Nate Diaz answers Jake Paul’s $10 million MMA offer

In the same interview, Diaz retorted back to ‘The Problem Child’s mind-blowing $10 million offer for an MMA fight. And he has some pre-fight conditions that have to be in place to make it happen. He argues that in case there’s a need for a potential MMA rematch – “[we’ll] do something like this – in an MMA style – or boxing, either one [of them].

But aside from all future plans, Diaz is looking focused on the task at hand. He knows what it means for his career – especially considering this is his boxing debut. A win here would help him get back in the headlines and catapult himself back into MMA stardom. Declaring that all his attention and training is for the Aug 5 clash, he argued, “I’m not thinking past this right now. I think I’ll get that done when I know what I wanna do. I have ideas that I’m committed to.”

Jake Paul believes after he beats Nate Diaz, Nate will accept his MMA offer

Seems like Jake Paul disagrees – after Diaz has potentially turned down the idea of going to another MMA promotion, or the PFL, for a comeback or a potential rematch. Highlighting the same, Helwani pointed out that Diaz is yet to accept the $10 million PFL offer to fight Paul in MMA. 

The MMA journalist then told Paul, “I asked him, just moments ago, and he said, ‘I don’t fight in other leagues. If we’re gonna fight – it’s gonna be in the UFC, or my promotion.’” Helwani followed this revelation with a question to Paul: “Would you be willing to do that?”

The Youtuber-turned-boxer fumbled, trying to come up with an impromptu answer. Nonetheless, he asserted confidence in his abilities, while still trying to hook the fight with PFL.

Read More: Ahead of Nate Diaz-Jake Paul Fight, Ex-Boxing Champ Reveals Crucial Aspect of MMA Star’s Blueprint for Mega Boxing Bout

The Problem Child retorted, adding, “Look, I mean – it would be his promotion – with the PFL, for sure. It could be Real Fight Inc. and PFL. And to me, that’s a cheap, cop-out excuse… if I’m fighting MMA – it’s in PFL.”

When Helwani suggested that the rematch may not come through, Paul came up with a bold proclamation stating, “I mean once I beat his ass this Saturday, he’s gonna want revenge.”

Watch this story: Leaked Footage of Nate Diaz Sparring Ahead of His Fight Against Jake Paul Leaves Fans Worried for the Ex-UFC Star