Nate Diaz: ‘I still believe I’m the king of the fight game’

Nate Diaz reveals why he chose to make his boxing debut against Jake Paul

Nate Diaz makes his professional boxing debut this Saturday, headlining the Ready 4 War pay-per-view card against Jake Paul.

The fight, which takes place in Dallas, Texas, is the centerpiece of the second-highest recorded gate for a combat sports event at American Airlines Center in history.

“I still believe I’m the king of the fight game,” says Diaz. “I have to repeatedly keep telling people what’s up.”

Paul, who is a dozen years younger than Diaz, 38, won his first six pro boxing fights. That included a victory against former UFC great Anderson Silva, as well as two bouts against former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley. Paul (6-1) could not keep his undefeated streak alive against Tommy Fury, who beat him by split decision in February.

While it would have added further intrigue had Paul entered undefeated, Diaz explained that he turned down other opponents in favor of Paul.

“He’s the most popping, most relevant, he’s young, and he’s winning fights,” says Diaz. “I thought he had the most potential so this could be bigger and better.”

Diaz defeated Tony Ferguson last September at UFC 279. This is his first chance for success outside the UFC, where he spent 15 years. He is confident in his ability to draw interest in the fight, believing his value in combat sports is unmatched.

“I feel like I’ve been hot since the beginning,” says Diaz. “I headlined Madison Square Garden [in 2019], the first card to have a president there. I had the fights with Conor [McGregor]. I never even had a belt.”

Courtesy Zuffa LLC

A southpaw, Diaz has already heard criticisms about his boxing style. Boxing was a part of his MMA training, though forgoing the MMA aspects of the fight give an edge in this bout to Paul, who throws hard and is taking Diaz away from his customary setting in the cage.

“This guy keeps beating all these ex-UFC champions,” says Diaz. “This is my first boxing match. He does have more experience. And there are a lot of haters out there, but nobody really knows. We’re just going to have to watch and find out.”

For longtime fight fans, the mere concept of Paul sharing a ring with Diaz is hard to grasp. It is also remarkable to even consider a Paul brother defeating a Diaz in any sort of combat sport, yet that day could arrive as soon as Saturday.

If Paul wins, he will push for a rematch in the PFL’s newly created Super Fight Division. Yet Diaz has plenty of options, with the UFC still interested–and a trilogy bout against McGregor awaiting.

Diaz also remains confident he is going to win on Saturday. That may mean getting his hand raised, but there is more at play in his boxing debut. If Diaz plays it right, he believes the chance exists to make close to eight figures for this pay day. That number seems high, but Diaz knows he picked an opponent that will give him maximum exposure in the ring.

“A lot of people know more about him than most champions in boxing and MMA,” says Diaz. “There are better people, maybe. But everyone thinks he’s better.

“He brings eyes, so the biggest deal is going to be whooping his ass. He thinks he’s the biggest ass-kicker. I beg to differ. I’m going to whoop this guy’s ass.

Justin Barrasso can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.