On August 5, 2023, two of the most controversial and popular figures in combat sports will face each other in a boxing match that has been dubbed as “the fight of the decade”. Jake Paul, the social media star turned professional boxer, will take on Nate Diaz, the former UFC fighter and MMA legend, in a 8-round bout at 185 pounds at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
The fight will be broadcasted live on DAZN PPV and is expected to generate millions of dollars in revenue and viewership. But beyond the hype and the money, there is also a personal rivalry and a clash of styles that makes this fight intriguing and unpredictable.
Jake Paul (6-1) is coming off his first professional loss, a split decision defeat to Tommy Fury in February 2023. The former YouTuber had previously knocked out fellow internet celebrities AnEsonGib, Nate Robinson and Ben Askren, as well as former NBA star Lamar Odom. Paul has been training with former world champion BJ Flores and has shown improvement in his boxing skills and power.
However, he has also faced criticism for his choice of opponents, his trash talk and his antics outside the ring. Paul has been involved in several feuds with MMA fighters, including Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier and Tyron Woodley. He has also been accused of sexual assault by TikTok star Justine Paradise, which he has denied.
Both fighters have their strengths and weaknesses. Jake Paul has the advantage of size, power, and youth. He is 6’1″ and weighs around 190 lbs. He is 25 years old and has been training boxing for over three years. He has shown impressive skills and power in his fights, especially his right hand.
Nate Diaz (21-13) is making his professional boxing debut after completing his UFC contract with a unanimous decision win over Tony Ferguson in September 2022. The Stockton native is one of the most popular and respected fighters in MMA history, having fought some of the best names in the sport, such as McGregor, Jorge Masvidal, Rafael dos Anjos and Donald Cerrone.
Diaz is known for his durability, toughness and cardio, as well as his boxing skills and jiu-jitsu prowess. He has won 14 of his fights by submission and four by knockout. He has also been involved in some of the most memorable fights and moments in UFC history, such as his upset win over McGregor at UFC 196, his bloody war with Masvidal at UFC 244 and his middle finger salute to dos Anjos at UFC on Fox 13.
Diaz has been training with former world champion Andre Ward for years and has expressed interest in boxing for a long time. He has also been vocal about his disdain for Paul and his team, calling them “clowns” and “fake fighters”. He famously slapped one of Paul’s coaches backstage at a UFC event in Arizona in 2019.
Nate Diaz has the advantage of experience, toughness, and cardio. He is 5’10” and weighs around 170 lbs. He is 38 years old and has been fighting professionally for over 15 years. He has shown incredible durability and heart in his fights, as well as a high-level boxing and jiu-jitsu game.
Who will win? That is the million-dollar question. Some experts favor Jake Paul for his knockout power and momentum. Others favor Nate Diaz for his experience and toughness.
One thing is certain: this fight will be entertaining and controversial. Both fighters have huge fan bases and haters.
10 rounds? If so, Diaz stops Paul easily.