Jake Paul vs UFC: Pros Predict Whether Nate Diaz Can Become First MMA Fighter to Beat ‘The Problem Child’

Just another couple of hours and the biggest name in influencer boxing meets a third-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for a boxing match! All eyes are on Jake Paul and Nate Diaz. The former rides on the back of his first loss, albeit to a boxer, a few months ago. The latter, long used to the octagon, enters the squared circle for the first time. Given the high stakes involved, across the corners, talks have been springing up about whether a former UFC fighter can do the unthinkable. Can a mixed martial artist deliver the blow that can send Paul to the canvas?

Between the two, Jake Paul has a legitimate claim over boxing, having been in the sport for the last five years. More so, he is into promotional activities as well. ‘The Problem Child’ fought his first amateur bout in 2018. Two years later, he went professional and won all the bouts until Tommy Fury stopped his juggernaut. On the other hand, Nate Diaz’s mixed martial arts record stands at twenty-one wins against thirteen losses.

From Tyron Woodley to Anderson Silva: How many UFC champions have Jake Paul defeated?

Jake Paul’s first bout was an undercard to his elder brother Logan Paul‘s fight with British YouTuber KSI on August 25, 2018. KSI’s younger brother, Deji Olatunji, stood opposite him at the Manchester arena. The battle ended in the fifth round, with ‘The Problem Child’ winning via technical knockout. Two years later, a bit more prepared, he launched his professional campaign once again against a British YouTuber, AnEsonGib, on January 30, 2020.

Jale Paul dispatched the Riyadh-born Gib in the very first round. By year’s end, the second match had occurred at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. His opponent, a professional basketball player, Nate Robinson, could not withstand Paul’s onslaught and lost the plot by the second round. From 2021, Jake Paul fought primarily mixed martial artists, some of whom were champions.

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Jake Paul versus Ben Askern

His first opponent was wrestler Ben Askren. An outstanding grappler who barely made it through as a boxer against Jake Paul. His campaign on April 17, 2021, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta ended disastrously as Jake Paul knocked him out in the first round, forcing the referee to call for an early stop. But the next lot who followed ‘Funky’ were poles apart, for they were battle-hardened champions in the game.

Jake Paul versus Tyron Woodley

Tyron Woodley was the second opponent Jake Paul, who came from an extensive mixed martial arts background. He was the UFC’s Welterweight champion before retiring from the UFC in 2021. The first match between Woodley and Paul occurred on August 29, 2021, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. However, unlike the previous instances, Tyron Woodley proved a tough nut to crack despite debuting as a boxer. The eight-round contest went the full distance, ending with Paul’s victory by a split decision.

Jake Paul versus Tyron Woodley II

Initially, per schedule, Jake Paul had to face Tommy Fury. But the latter finally pulled out because of a chest infection and rib injury. Hence, Woodley was brought in as a replacement to meet Paul again. But unlike the previous edition, the fight on December 18, 2021, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, was quick-fire. An overhand right from Paul in the sixth round sent Woodley face-down on the canvas, ending the argument.

Jake Paul versus Anderson Silva

After triumphing over a fighter of Tyron Woodley’s caliber, Jake Paul faced his next herculean task on October 29 last year. On the opposite corner stood former UFC Middleweight champion Anderson Silva, widely acknowledged as one of the greatest mixed martial artists ever. The two met at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. In front of a packed house, Jake Paul won the match through a unanimous decision, his first, despite knocking down Silva in the eighth round.

Here’s what Pros have to say about Nate Diaz’s fate against Jake Paul

Let’s look at what some pundits and former champions have in line for today’s possible winner.

Conor McGregor:

Starting with Diaz’s bitter rival and another legend in the UFC, Conor McGregor, when asked for his views, believes that his former opponent has it in him to defeat Jake Paul. So while speaking to InsideFighting, he reportedly said, “I think Nate Diaz slaps his head off, and I’m looking forward to seeing it…I think it’s Nate.”

Eddie Hearn:

The Matchroon boss, though, differs from Conor McGregor. According to him, there is an imbalance between Paul and Diaz. Speaking to FightHub TV, he said, “I feel bad saying it because I like Nike Diaz.” So when the reporter asked whether he meant Jake Paul outboxes him, Eddie Hearn nodded, affirming.

Tony Bellew:

It seems Hearns has a supporter in former Cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew. He also believes that Jake Paul is way ahead of Nate Diaz. However, instead of an early stoppage, the fight will end on decisions, Bellew posits. While speaking to SportsBible, he said, “….Going up against Nate Diaz. I mean, I fully expect him to deal with Nate Diaz…I just think he’ll beat him on points.”

Henry Cejudo:

But another legend, former UFC Flyweight and Bantamweight champion and Olympic gold medal winner Henry Cejudo, said, “I think having a guy like like Nate Diaz who has trained with guys like Andre Ward…even Nate Diaz as a fighter he’s he’s actually his emphasis is based more on boxing…but will [will] Nate Diaz pull it off I 100 percent think he will pull it off .”

Dustin Poirier:

However, former UFC champion Dustin Poirier differs from his MMA colleagues and seniors. Speaking to Ariel Helwani, he said, “It’s not an easy fight…I think Diaz’s boxing is good for MMA. It’s a completely different thing, yes, you know, it’s a completely different thing.” When Helwani asked whether he would put his money down on Paul, the Lafayette, Louisiana-born Poirier, confirmed that he did.

Long criticized for fighting ageing, out-of-prime fighters who had little to do with boxing, Jake Paul had to do something to redeem his name as a full-fledged boxer. Thus, after much push and pull, a bout with Tommy Fury came up on February 26. Sadly, the contest ran contrary to his calculations. Even though he managed to knock down Fury in the final round, the Englishman had done enough to convince the judges that he was the better boxer that day. Tommy Fury won the match in Saudi Arabia by a split decision.

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Between Diaz and Paul, who is your favorite to win tonight? Please share your views and opinions with us in the comments below.

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