Jake Paul Claims Diaz Fears MMA Loss; Sterling Targets March Comeback
Jake Paul is looking ahead to his MMA debut in the aftermath of his latest boxing fight, but has hit out at Nate Diaz’s reluctance to fight him.
The ‘Problem Child’ managed to bounce back from his first loss to Tommy Fury with a win over Nate Diaz in his last fight on August 5th, 2023. Thereafter, Paul offered $10 million to Diaz in order to have a rematch under MMA rules in the PFL. The offer was not taken up, as Diaz was aiming to secure a rematch in boxing before considering anything else. In response, Paul announced that he would be fighting Andre August on December 15th, 2023, But moving forward, an MMA fight is on the radar.
Paul On MMA
“We’re ready, MMA, end of 2024, $10 million, which is more than he’s ever made for an MMA fight – ever. He’s sitting there asking for more money basically drunk tweeting random sh*t and random fight posters, making himself look like a fool. I’m going to start throwing knees and kicks and getting back to my Ohio Wrestling roots, shooting takedowns. I truly believe that he knows it would be a really tough fight for him, and I think that’s the thing for him where he’s like, ‘Damn, do I risk my whole MMA reputation by giving this kid a chance here?” Paul said
Nevertheless, if a fight with Diaz cannot get made, then Paul may target a fight with Conor McGregor. The latter’s manager, Audie Attar, had recently confirmed that a rematch could not be ruled out. This was after reports that Paul had made a $50 million offer previously in an attempt to get the fight made.
Paul Vs. McGregor
“I think the challenge with combat sports is looking that far ahead. You never say never [about Jake Paul]. Getting back into the octagon is step one, going in and handling business there. Then, not looking past that, but then, obviously, when you get past that, look at your options and see what’s next,” Attar stated
Elsewhere, Aljamain Sterling, the former UFC bantamweight champion, has hinted that he could face Max Holloway next on his featherweight debut.
Following Sterling’s defeat to Sean O’Malley at UFC 292 when he was stopped in the second round, there were question marks over where the former champion would go next. Prior to the fight, Sterling had hinted that he would be moving up to featherweight.
But the defeat ended his nine-fight-win streak as the focus was on getting a rematch. However, O’Malley dismissed the idea of a rematch given that the fight was not very close. Instead, the former will take on Marlon Vera at UFC 299 in a rematch with the hope of avenging his only loss. As such, Sterling hinted that he could be making a return in March against Holloway.
