Jake Paul eyes Nate Diaz MMA fight after Joshua jaw injury

Jake Paul says he plans to make his mixed martial arts debut against Nate Diaz once he recovers from the broken jaw he suffered in his December loss to Anthony Joshua.

Paul told The Pat McAfee Show this week that he expects medical clearance for full-contact sparring within weeks. Once cleared, he said, a cage fight under his Most Valuable Promotions banner remains on the table. "The feud between MVP MMA and UFC continues," Paul said, per Sherdog. "We've been trying to make the Nate Diaz MMA fight happen for a long time and I think it's still on the table, so we'll see what happens."

Paul admits he has never trained MMA

Diaz has already competed for MVP, dropping a decision to Mike Perry at the promotion's first MMA event. Paul acknowledged he has never trained in the sport and would need to add kicks and grappling to his wrestling and boxing base before stepping into the cage.

"I've never practiced MMA, but I've wrestled and boxed so I just need to learn the kicks and jiu-jitsu," Paul said. He added that MVP is expanding further into MMA as the promotion continues its rivalry with the UFC.

No timeline has been announced for Paul's return to boxing or a potential MMA debut.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Jake Paul targets Nate Diaz for long-awaited MMA fight