Youtuber star turned boxer Jake Paulis promising to make a statement when he faces MMA icon Nate Diaz on August 5th, in an eight-round bout from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
Paul is coming off his first career defeat as a pro.
He was upset earlier this year in Saudi Arabia, when light heavyweight prospect Tommy Fury outboxed him to an eight round split decision win.
Paul had the option of exercising an immediate rematch clause for a second fight with Fury – but instead went in another direction by facing Diaz.
The social media star is aiming to upstage one of his rivals, Conor McGregor, by knocking Diaz out. Diaz and McGregor had two memorable fights in the UFC – with Diaz winning by stoppage in the first bout and McGregor winning a close decision in the rematch.
“Nate Diaz was always the plan after Tommy. That was what I said. Even in the build-up to Tommy, I was like it’s Nate Diaz after Tommy Fury. So that was always the plan… This is a big fight. This is a fight that I’ve wanted for a long time. [Nate] got out of his UFC contract and this is probably the biggest fight of the year, only topping me versus Tommy,” Paul said.
“I want to make big events, big fights happen and strike while the iron’s hot. He was a free agent. Let’s run it. Make it happen. Settle the shit talk. I’m ready for war. I’m excited to be here. Thank you for having me out, Dallas. I love y’all and I’m going to do what Conor McGregor couldn’t do, and I’m gonna knock this man out.
“I’m used to the non-believers, and I’ve always said exactly what I’m gonna do and then I’ve done it. And so, yeah, we’re finally here. I predicted the future but it is surreal, you know, and I had to put in the work to get here. And I’m just excited to be here putting on massive events. This is just the start of what I’m going to accomplish. Everything else I’ve said still holds true as well. And this is proof of that.”