Today, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and Real Fight Inc. (Real Fight), announced that they are partnering on August 5th, when Jake “The Problem Child” Paul and combat sports icon Nate Diaz will finally settle their growing feud over eight rounds at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX.
Paul v. Diaz will be contested at 185 lbs. with 10-ounce gloves, and will be distributed and co-produced globally by DAZN PPV and made available on all devices, platforms, cable, and satellite PPV providers around the world.
“Jake’s star power and popularity continue to command massive audiences worldwide. His most recent bout, Paul vs. Fury, surpassed more than 800,000 pay-per-view purchases and was a commercial success for all our partners. Jake remains one of the most avidly followed fighters in the sport and all eyes are on him, wondering what’s next,” said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions.
“Well, what’s next is one of the most vicious men ever in the cage. I couldn’t be more excited to bring this fight to fruition with two of the most polarizing figures in the game, who have both shown the heart to fight through adversity. We are incredibly proud to work with Nate Diaz, Real Fight, DAZN, and American Airlines Center to showcase this thrilling matchup and have no doubt that Paul vs Diaz will be the hottest ticket in Dallas this summer.”
Over the last 18 months, Paul and Diaz have traded scathing public jabs about a potential fight, and now the duo will finally go head-to-head to settle the score.
Paul (6-1, 4KO’s) will be out for revenge as he prepares for his first fight since his split-decision defeat against Tommy Fury.
“We are incredibly excited to have this mega fight on DAZN around the world,” said Joe Markowski, CEO of DAZN North America. “One of the biggest names in boxing meeting one of the biggest names in MMA makes for a truly unique matchup on a global scale. Watch it live globally on DAZN PPV.”
Diaz makes his boxing debut. Boxing has been a staple throughout his 17-years as a professional, which has included being a regular training and sparring partner of undefeated boxing legend, Andre Ward. Diaz headlined his last show for the UFC and capped it off by being the first person to ever submit Tony Ferguson. He has won 22-fights as a pro, including devastating Conor McGregor to hand the Irishman his first loss in the UFC.
“Nate’s departure from the UFC made him the most sought-after free agent in combat sports history with all eyes looking to see what his next move would be,” said Real Fight Inc. President, Zach Rosenfield.
“In choosing to make his boxing debut against Jake Paul, Nate found an opponent where there is an organic, non-scripted backstory that motivates him and will clearly capture the excitement of audiences throughout the world. Together with MVP, we look forward to producing an event worthy of the names of the marquee.”