Jake Paul is concerned UFC star Nate Diaz will avoid his boxing challenge to fight a "novice YouTuber" instead.
The YouTube star defeated former UFC champion Anderson Silva and immediately called out UFC star Diaz to a boxing clash following the final bell as he looks to secure his latest crossover bout. Diaz was in attendance at the fight but was kicked out after slapping a member of Paul's team, but has previously suggested he would be open to the clash.
Diaz recently fought in the final bout under his contract with the UFC and is expected to now be open to offers from promotions to make a boxing appearance in 2023. However Paul has cast doubt in his latest social media post that he will be the man to face Diaz, tweeting: "Nate Diaz ducking. I heard he’s boxing a a novice YouTuber?"
It is currently unclear who Diaz's potential opponent could be but Diaz has said he is open to taking on anyone who is willing to step up to the plate in the squared circle. This news came days after Paul made a fresh offer to the Stockton native on social media, calling for him to sign the contract after booking a fight venue.
He tweeted earlier this week: "Hi Nate. Finally out of your UFC contract? Let’s see how tough you are in the boxing ring instead of hallway slap contests. I have a venue booked. Offer is ready when you are. Just need you to sign."
Diaz is expected to fight in the ring next year, but it remains unclear if Paul is featuring in his plans having previously cast doubt on accepting his rival's call. However the UFC legend's manager has confirmed that he will feature multiple times in 2023 which could include a third fight with Conor McGregor.
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He told MMA Junkie : "Nate is going to be looking at the biggest fights possible. He has stated that completing the trilogy with Conor McGregor is something that interests him, and that has not changed. You will see Nate competing multiple times in 2023, and that will include boxing."
Meanwhile if Paul is unable to tie down a deal with Diaz, he will explore a number of options for his ring return next year which could include British star Tommy Fury or controversial ex-kickboxer Andrew Tate. When providing an update on his future, Paul suggested he had made an offer to three big-name opponents already.
However Daniel Cormier believes Diaz would provide him with his biggest name test to date. “I think Diaz is going to fight Jake Paul,” Cormier said on his ESPN Show. “Everything seems right for that to be the fight just because Nate is the opponent type that we seem to see Jake Paul in with. A guy that is no longer in the UFC, a guy that has a boxing background or has the ability to box but not seem as dangerous."
