Nate Diaz appears open to settling unfinished business with Jake Paul, this time inside the MMA cage.
Paul has made it clear that Diaz is his preferred opponent for his MMA debut following the planned merger between Most Valuable Promotions and the Professional Fighters League. Diaz has now responded to the callout, signaling that a rematch could be on the table.
The two have already shared a boxing ring, with Paul earning a unanimous decision over Diaz in August 2023. An MMA meeting would give Diaz the chance to bring his submission game into play.
Diaz Has a Different Price This Time
Diaz has plenty of history in the UFC and built his reputation around his boxing, durability and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
The Stockton native has submitted some of the biggest names of his generation, including Conor McGregor, Tony Ferguson and Jim Miller. He would also have the advantage of returning to the sport where he spent most of his professional career.
But Diaz is now 41 years old and has taken plenty of punishment throughout his long career.
Paul, meanwhile, has yet to compete professionally in MMA. His boxing résumé includes wins over Diaz, Mike Tyson and several former champions, but the cage presents a completely different challenge.
Diaz has previously warned Paul that getting another fight would not come at the same cost.
Paul Still Wants the MMA Rematch
This is not the first time Paul has pushed for an MMA fight with Diaz.
The pair previously discussed an MMA rematch after their boxing bout, but the matchup never materialized. Paul has continued to pursue the idea as he prepares to transition into MMA under the MVP-PFL partnership.
Diaz has also been linked to several potential returns since leaving the UFC. His post-UFC career has included the loss to Paul in boxing and a stoppage defeat against Mike Perry.
Now, with Paul actively targeting him for an MMA debut, Diaz may finally have a reason to revisit the matchup.
The biggest question could be whether the two sides can agree on the money and the conditions for the fight.