Jake Paul has revealed that he is closing in on a deal with Nate Diaz to stage a two-fight double header in boxing and MMA. The Problem Child has confirmed that he is aiming to stage the fights in 2024 after a grudge match with KSI and says that negotiations are “pretty far along”. Earlier on in the week Aaron Chalmers told Express Sport that he was planning on pursuing a similar deal with Paul following his upcoming clash with Floyd Mayweather.
“We offered a two-fight deal to Nate Diaz, one for boxing and one for MMA,” Paul told The Daily Mail. “That could definitely happen and he could definitely be my first MMA opponent, 100 per cent.
“It would be diving into the deep end but, for some reason, I just feel as if I’m going to be really good at MMA. I have the wrestling background, I have the better boxing than all of them, so I’ve really just got to learn the kicks and the takedown defence.
“It is pretty far along, but it’s not done,” he added. “Obviously, in this world of combat sport you never know what’s going to happen. Until everything is signed, I don’t count my chickens until they’re hatched. But we are in talks with his team pretty frequently.”
Providing an update on discussions between both parties, Paul continued: “It was good that we agreed on a weight, and we agreed on winner takes all. That’s pretty exciting. I thought the weight was going to be more of an issue, but it actually looks like it’s starting to progress. But who knows if he’ll actually follow through in the year.
“I’m ready whenever. KSI has said December, so whenever he wants to get embarrassed, whenever he wants to be unconscious, I’m ready whenever. I’ve always been ready. Like I’ve said before, anyone, any time, any place. I’ve said that and proven it. It’s going to be a good one. It’s going to be one for the history books.”
Before any of these plans can be fulfilled, however, Paul will have to get past his next opponent Tommy Fury on February 26.