Boxer Jake Paul criticized Nate Diaz for turning down a $10 million offer for a rematch inside the cage, following their previous boxing match, which Paul won; despite both entertaining the idea in conversations post-match, Paul suggested Diaz declined due to the potential risk to his reputation in the MMA context.
As it happens, the saga between Jake Paul and Nate Diaz continues. In August, the two engaged in a high-stakes boxing match after nearly a year of trading barbs in the media. Paul emerged victorious from the match, earning a unanimous decision following a back-and-forth tie. The two seemed to have parted on amicable terms, even discussing a possible rematch in the realm of MMA. However, it seems they’ve both returned once again to their heated exchanges.
Discussing his next bout with TMZ Sports, Paul stated that Diaz declined a substantial offer for a rematch inside the MMA cage. “We’re at the drawing board right now. Nate Diaz ducked the $10 million offer, so he’s not the badass that everyone said he was,” Paul shared. He further emphasized his plans to shift to MMA and criticized Diaz for declining the challenge, adding that he wanted “to do something that no boxer has really ever done, which is, in the prime of their career, go over to MMA.”
Paul speculated that the hefty payout from their boxing match and the immense risk posed by an MMA fight may be the reasons Diaz wasn’t compelled by his offer. “There wasn’t a transparent reason. I think it was just something that he realized there’s a lot of risk for him,” he shared. Despite never having competed in MMA before, Paul holds a significant stake in PFL, where he’s currently signed, and tacitly indicated that the rematch would likely be held here. In response, Diaz, who runs his own promotion, Real Fight Inc., offered to host the match at his venue and dismissively addressed Paul’s comments.
With the boxing match between Paul and Diaz reportedly pulling in half a million pay-per-view purchases, the potential for a profitable rematch is clear. It’s apparent that both men are keen to revisit their rivalry and actively take part in promoting the event.