Jake Paul targets Nate Diaz for long-awaited MMA fight

Jake Paul is eyeing a mixed martial arts debut under Most Valuable Promotions, with longtime target Nate Diaz as his proposed opponent. The crossover boxing star revealed during an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" that he expects medical clearance for full-contact sparring within weeks as he recovers from a broken jaw sustained in his December loss to Anthony Joshua.

Paul, who has never formally trained in MMA, acknowledged he would need to develop striking and grappling skills before stepping into the cage. "I've wrestled and boxed, so I just need to learn the kicks and jiu-jitsu," he said, adding a self-deprecating joke about his background. The proposed matchup with Diaz, a former UFC lightweight contender who recently competed for MVP against Mike Perry, has been discussed for some time and remains on the table according to Paul.

The potential fight would align with MVP's expansion into mixed martial arts and the promotion's ongoing rivalry with the UFC. While Paul's crossover appeal has drawn boxing audiences, an MMA debut would represent an entirely different challenge. Transitioning from boxing to MMA requires competency across multiple disciplines—wrestling, striking, and submissions—and Diaz, despite being away from elite competition, remains an experienced fighter with a substantial following. Whether Paul's recent jaw injury and lack of MMA training would factor into negotiations remains unclear, but the novelty of the matchup ensures significant commercial interest if the bout materializes.