UFC legend Michael Bisping believes Conor McGregor's striking makes him a tougher opponent for Jake Paul than Nate Diaz.
YouTube star Paul has made a successful start to his professional boxing career having defeated the likes of former UFC stars Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren in his first five victories. Throughout his time in the sport, Paul has expressed his desire to face both Diaz and McGregor providing they are able to negotiate deals outside of the UFC.
McGregor has already fought in the boxing ring once having been defeated in a mega-fight with Floyd Mayweather in 2017. And UFC legend Michael Bisping believes McGregor is now superior to Diaz in terms of boxing technique and power.
“When it comes to power, precision, and actual technique of the shots, I give McGregor the advantage," Bisping said when discussing both Diaz and McGregor as potential opponents for Paul on his YouTube channel. "Yes, Diaz can bang. Yes, Diaz wobbled McGregor in that first fight.
"That’s how he was able to finish him with the rear-naked choke. And he’s always got great boxing with a high output. But I don’t think, No.1, it’s as technical as McGregor’s, and it certainly isn't as explosive. So, I give the striking advantage to Conor McGregor.”
A fight with Diaz looks to be the most realistic option for Paul with the Stockton Native having just one final fight against Khamzat Chimaev remaining before he is free to negotiate. Meanwhile McGregor is currently out of action as he continues to step up his recovery from a broken leg.
Who do you believe would be tougher for Jake Paul to fight- Nate Diaz or Conor McGregor? Let us know in the comments section below
The Irishman is likely to target a revival of his UFC career at 170lb, but is willing to make a return to the squared circle in the future. Paul has called for fights with both UFC stars and has made o ffers to UFC president Dana White to even meet either in the octagon.
Diaz and McGregor have fought twice during their UFC careers back in 2016 with the American submitting his rival in the first fight, before McGregor avenged the defeat later that year. Despite Diaz showing his ability in both clashes, Paul joined Bisping in deeming McGregor a tougher examination of his boxing credentials. "I think Conor is the tougher fight because of his experience in the ring with Floyd Mayweather," Paul told Morning Kombat.
"He is definitely a better striker and Nate gets hit a lot more. I think a fight with Conor is very possible. He is just inactive, I am the one that is still fighting, I am the one that is going uphill while his entire career is going downhill. If and when the stars align we can make that happen 100 per cent. Nate just knows I am the money fight."
