Jake Paul believes a fight with Nate Diaz is inevitable in the next two years and would force Conor McGregor to stop "ducking" him.
Paul has launched a career in the boxing ring and is now recognised as one of the most high-profile stars in the sport despite having had just five outings as a professional. His current wins include two over former UFC champion Tyron Woodley and one against ex-contender Ben Askren with the YouTuber eyeing further crossover events.
These include bouts against superstars Diaz and McGregor whom he has directed several call-outs towards in recent months. Diaz will be available to negotiate a boxing fight after the final fight of his UFC contract against Khamzat Chimaev on September 10.
And Paul believes an event between himself and Diaz would be huge and would provide a platform to challenge McGregor after he has returned to the UFC. "Yeah that is going to happen in the next two years for sure," Paul responded on the TimboSugarShow when asked about a potential showdown with Diaz.
"It is huge and it is getting closer and closer to being real and finally the UFC got him the fight with Khamzat. Me against Nate will probably be at 180lb and then I think it is like okay Jake Paul beats Nate and then it gets closer to Conor not being able to duck my anymore."
Diaz has just a final fight remaining on his contract and after a lengthy disput e, he will likely depart the promotion once facing Chimaev later this year. The UFC star has exchanged verbal barbs with Paul on social media and has previously hinted at a boxing fight being next on his agenda by planning to set up his own promotion with brother Nick.
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In the biggest hint since talks began, Diaz broke his silence on a potential future clash with Paul and admitted he is open to stepping in the ring with anybody. "I'm interested in anything," Diaz told the MMA Hour. "I'm interested in activity and if I get out and he is the first guy to step up then I am fighting him.
"Anyone who wants to fight I am going to fight, anyone who is talking some s*** like Jake Paul. For some reason people put him with my a** and it isn't for no reason because he is f****** doing his thing." Paul is also eyeing a fight with McGregor which will likely take place further down the line.
McGregor will likely be a more formidable and lucrative test for Paul, having already stepped in the ring against Floyd Mayweather in a mega-fight in 2017. The Irishman has confirmed he plans to return to the boxing ring in the future, and has also began responding to call-outs from Paul which is the biggest sign yet his stance on a fight may be changing.
