Jake Paul's former opponent Ben Askren has predicted Nate Diaz will not have "much of a chance" in any potential boxing fight.
YouTube star Paul once again made a good impression when dropping and outpointing UFC legend Anderson Silva in his sixth professional outing last weekend. It is expected that the YouTube star will look to get active once again early next year where he could have a choice from a whole host of opponents including Tommy Fury and UFC veteran Diaz.
Paul included Diaz in his post-fight call-out speech following his recent win over the Brazilian alongside a speculative target in the shape of Canelo Alvarez. However, the content creator's former rival Askren, who he knocked out in the first round, believes Silva has much better striking skills than Diaz.
"There's a chance," Askren responded during an interview with Submission Radio when asked if he sees the fight between Paul and Diaz taking place next. "I mean I don't know why anyone would think that Nate has much of a chance given what just happened.
"Nate's a lot smaller. I don't think anyone would consider Nate on the level of striker that Anderson is, but yeah I guess it might happen. I think people are interested to see if Jake can actually fight, but now he has established that he is actually alright people aren't as interested. They are like ' he is a pretty good boxer but I am out'.
"People get really interested in peoples stories, like if they are looking to fight for a title but Jake's journey seems to be meandering a bit. Where is he going? What is the end goal? Nobody really knows and without a clear path to follow I think that is where fans are getting lost.
"Like what is he trying to do? He can't call out Canelo it is preposterous, you would have to take at least four or five jumps. So now people need a reason to follow him and ask themselves, where is this going to lead?"
Do you think Jake Paul should fight Nate Diaz next? Let us know in the comments section below
Diaz insisted that he still wants to take on Paul, and attended the event to watch his teammate Chris Avila pick up a win on the undercard. However he was kicked out prior to the main event a fter slapping a member of Paul's team when trying to approach the fighter's dressing room.
And the 25-year-old has insisted that his feud with Diaz has now heightened, but has made an offer for the UFC star to join his new fighters association which is aiming to campaign for better pay and healthcare in MMA. He tweeted: "Oh Nathan, coming into my dressing room before my fight? Throwing drinks like a p****.
"Will settle this if you ever get out of your UFC contract. Until then let’s change the game. I have got big plans. I invite you to join Anderson and I to launch the United Fighters Association. Are you in?"
