ANAHEIM, Calif. – Nate Diaz is always planning ahead.
Following his majority decision boxing match victory over Jorge Masvidal on Saturday at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., Diaz had multiple names on his brain – all of which are fighters he’s fought in the past.
During his in-ring interview with Brian Campbell, Diaz mentioned Jake Paul as an idea for a next opponent, but later clarified why his former foe’s name was mentioned first.
“(Paul) was just off the top of my head that I would like to whip his ass,” Diaz told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference. “I’d like to get a win against Leon Edwards, who is the best fighter in the world right now at 170.”
Diaz’s next move remains unclear. Will it be boxing or MMA? No one knows. But one thing is for certain: Diaz wants the fights that will earn him the most respect – and the most money.
“That’s the only thing I’ve got in my head, is whoever thinks they’re f*cking tight can get their ass whooped,” Diaz said.
One fight that Diaz is not interested in, however, is the one he just had.
Despite their head-to-head lifetime combat sports record tied at one win apiece, Diaz rejects the notion the time is now for a third clash with Masvidal.
“That’s a whole other situation for later,” Diaz said. “I think we’re 1-0 on each other. He got a win in MMA and I got a win in boxing. Who knows what’s going to happen with him… but at some point, something.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Diaz vs. Masvidal 2.