Nate Diaz has made a case for both Jake Paul and Anderson Silva ahead of their boxing clash next month.
YouTube star Paul and 48-year-old Silva will clash over eight rounds at a catchweight of 187lb in Arizona on October 29. Silva is the third potential opponent Paul has drafted for his sixth professional fight after bouts with Love Island star Tommy Fury and professional boxer Hasim Rahman Jr were scrapped last month.
Diaz has been backed to leave the UFC after his fight with Khamzat Chimaev this Saturday and earn a huge payday to face Paul. The UFC veteran was shocked that Silva was underestimated in his fight against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr and thinks it would be stupid to rule out his chances against Paul despite the age gap between the pair.
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“I see it going a lot of different ways,” Diaz told reporters. “I think Anderson for sure – I didn’t like when he fought [Julio] Cesar Chavez Jr and, I think it may have been the organisation they were fighting under or whatever, but they were talking like all surprised that Anderson was beating Chavez Jr. Respect to Chavez Jr and Sr, but why are they acting surprised that Anderson Silva is doing good? What do you even think Chavez Jr is even doing in there with Anderson Silva?
“They considered him the GOAT in the UFC for a long time, you know? There was no appreciation for that and I thought that was stupid. I think they’d be stupid if they’re trying to count him [Silva] out at all in this fight, but I also see that Jake Paul could win or do well too,” Diaz said. “[He’s] young, motivated, strong, inspired to box. So, I think it makes for an interesting fight.”
After spending 15 years fighting for the promotion, Diaz will likely part ways with the UFC after his fight with top welterweight contender Chimaev. Diaz had been trying to get a fight since losing to Leon Edwards with last June, with Paul even joining the campaign by demanding Diaz was released from his UFC deal.
Paul has made multiple offers to fight Diaz, but has been unable to secure the fight due to the UFC veteran still being under contract. UFC boss Dana White insists Diaz has told him he wouldn't fight Paul, telling Yahoo Sports : “He said, ‘I would never do that.’ That’s what he said to me. He said, ‘That s***’s goofy.’ I don’t know. That’s what he said to me.” White's comments were contradicted by Diaz claiming he is "interested in anything" when asked about a potential fight with Paul.
