Daniel Cormier explains why Jake Paul is very likely to fight "needle mover" Nate Diaz next
Daniel Cormier recently revealed why he believes Jake Paul will fight Nate Diaz next. The former UFC two-division champion opined on the favorable circumstances for the fight to be booked now that Diaz is officially out of his UFC contract.
Nate Diaz, a 27-fight veteran of the UFC, was removed from the UFC's active roster, marking his authorized entry into the free agency market. According to his representative Zach Rosenfield, Diaz's run in the UFC came to an end with the expiration of the exclusive negotiation window.
Speaking about the potential matchup between Diaz and Jake Paul inside the boxing ring on a recent episode of ESPN MMA's DC & RC, Cormier suggested that the stars are aligned for the fight to come together:
"I think Diaz is going to fight Jake Paul. Everything seems right for that to be the fight. Nate is the type of opponent that we seem to see Jake Paul in with. A guy that's no longer in the UFC, a guy that has a boxing background, or has the ability to box but not as seem as dangerous."
Cormier added:
"That plays to what Jake Paul would look for and an opponent that can help to move the needle. He's [Paul] has never had a guy in there with him that moves the needle like Nathan Diaz."
Catch Daniel Cormier's comments (50:45) below:
Jake Paul issues challenge to Nate Diaz after news of the MMA star officially entering free agency
Jake Paul laid the foundation for a future fight with Nate Diaz following the biggest victory of his boxing career over MMA icon Anderson Silva. On top of that, their entourages got into a backstage altercation ahead of the fight.
"I want Nate Diaz...You too Canelo."
@jakepaul 🗣️
#PaulSilva https://t.co/B4oGEcDH0Z
With all that in mind, it's just a matter of getting all parties involved on the same page to bring this fight to fruition. After saying earlier this week that he hoped to return in February, Jake Paul wrote that he's already secured a venue for his next fight and has a bout agreement ready for Diaz:
"Hi Nate. Finally out of your UFC contract? Let’s see how tough you are in the boxing ring instead of hallway slap contests. @NateDiaz209 I have a venue booked. Offer is ready when you are. Just need you to sign."
Hi Nate. Finally out of your UFC contract?
Let’s see how tough you are in the boxing ring instead of hallway slap contests.@NateDiaz209
I have a venue booked. Offer is ready when you are. Just need you to sign.