Jake Paul had made a bold prediction of a fifth-round knockout victory over Nate Diaz before their fight on Saturday. He nearly brought this forecast to fruition.
The 26-year-old pugilist launched a fiery attack early on, pushing Diaz to a corner. He finally landed a solid left hook in the fifth round, causing Diaz to fall face-first onto the mat. Diaz was thrown so violently that he almost tumbled through the ring ropes, but he recovered swiftly, rising to his feet and making it to the end of the round.
“I was going all out, landing heavy blows on him continuously but he refused to collapse,” Paul described at the post-fight press conference. “He remained on his feet. Therefore, I did not want to risk exhausting myself, potentially giving him a chance to counterattack and win.
“Instead, I was being tactical and patient, seeking the right moment for a finishing move. Yet despite receiving a flurry of powerful hits, he stood firm.”
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Throughout the ten-round fight, Paul landed more total punches on Diaz, 174 to 143. This is quite an impressive feat considering Diaz’s history as a prolific striker. Diaz currently holds the record for the most significant strikes in a three-round UFC fight, having delivered 238 hits on Donald Cerrone.
Nonetheless, Paul could only score a single knockdown, despite his relentless pursuit of a finish with powerful strikes aimed at the head.
“I don’t know how he made it through the first round, but he’s tough and I put him through his paces,” Paul said. “I could see it in his eyes throughout the fight. From the first round, I saw his eyes widen, as if to say, ‘Alright, I’ve heard about this kid’s power, but experiencing it firsthand is another thing.'”
Paul and Diaz also exchanged a fair share of trash talk.
“We were verbally sparring the whole fight,” Paul said. “He was hurling words that are not suitable for repetition. But I retorted, ‘Where’s all your bravado now? Gotcha! Keep quiet!’ It was quite entertaining.
“Experiencing the intensity of a fighter with equal spirit really elevates the thrill of the sport. This match was my most unforgettable yet.”
Regarding his future, Paul has already expressed interest in an MMA rematch with Diaz, as well as a boxing rematch against Tommy Fury, the man who gave him his first defeat through a split decision in February.
However, UFC legend Conor McGregor seems to have fallen off Paul’s radar. McGregor had made comments on social media while watching his former opponent Diaz battle it out with the internet personality in a boxing match.
“I’m not concerned about him,” Paul said dismissively about McGregor. “He needs to check into rehab. I want another match with Nate in MMA. I also want more professional boxers, including Canelo [Alvarez].”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz
Did Jake Paul win his fight against Nate Diaz?
While Jake Paul didn’t achieve his predicted fifth-round knockout, he did outperform Nate Diaz over the ten-round fight, landing more total punches (174 to 143).
Who did Jake Paul say he wants to fight next?
Jake Paul has expressed interest in a rematch with Nate Diaz in MMA, as well as a boxing rematch against Tommy Fury. He also mentioned wanting to fight more professional boxers, including Canelo Alvarez.
What was Jake Paul’s response to Conor McGregor’s comments?
Jake Paul dismissed Conor McGregor’s comments, stating “I’m not concerned about him,” and suggesting that McGregor should check into rehab.
What record does Nate Diaz hold in the UFC?
Nate Diaz holds the record for the most significant strikes in a three-round UFC fight. He delivered 238 hits on Donald Cerrone.
Did Jake Paul knock out Nate Diaz in their fight?
Jake Paul did knock Nate Diaz down in the fifth round with a powerful left hook, but he didn’t knock him out. Diaz quickly recovered and survived till the end of the round.
More about Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz
- Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz Fight Highlights
- Post-fight Press Conference
- Reactions to Jake Paul’s victory over Nate Diaz
- Jake Paul’s Boxing Career
- Nate Diaz’s UFC Records
- Conor McGregor’s Comments on Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz Fight
7 comments
Wow, gotta say Paul landed some heavy ones on Diaz. was close call, Diaz is tough as nails…
eagerly waitin for that rematch with Tommy! let’s settle this once and for all.
Didn’t think I’d ever see Jake talking about MMA. Lets see how it pans out!
LOL McGregor got the cold shoulder! Might be time for him to retire.
that 5th round was brutal!! almost saw Diaz exit through the ropes! Wild.
Look, Jake’s not my fav, but gotta respect his skills. Diaz is a vet, tough fight and jake held his own.
Diaz was on the ropes, but came back like a beast…what a match!! What’s next for these guys, can’t wait to find out.