In the first two rounds of the fight, Diaz started to experience swelling around his eyes. Despite Diaz attempting to disrupt Paul’s technical boxing with an aggressive, face-first approach and unconventional slapping combinations, Paul’s skills proved too precise for him. The power behind Paul’s punches allowed him to effectively counter Diaz’s awkward style, causing him trouble right from the first round and ultimately leading to a significant fifth-round knockdown with a step-back left hook that nearly sent Diaz tumbling through the ropes.
While Diaz did have some moments of success, it was clear that Paul’s power played a crucial role in determining the outcome of the match. Additionally, Paul’s stamina remained impressive throughout the fight, even though it was the first time he had competed in a 10-round bout in his career.
Reflecting on the fight, Paul acknowledged Diaz’s toughness and resilience, acknowledging that he’s renowned for his ability to withstand punishment. However, Paul emphasized that being tough alone is not enough in the sport of boxing, and he felt confident in his victory, given the knockdown and his strong performance in the rounds. Despite hurting Diaz in the first round, the warrior spirit of Diaz kept him pushing forward in the contest.
In the final verdict, Paul secured the victory on the scorecards, with judges rendering scores of 97-92, 98-91, and 98-91 in his favor.
Following his win, Paul reaffirmed his desire to face Diaz in the realm of mixed martial arts (MMA), the very domain Paul is associated with through his signed contract and equity in an MMA promotion.
“I’m up for a rematch in MMA,” Paul stated. “PFL is offering $10 million. Let’s go for it in the world of MMA. Your territory; let’s make it happen.”
In response, Diaz promptly accepted the proposed rematch, emphasizing the involvement of his own Real Fight Inc. promotion in the process.
“He’s looking for a takedown. He’s seeking a choke. He did a decent job. He’s an athletic, strong individual who hits hard and fast, but it’s nothing I haven’t encountered before, having trained with similar fighters,” Diaz expressed. “These guys can throw down; it’s good stuff. Maybe I should have focused on throwing more punches and keeping him at bay. I don’t want to make excuses, but I injured my right arm about a month ago, to some extent. I believe I should have circled and kept to the outside, making better choices. Nonetheless, it’s all good. There’s no way I would miss a fight because of something like that. You have to show up and give it your all, no matter what.”
The clash between Jake Paul and Nate Diaz provided an exhilarating spectacle, showcasing the contrasting worlds of boxing and mixed martial arts. With Paul’s technical prowess and formidable power prevailing over Diaz’s relentless aggression, it was evident that both fighters displayed exceptional skill and heart in the ring.
The possibility of a future rematch in the realm of MMA adds an exciting twist to their rivalry, and fans can anticipate another thrilling encounter if it comes to fruition. Whether in the boxing ring or the MMA cage, the competitive spirit and determination exhibited by both athletes serve as a testament to their dedication to their respective crafts.