Jake Paul beat the former UFC star
The match at American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas at noon on August 6, Hanoi time took place according to boxing rules. Two boxers competed 10 rounds in cruiseweight (semi-heavy - 102 kg max).
Paul came in better with right hooks that caused Diaz to struggle in the first half, then knock his opponent down in the fifth round. But the former UFC fighter returns for the final five rounds to create a balanced fight. Without a knock-out, Paul was awarded the victory by consensus scoring 97-92, 98-91, 98-91, bringing his professional boxing record to seven wins and one loss.
CompuBox's statistics somewhat show the balance between the two boxers. Paul launched 491 hits, with 174 hits - a 35% hit rate. Diaz punched 392 hits, with 143 hits with accuracy, only reaching a 36% rate. Paul had 202 jabs, hit 34 times, reaching a rate of 17%. Diaz's stats are 18%, with 8 jabs on target out of 45 hits. Paul has 140 accurate heavy hits, while Diaz's number is 135.
"Diaz is very strong," Paul said after the win. "I knocked Diaz, basically won all the rounds, but Diaz is a fighter. I injured Diaz in the first half, but he didn't give up. Played 10 rounds in the eighth fight, which is what Never happened. Remember I've only been in boxing for three years and I beat the UFC legend."
After that, the American Youtuber suggested a rematch with Diaz, but according to MMA rules instead of boxing rules. According to ESPN, Diaz will receive a salary of $ 10 million if accepted. "I want the boxing rematch for revenge. If not, I'm also ready to fight according to the MMA rules. Anything to make the rematch happen," Diaz emphasized.
At American Airlines Center yesterday, Paul repeatedly hit the left hook to score. "Diaz doesn't defend that side," the American boxer explained about the fighting style. "Diaz defends the right hook and the jab more. So I just avoid the defense with the left hook."
Diaz explained that he hurt his arm during pre-match training. Diaz's coach, Richard Perez, added that the injury affected the 38-year-old's jab.
Prior to his boxing debut against Paul, Diaz spent 17 years in the UFC and was one of the biggest stars of the tournament. The American boxer's record in professional MMA is 13 losses and 21 wins, with five knockouts and 12 submissions wins. In particular, the most impressive victory was when Diaz defeated Conor McGregor by strangulation at UFC 196 in 2016, making the Irish star receive his first defeat in the UFC. Diaz left the UFC after defeating Tony Ferguson with a guillotine choke in September 2022.
Jake Paul is a famous American YouTuber, encroaching on boxing since 2020 and winning all of the first six matches. He won his first three matches by knockout, defeating British YouTuber AnEsonGib, former NBA star Nate Robinson, and former Bellator and ONE Championship champion Ben Askren, respectively. After that, Paul twice defeated former UFC champion Tyron Woodley and then beat UFC legend Anderson Silva by referee points. Before meeting Nate Diaz, Paul received his first defeat when he lost points to Tommy Fury - brother of heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury - a welterweight fight in Saudi Arabia in February.
