Jake Paul is gearing up to take on Nate Diaz this Saturday in one of the more fascinating matchups of the 2023 boxing calendar.
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Jake "The Problem Child" Paul 6-1 (4 KOs) is seeking redemption after his first career loss against Tommy Fury, which took place earlier this year in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. Paul will be taking on Mixed Martial Arts legend, Nate Diaz, with an MMA record of 21-13-0 (14 stoppages) in the main event Saturday August 5, at the American Airlines Arena in Dallas, Texas.
Paul is currently one of the most polarizing figures in the fight game, having first gained popularity back in 2015 when he and his brother Logan began posting comedy sketches and content on YouTube.
"I remember when they made the word influencer," Paul says in Episode 1 of Netflix's documentary anthology series UNTOLD. Titled 'Jake Paul the Problem Child', the film documents his transition from YouTuber to professional boxer. "That was us. They were talking about us."
"Jake Paul has always been something of a villain," the Netflix promo states. "His internet fame exploded after he and his brother, Logan Paul, amassed millions of followers posting prank videos and parodies."
With millions of followers and billions of views, the now 26-year-old would become one of the highest paid YouTube stars in the world.
How Jake Paul Has Changed Combat Sports
Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images
A few years ago, the evolution of combat sports started to take a riveting turn when Paul and other "influencers" came onto the boxing scene.
Fans and fighters alike were incensed that social media stars were infiltrating their sport and taking away the spots from boxers who had worked their entire lives just to get the opportunity to fight at the highest level. When it comes to the haters and the doubters Paul expressed. "I'm gonna forget all the negative press and focus on being the best version of myself." Paul has created a new perspective on the sport and has guided a new generation towards the sport of boxing.
Southpaw Nate Diaz is a fan favorite and UFC legend, having beaten some of the biggest names in MMA. The street kid from Stockton is one MMA fighter that is certainly known for his striking skills, but this will be his first professional boxing fight, and first fight outside the UFC in 17 years. If you've seen Diaz fight, you know he doesn't care what type of fight it is as long as he gets to do what he loves, which is fighting.
People love Paul or they hate him, but they tune in. Will Paul's youth, athleticism, and hunger prove too much or will the battle-tested and war-ready Diaz take home the win?. Find out Saturday, August 5, when the bad boy of MMA takes on the child star-turned-boxing superstar.
