Jake Paul isn’t just watching the upcoming Netflix MMA card for kicks—he’s got stakes in Nate Diaz’s showdown with Mike Perry. If Diaz delivers on Paul’s submission prophecy, El Gallo might just find himself facing the YouTuber-turned-boxer inside the cage.
On Theo Von’s popular This Past Weekend podcast, Paul made no secret of his top priority. “If Diaz taps Perry,” he explained, “then an MMA fight between me and Nate shoots to the top of my list.”
Paul went on to rank that potential matchup above rematches with Tommy Fury, Francis Ngannou and KSI—names that have flirted with crossover bouts for months. He believes Diaz has the tools to neutralise Perry’s power, predicting a slick takedown and slicker submission come May 16.
The highly anticipated event is set for Inglewood’s Intuit Dome, marking Netflix’s ambitious first foray into staged MMA. Headliners Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano will grab global headlines, but Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions have stacked the undercard with buzzy names—Diaz vs Perry chief among them.
Paul squared off with both fighters in the boxing ring—he bested Diaz by decision in 2023 and stopped Perry the following year. Now, he’s invested as a promoter and likely feels the tides turning should Diaz triumph.
This wouldn’t be Paul’s first flirtation with the cage. His PFL deal, inked in 2023, fizzled before a single fight. Talks of a Diaz rematch once included a $10 million offer, which Nate declined, labelling PFL a “minor league.”
A Paul vs Diaz MMA clash would be a seismic shift in the crossover landscape. Boxing fans would tune in to see if Paul’s power and grappling have matured, while MMA purists would guffaw at the spectacle—until Paul unexpectedly locks in an arm-triangle.
Negotiations will hinge on purse splits and who holds promotional leverage. Paul’s MVP platform gives him a home court advantage, but Nate’s UFC legacy and Stockton swagger could sway Netflix and other backers to meet Diaz’s demands.
And there’s the weight class question. Diaz has campaigned at welterweight and lightweight in the UFC. Paul would likely need to climb off the boxing scale and adjust his training for a 170lb limit—no small ask but a doable one if the money’s right.
As fight night looms, all eyes will be on Diaz and Perry. A Diaz submission not only cements his MMA return but could spark one of the sport’s most improbable matchups: Jake Paul inside the cage against Nate Diaz.
Whether that ever comes to pass depends on Perry’s resilience, Diaz’s hunger and Netflix’s appetite for spectacle. But one thing’s clear—Paul’s phone is ready, his contract pen inked and his focus locked on Stockton’s finest.
FAQ
What fight is Jake Paul predicting on the Netflix MMA card?
Paul predicts Nate Diaz will submit Mike Perry when they clash at the Intuit Dome on May 16, headlining Netflix’s debut MMA event.
Has Jake Paul ever fought Nate Diaz before?
Yes. In 2023, Paul defeated Diaz via unanimous decision during their boxing match, marking a high-profile crossover bout.
Why did Nate Diaz turn down a rematch with Jake Paul in the PFL?
Diaz declined a $10 million offer, citing the PFL as a “minor league” and preferring not to risk his legacy outside the UFC’s global platform.
What weight class would Paul vs Diaz MMA fight be?
While details are unconfirmed, both fighters would likely agree on a welterweight limit (170lb), a common division for Diaz’s recent MMA appearances.
