Jake Paul Zeroes in on MMA Debut Opponent, Calls Out ‘Ducking’ Nate Diaz

Jake Paul is never one to stay quiet—and once again, he’s making headlines. After shaking up the boxing world, the social media star turned fighter has his sights firmly set on a new frontier: MMA. And this time, he’s not just teasing fans. He’s got a date, a target, and some pretty strong words for a certain Stockton native.

From the Ring to the Cage

Let’s face it: Jake Paul isn’t your typical fighter. He’s built his reputation crashing into combat sports like a wrecking ball—brash, bold, and usually leaving a trail of viral clips behind him. But now, Paul says he's ready to step inside the cage. He’s plotting his professional MMA debut later this year and has already picked the name he wants across from him: **Jorge Masvidal**. Yep, that’s the same Masvidal known for a five-second knockout and a highlight reel of chaos in the octagon. Paul recently revealed that he’s eyeing a fight card in late 2024 or early 2025 for his first MMA outing. And while many expected a long-touted showdown with Nate Diaz, Paul claims the Stockton slugger is still *ducking* him.

Diaz Still in the Wind?

When fans talk dream crossover fights, Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz is always on the shortlist. The two have teased a bout for what feels like forever. They boxed in 2023 (Paul won by decision) and have continued trading jabs on social media ever since. So why not run it back in MMA? According to Paul, it’s not for lack of trying. He says he’s reached out to Diaz multiple times to arrange the bout under MMA rules—but Diaz allegedly keeps moving the goalposts.

“Nate's scared,” Paul said in a recent video interview. “He talks all that tough guy stuff, but when it comes to signing the contract, he’s nowhere to be found.”

Diaz, true to form, hasn’t minced words in his social replies—but so far, there's been no concrete movement toward signing a rematch in the cage.

Enter Jorge "Gamebred" Masvidal

With Diaz seemingly off the table, Paul is wasting no time adjusting course. His new MMA target? Jorge Masvidal—a name that carries weight in the UFC universe. Masvidal retired from MMA in 2023 but has since hinted at a return. Known for his swagger, street-fighting roots, and yes, that infamous flying knee KO of Ben Askren, Masvidal has the type of name recognition that makes fight posters practically sell themselves. Paul thinks it’s the perfect matchup.

“Masvidal has that dog in him. He’ll trade, he’ll grind, and he’s not afraid to fight anyone,” Jake said. “That’s the type of guy I want to test myself against in my MMA debut.”

And let’s not forget, there’s a bit of a storyline here. Jake previously knocked out Masvidal’s friend Tyron Woodley during his boxing run. There's history—and animosity—that could fuel pre-fight hype.

Why MMA, and Why Now?

For Paul, moving into MMA isn’t just about headlines. He’s been training in all aspects of the sport, including wrestling and jiu-jitsu. In fact, part of his broader ambition is to prove he's not just a boxing sideshow. Let’s break it down:

• Training: Jake has been working with top coaches, including UFC veteran Mike Perry. Videos on social media show him drilling takedowns, grappling, and throwing kicks.
• Promotion: He co-founded Most Valuable Promotions, and he’s now partnered with the PFL (Professional Fighters League).
• Legacy: Paul says the move to MMA is about building something sustainable—not just chasing clout.

He’s not just doing this for a quick payday. He wants to hang with real fighters in their own world.

A Bigger Picture: The PFL and Smart Cage

Jake Paul’s MMA debut won’t be happening under the UFC banner, though. Instead, it will likely take place inside the PFL Smart Cage. Why? Because Paul is now a part-owner of the PFL and plans to fight under its new “Super Fight” division—an offshoot designed to attract major draw matchups and pay-per-view events. That means more control over who he fights. More access to revenue. And more opportunity to carve out his own path. If you're thinking this feels like the evolution of MMA entertainment—you’re probably right. In true Paul fashion, this isn't about fitting into the existing mold. It’s about smashing it and building something bigger.

What Could This Mean for the MMA Landscape?

Let’s play this out. If Jake Paul debuts against Jorge Masvidal and puts on a competitive fight—or even wins—it opens the floodgates. We could see:

• Other boxing stars crossing over to MMA
• Veteran fighters returning for big-money clashes
• PFL solidifying its status as a true rival to the UFC

It’s worth remembering that MMA, at its heart, has always balanced sport and spectacle. From Royce Gracie fighting giants in the early UFC days to Conor McGregor boxing Floyd Mayweather, combat sports thrives on big moments. Paul’s arrival in MMA is just the latest twist.

Will Nate Diaz Finally Step In?

Paul hasn’t closed the door on Nate Diaz entirely. In fact, he’s still holding out hope that the fan-favorite will stop “running” and meet him inside the cage. If not, Masvidal seems ready and waiting. One thing is certain: We haven’t seen the last of Jake Paul stirring things up. Whether you love him or can’t stand him, you’re probably watching. And that, like it or not, is the mark of a true showman.

The Bottom Line

Jake Paul is ready for his MMA debut—and he’s not tiptoeing in. With a potential fight against Jorge Masvidal on tap and a platform like PFL giving him the space to shine, Paul continues to blur the lines between YouTube stardom and legitimate combat sports. So, will he back up the hype in the cage? Or is this another social media stunt gone too far? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: it’s going to be a wild ride. Keep your eyes on the calendar—this MMA debut might just shift the game.