Conor McGregor has backed former UFC rival Nate Diaz to "slap the head off" Jake Paul in their upcoming boxing match.
YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul looks to rebound after his first professional defeat at the hands of Love Island star Tommy Fury when he fights Diaz on August 5 in Dallas, Texas. Diaz parted ways with the UFC last September after spending 15 years fighting in the promotion and the 38-year-old makes his ring debut against Paul, who has a record of 6-1.
McGregor has backed Diaz to beat Paul despite his lack of experience in the ring, as he told Inside Fighting : “I think Nate Diaz slaps the head off him [Paul] and I look forward to seeing it!” Diaz and brother Nick became famous for slapping their opponents during fights, but the UFC legend won't be able to use his signature strike in the boxing ring due to the shape of the gloves.
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Diaz was highly touted for his striking skills in the UFC and former boxing world champions such as Andre Ward and Regis Prograis have spoken highly of the Stockton-native after sparring him. Paul has backed himself to do what McGregor couldn't by knocking Diaz out and 'The Problem Child' wants to face McGregor later this year in a card headlined by Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano 2.
"I'm a better boxer than you Conor and will do what you couldn’t and knock Nate out," Paul wrote. "After Nate let’s box as the co-main event same night as Katie Taylor VS. Amanda Serrano in Dublin, but since you’re not your own boss you will hide behind Dana [White, UFC president] or just drink the rest of your life away. August 5 you will see."
McGregor would be unable to compete in boxing whilst under UFC contract unless the promotion gave him a pardon, as they did for his 2017 'money fight' against Floyd Mayweather. 'Notorious' has stated his interest to return to the ring after being knocked out by Mayweather in his lone boxing fight, but only once he retires from MMA.
Diaz has stated he will return to the UFC to try and win a world title after his fight against Paul, stating: "I’m the king of combat sports and then I’m headed back to get my UFC belts. I f***ed up Conor for acting out and now here I am again, like a Super Hero of the Real Fight game, the King of the Real Fight game.”
