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At this point, Jake Paul should no longer be doubted. The younger Paul brother can box, as evidenced by his recent win against Anderson Silva. While his victories against the likes of Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren are worthy of criticism, a win over 'The Spider' is different.
While the former UFC middleweight champion is 47 years old, he still defeated former WBC middleweight champion Julio César Chávez Jr. in a boxing match not too long ago. Thus, his skill level in the squared circle cannot be questioned. He matched Jake Paul's physicality, unlike Woodley or Askren (who were considerably smaller), and lost nonetheless.
While 'The Problem Child' is yet to announce his next opponent, rumors have made their rounds. Some mentioned the likes of Tommy Fury, while others talked of Nate Diaz as a possible foe. If Nate Diaz is indeed Paul's next opponent, he will almost certainly lose, and this list details five reasons why that is so.
#5. Jake Paul is much bigger than Nate Diaz
Nate Diaz is a skilled boxer by MMA standards. Andre Ward himself spoke highly of the Stockton legend's talent as a boxer. Despite his pugilistic skills, the one-time 'BMF' title contender will be at a distinct disadvantage against Jake Paul. What might surprise most fans is that Nate Diaz is nearly as tall and as long as his foe.
Jake Paul is one inch taller than the former UFC star. Similarly, the two men are equal in terms of reach. Regardless, 'The Problem Child' is significantly larger than Stockton's finest due to the amount of muscle mass he carries. He weighs far more than his potential foe.
Nate Diaz spent most of his career as a lightweight. Meanwhile, the 25-year old boxer would have to lose an entire leg to cut down to 155 lbs. The difference in weight between the two is staggering as 'The Problem Child' fights at cruiserweight.
Diaz isn't a Deontay Wilder [who has insane power despite a smaller frame], he's more known for his endurance and durability. Against a much larger foe, his punching power is unlikely to register significant results.
#4. Jake Paul is more powerful than any opponent Nate Diaz has ever faced
A common misconception about Nate Diaz is that he's never been finished via strikes. This is not the case. Stockton's finest was once TKO'd by Josh Thomson several years prior. Furthermore, he was hurt several times by Jorge Masvidal when the pair fought.
While the UFC legend does indeed possess a granite chin, he has never faced an opponent with the knockout power that Jake Paul possesses. The most powerful punchers Nate Diaz has faced are Conor McGregor and Michael Johnson. The two men are natural lightweights and undersized even at welterweight.
The knockout power that Jake Paul possesses was enough to knock down Anderson Silva, a natural middleweight. The Brazilian great was known for his great chin and elusive striking defense. If Jake Paul can drop the former UFC middleweight champion, his power is certainly enough to hurt a career lightweight.
#3. Nate Diaz is a slow striker
Nate Diaz was never the fastest fighter in the world. But the older he's got, the slower he's become. The UFC legend has become a more sluggish striker as of late. As a smaller fighter, one of his advantages ought to be his speed. Such was the case when Demetrious Johnson fought Dominick Cruz.
Despite only being one weight class apart, 'Mighty Mouse' proved to be so quick that 'The Dominator' opted to use his size to simply outwrestle him. However, Nate Diaz possesses little to no speed. Neither his punches nor his footwork exhibit any kind of speed that would enable him to outwork his foe.
Thus, Jake Paul would encounter little difficulty in matching the quickness of a smaller fighter. Furthermore, it also renders the Stockton legend a more hittable target due to his lack of mobility.
#2. Nate Diaz won't be able to fight from distance
One of the UFC legend's primary forms of striking defense relies on his length and height. Stockton's finest leans away from his opponent's punches, causing them to overextend and expose themselves to counters. Additionally, he also rolls after leaning away to further take the sting away from the punches coming at him.
Unfortunately, fighting at range doesn't work quite as well against opponents who can match one's reach. Conor McGregor learned this the hard way after his first loss to Nate Diaz. Fighting long works best when the fighter in question possesses distinct height and reach advantages over their foes.
This will not be the case if the UFC legend faces Jake Paul. The two men are only separated by an inch in terms of height. Their reach is identical. Nate Diaz won't enjoy the usual length advantage he enjoys against shorter foes from smaller weight classes.
#1. Nate Diaz is past his prime
It might have escaped the attention of most fans, but Nate Diaz is 37 years old. Next year, Stockton's finest will be two years away from his 40th birthday. His age became apparent in his final MMA bouts. The UFC legend has not been at the forefront of a winning streak since 2016.
Meanwhile, Jake Paul is in the prime of his youth at 25. He is younger and more athletic than his potential foe. As is the case with younger fighters, 'The Problem Child' will only improve as time marches onwards. Younger fighters are sponges in the gym, learning and improving at a fast pace.
However, the reverse is true for older fighters. The more a fighter ages, the less able they become to change their habits and learn new tricks. Furthermore, the accumulative damage that Stockton's finest has endured throughout his career is bound to catch up with him. The same cannot be said for Jake Paul.
