Jake Paul immediately lines up $10million MMA rematch with Nate Diaz after beating UFC legend in the boxing ring

Jake Paul has lined up Nate Diaz in a $10million (£7.84m) MMA rematch, minutes after beating the UFC legend in the boxing ring.

The pair faced off in Dallas in a hard-fought encounter, with ‘The Problem Child’ emerging victorious by unanimous decision.

Their bout went a full 10 rounds, the first time Paul has done so, while it was also Diaz’s first contest in boxing after leaving UFC after 15 years in 2022.

The 38-year-old was knocked down in the fifth round by his younger opponent but battled through despite sporting two severe black eyes by the end, although Paul was the clear winner.

And within minutes of the judges’ unanimous decision – 97-92 98-91 98-91 – Paul immediately challenged Diaz to another bout, this time inside the Octagon. 

Paul defeated Diaz by unanimous decision after their bout in Dallas went the full 10 rounds

‘I wanna run it back in MMA,’ he told DAZN. ‘There’s an offer of $10m PFL (Professional Fighting League).

‘Let’s run it back in MMA – make it fair. I won one, now it’s your chance in home territory – let’s do it.’

Diaz, 38, outlined his desire to take up the offer as he said: ‘Yeah, let’s do it. I want to try and do it.

‘He’s tough and I wish I could’ve done better but some s*** didn’t happen how I wanted but he won this one.

‘I’ll fight anybody, I don’t give a f***. MMA sounds good and I’ll try and get one back. Everybody believes he whipped my a*** but I want to beg to differ.’ 

The victory is a big moment in Paul’s burgeoning career in what was his first fight since his split decision defeat to Tommy Fury in Saudi Arabia back in February.

Paul – who was regularly booed by supporters in Dallas – was impressive throughout, and felt fully vindicated by the result which extended his career record to 7-1, 4KOs.

Paul added: ‘He’s tough, he’s real tough. That’s what he’s known for but tough in this sport doesn’t work. 

‘I did enough, I knocked him down, won basically every round but he’s a warrior. He kept on coming and no one has taken that much damage. 

Diaz showed impressive bravery to battle on despite being knocked down in the fifth round 

Within minutes of the result, Paul challenged Diaz to a second clash inside the Octagon

‘All credit to my team and conditioning going 10 rounds in my eighth fight, I’ve beat a UFC legend.

‘It’s back to the drawing board now. There’s lots of names (out there.) Tommy Fury rematch? With this new team, I’m a new fighter and I’ll try and get that back.’ 

He continued: ‘I’m just happy with the win and it just shows if you’re a kid watching at home you can do it with hard work and dedication.

‘Don’t take no for an answer and self belief is your number one tool. That’s how I got here. I love you, I love the fans, I love my brother – we did this together. This is such a surreal moment.’