Jake Paul and Nate Diaz in advanced talks over two-fight deal but KSI will be first

Jake Paul has revealed talks are ‘pretty far along’ regarding a two-fight deal that will see the American take on Nate Diaz both in boxing and MMA in 2024. 

‘The Problem Child’ signed a multi-fight, multi-year deal with the Professional Fighters League in January, with the 26-year-old immediately namechecking Diaz as a potential opponent ahead of a move into mixed martial arts. 

Paul, who is 6-0 in the boxing ring, now reveals talks have since progressed, with the camps in frequent discussions. The American’s agreement with the PFL would see the bout take place in a new division known as Super Fight.

Diaz, 37, is free to negotiate with Paul, after his contract with the UFC came to an end late last year. The plan is to fight first in the boxing ring, before switching to the octagon around six months later. 

Paul has a bout against long-term rival Tommy Fury to overcome on February 26, while he is also in talks with KSI over a fight later this year, but negotiations to take on Diaz are also progressing fast.  

Jake Paul has revealed talks are progressing well regarding a two-fight deal with Nate Diaz

Diaz, now 37 years old,  is a free agent after his UFC contract came to end late last year

‘We offered a two-fight deal to Nate Diaz, one for boxing and one for MMA,’ Paul told Sportsmail. ‘That could definitely happen and he could definitely be my first MMA opponent, 100 per cent. 

‘It would be diving into the deep end but, for some reason, I just feel as if I’m going to be really good at MMA. I have the wrestling background, I have the better boxing than all of them, so I’ve really just got to learn the kicks and the takedown defence.’

Paul admits the fight has not been signed off yet, though insisting talks are regularly taking place between the camps.        

‘It is pretty far along, but it’s not done,’ he said. ‘Obviously in this world of combat sport you never know what’s going to happen. Until everything is signed, I don’t count my chickens until they’re hatched. But we are in talks with his team pretty frequently.’

Before Paul devles into MMA – which he insists will not distract him from his goal of becoming a boxing world champion – the American is set to square off against YouTuber KSI. 

The Briton, who knocked out FaZe Temperrr last month, publicly accepted an offer to fight Paul at 180lbs – plus a 10lb rehydration clause – with the winner taking 100 per cent of the fight purse. 

Paul now reveals further talks have taken place between the two camps, believing negotiations are in a healthy position.  

‘It was good that we agreed on a weight, and we agreed on winner takes all,’ he said. ‘That’s pretty exciting. 

Paul is set to square off against long-term boxing rival Tommy Fury (right) on February 26

Paul is in negotiations to fight YouTuber KSI later this year before making a switch to MMA

‘I thought the weight was going to be more of an issue, but it actually looks like it’s starting to progress. But who knows if he’ll actually follow through in the year.  

‘I’m ready whenever. KSI has said December, so whenever he wants to get embarrassed, whenever he wants to be unconscious, I’m ready whenever. I’ve always been ready. 

‘Like I’ve said before, anyone, any time, any place. I’ve said that and proven it. It’s going to be a good one. It’s going to be one for the history books.’

Paul, in his mind, will fight Fury, KSI and Diaz twice as his next four fights. 

The American is looking to take his boxing record to 7-0 later this month as he fights Fury following impressive wins over Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley.