While Dustin Poirier is one of the leading names set for the UFC’s blockbuster summer schedule, the former interim lightweight champion is intrigued by a matchup set for outside the Octagon.
A week after “The Diamond” runs it back with Justin Gaethje with the ‘BMF’ title on the line at UFC 291, a man whom he’s long desired to share the cage with will debut in a different sport.
Following his departure from the MMA leader last year, Nate Diaz will enter the ring for the first time on August 5. He’s set to headline a DAZN pay-per-view event opposite YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, who has forged a career in pugilism by fighting a number of UFC veterans.
As always with Paul’s appearances in the squared circle, a variety of predictions have flown from fans, fighters, and pundits, some of whom are backing the Stockton star to send the 26-year-old Cleveland native on his first losing skid.
But in Poirier, “The Problem Child” seemingly has a backer.
Dustin Poirier: Younger Jake Paul Is More Explosive Than Nate Diaz
During a recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Dustin Poirier assessed how Diaz will fare in his first dip into the boxing waters.
The #2-ranked UFC lightweight contender, who has previously had a fight with Diaz for the Octagon fall through, suggested that the fan-favorite mixed martial artist may be up against physical disadvantages too steep to overcome.
“I’ll definitely watch for sure,” Dustin Poirier said. “Jake’s younger, bigger, faster. It’s not an easy fight just because Nate’s a grizzled veteran with a lot of experience and Jake’s a new guy who’s on YouTube. He’s got the money and the amenities to surround himself with the best people and dedicate himself to fighting.
“He’s younger and more explosive. I think Diaz’s boxing is good, (but) for MMA, it’s a completely different thing,” Poirier continued. “Yeah, (I’m leaning towards Paul). I kinda wanna go to the event. It’s right here in Dallas. I’m a six-hour drive.”
While Diaz will look to prove “The Diamond” wrong come fight night in Texas on August 5, Paul is hoping to add the Stockton native to a group of defeated MMA vets that already includes Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley, and Ben Askren.
In doing so, the former Disney star will achieve a quick rebound from the opening defeat of his professional career, which came against Tommy Fury in Saudi Arabia this past February.