Jake Paul: Nate Diaz MMA Fight Still on Table as Sparring Return Nears

Jake Paul isn’t walking away from combat sports. The YouTube celebrity turned boxer, still mending a broken jaw he suffered while facing Anthony Joshua, revealed he expects to be cleared for sparring in the coming weeks. Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show during the ESPYs on July 15, 2026, Paul gave his most detailed update on recovery and hinted strongly at a potential MMA match with Nate Diaz. That fight, which has been rumored ever since Paul beat Diaz via unanimous decision in a 2023 boxing match, now appears to be a real possibility again. The idea of a cage rematch has lingered for years, and Paul’s words suggest it may finally come together.

Paul’s jaw was broken by a right hand from Joshua in the third round of their 2025 bout, leading to a doctor stoppage and months of recovery. On McAfee’s show, Paul said the healing has progressed well. He expects official medical clearance to resume sparring within roughly two weeks. He also mentioned that Most Valuable Promotions, his company, is pushing deeper into the MMA space. That expansion, Paul explained, is part of a broader strategy that includes potential fights for himself. When asked about his fighting future, Paul stated he is still active and in negotiations with several opponents.

Paul’s Recovery and MVP MMA Expansion

Paul’s timeline for a return became clearer during the interview. He noted that the jaw injury required surgery, but the bone has healed enough to allow live training soon. He said he would get back to fighting and might try MMA. Paul also emphasized that MVP is moving further into the MMA world, which he framed as a competitive move against the UFC. The promotion has already hosted MMA events featuring former UFC fighters, and Paul’s own entry into the cage would be a major escalation. The business rivalry between MVP MMA and the UFC has been simmering for a while, and Paul seems ready to fuel it.

Paul admitted that he has never trained in mixed martial arts, a significant gap in skill. His only combat sports background outside boxing is wrestling, which he competed in at a high level in Ohio during high school. That wrestling base, he argued, gives him a foundation to build on. But he also acknowledged that boxing and wrestling do not automatically make a complete MMA fighter. Still, the risk has not deterred him. He remains confident that the spectacle and the challenge are worth the gamble.

The Nate Diaz Factor

Diaz is the most obvious opponent for Paul’s MMA debut. The two have a history: Paul won their boxing match, but Diaz has consistently called for a rematch under MMA rules. Diaz, a former UFC star with a 21-13 record, is known for his jiu-jitsu black belt, endurance, and ability to absorb punishment. He would be a massive test for Paul, who has never stepped into a cage. Paul said on the show that the fight is still being discussed. ‘We’ve been trying to make the Nate Diaz MMA fight happen for a long time and I think it’s still on the table,’ he said. The statement suggests that negotiations are ongoing, even if no deal has been finalized.

• Jake Paul expects to be officially cleared for sparring in the next two weeks, per his McAfee interview.
• He confirmed the Nate Diaz MMA fight is still a possibility, with talks ongoing.
• Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions is expanding into MMA, directly competing with the UFC for talent and attention.
• Paul admitted he has never trained for MMA, relying only on his high school wrestling background from Ohio Division I.

What’s Next for Jake Paul and the MMA Crossover?

The immediate next step is medical clearance. Once Paul is cleared to spar, he can begin training for either a boxing bout or an MMA debut. The Diaz fight remains the most logical and marketable option, given their history and the built-in narrative. Paul’s wrestling background in Ohio Division I provides a thin foundation, but he would need extensive work in jiu-jitsu and striking defense to survive against a seasoned MMA fighter like Diaz. The timeline is tight: if Paul is sparring by August, a fight announcement could come before the end of the year. MVP MMA would likely book the event at a major venue, possibly in Texas or Florida, where combat sports thrive.

For the MMA world, a Paul vs. Diaz fight under MVP MMA would be a spectacle, but also a dangerous gamble. Paul has never competed in a cage, and his boxing skills do not translate directly. Diaz, meanwhile, is known for his durability, cardio, and submission game. The business side is equally compelling: MVP MMA vs. UFC is a storyline that sells, and Paul is the protagonist. If he gets past the jaw injury and into the cage, the entire combat sports landscape shifts. The risk is that Paul loses badly, which could damage his brand, but the reward is a new revenue stream and a crack at legitimizing himself in MMA.

The clock is ticking on Paul’s return. If he is sparring by August, a fight announcement could come before the end of the year. Whether it is Diaz or another name, the Paul machine is ready to roll again, and the MMA world is watching.