Nate Diaz explains why Jorge Masvidal will be a 'way tougher' boxing opponent than Jake Paul

MMA stars Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal bring their rivalry to the boxing ring in June, and Diaz believes the upcoming bout will be a bigger challenge than his last one.

Diaz faced Jake Paul in a boxing match last summer, and despite losing by unanimous decision to "The Problem Child," the longtime UFC fighter expects more from Masvidal.

“I expect him to do what he’s gotta do in there," Diaz said in a pre-fight event in Miami. "He’s got a good coach and he’s doing what he’s supposed to do in training, but I’ve been doing this a long time. We’ll see how it goes for him.

“I’m preparing for a way tougher fight from Jorge than I had against Jake Paul. 100%. Jorge is as experienced as it comes, so I’m ready for what he’s bringing. But having those rounds helped for sure."

Diaz and Masvidal met in the UFC Octagon in Nov. 2019, when the cage-side doctor called off the bout between the third and fourth rounds due to a cut over Diaz's eye. Masvidal earned the "BMF" belt in that victory, and Diaz has been trying to square off against the Miami native ever since.

“All I know is that we’ve been trying to make this rematch happen for a long time," Diaz said. "He was the biggest opportunity in the game.”

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