Nate Diaz claims he will 'conquer' Jake Paul in boxing debut before heading back to UFC

Paul says August 5 fight in Dallas will be a 'funeral' for Diaz

Nate Diaz will take on YouTube sensation Jake Paul in a boxing match on August 5, 2023, in Dallas. AP

YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul will return to the ring in August to take on former UFC fighter Nate Diaz, who will make his boxing debut.

The bout in Dallas on August 5 will take place at 185lbs, with eight rounds scheduled using 10-ounce gloves, organisers said on Wednesday.

Diaz, 37, is widely regarded as one of the best boxers in mixed martial arts and has been widely touted to make the crossover to the squared circle since leaving the UFC last year.

He has twice fought Conor McGregor, submitting the Irishman in two rounds in their first meeting in March 2016 before losing the rematch by majority decision five months later.

American Diaz is 21-13 in the UFC, winning his most recent bout with a submission of Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 in September.

Nate Diaz hits Tony Ferguson in a welterweight bout during UFC 279 on September 10, 2022 in Las Vegas. AP

Nate Diaz fights Tony Ferguson in a welterweight bout at UFC 279 in Las Vegas. AP

Nate Diaz kicks Tony Ferguson during their welterweight bout at UFC 279. AP

Nate Diaz throws a punch at Tony Ferguson during their welterweight bout at UFC 279. AP

Nate Diaz hits Tony Ferguson during their welterweight bout at UFC 279. AP

Nate Diaz celebrates after defeating Tony Ferguson in a welterweight bout at UFC 279. AP

Nate Diaz embraces Tony Ferguson after Diaz won their welterweight bout at UFC 279. AP

Nate Diaz seals his victory over Tony Ferguson at UFC 279. AP

Khamzat Chimaev fights Kevin Holland in a 180-pound catchweight bout at UFC 279. AP

Khamzat Chimaev fights Kevin Holland in a 180-pound catchweight bout at UFC 279. AP

Khamzat Chimaev celebrates after defeating Kevin Holland at UFC 279. AP

Khamzat Chimaev embraces Kevin Holland after Chimaev won their 180-pound catchweight bout at UFC 279. AP

"Besides Canelo [Alvarez] he's the biggest thang [sic] in boxing. I'm here to conquer that. I'm the king of combat sports and then I'm headed back to get my UFC belts," Diaz was quoted as saying by Paul's promotion company Most Valuable Promotions.

Twenty-six-year-old Paul boasts 20 million YouTube subscribers and has competed in seven professional fights since 2019.

He suffered the first defeat of his career in February, losing a split decision to Tommy Fury in Saudi Arabia, but has notable victories over two former UFC champions Tyron Woodley (twice), as well as Anderson Silva.

"My last fight didn't end the way I wanted, but the result was the best thing that could have happened to my professional boxing aspirations," Paul said.

"The world thinks I am vulnerable, when all I am is more focused than ever. My team wanted me to take an easy fight ... but that's not how I am built."

Paul later tweeted that August 5 will be a "funeral for Nathaniel Diaz as we send him back to" UFC president Dana White. "Refreshments will be provided at the service. Black Tie Attire."

British boxer Tommy Fury celebrates after he won by split decision against Jake Paul in a cruiserweight boxing match held at Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, February 27, 2023. AFP

Tommy Fury, right, lands a punch on Jake Paul. AFP

Tommy Fury, left, of Great Britain in action against Jake Paul of the US. EPA

Tommy Fury sticks out a jab. EPA

Tommy Fury was forced to take a standing eight count in the eighth and final round, though the Briton claimed he slipped.

Tommy Fury in action against Jake Paul at the Diriyah Arena on the outskirts of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. EPA

Tommy Fury, right, in action against Jake Paul. AFP

Jake Paul lands a left jab on Tommy Fury. AFP

Tommy Fury, right, punches Jake Paul. EPA

Jake Paul connects with Tommy Fury. EPA

Tommy Fury celebrates after defeating Jake Paul by split decision. PA

Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, centre, was in attendance. PA

Jake Paul, left, and Tommy Fury, in action. AP Photo

Jake Paul, right, and Tommy Fury, in action. AP

Tommy Fury celebrates with his coaching team after defeating Jake Pau. Getty Images

Tommy Fury in action against Jake Paul. Reuters

WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury celebrates with the Fury Coaching Team after seeing half-brother Tommy Fury defeat Jake Paul at the Diriyah Arena. Getty Images

Jake Paul in between rounds. Getty Images

Tommy Fury celebrates. Getty Images

Tommy Fury poses for photographs with his coaching team. PA

WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. Getty Images