The highly anticipated rematch exhibition between Jake Paul and Tyrone Woodley ended on an electric note with Jake Paul delivering a lightning strike of a knockout in the 6th round.
The brash Paul brother wasted no time in the post-fight press conference shouting out potential match-ups.
Here’s that list, along with speculation on the likelihood of each fight materializing.
Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury
The younger brother of Tyson Fury was Paul’s original opponent until he had to drop out due to a bacterial chest infection and a broken rib.
Jake has not confirmed any sort of rescheduling with Tommy Fury, but he did take the time to trash talk and taunt him during his ring walk in the hype leading up to this rematch with Tyrone Woodley. Tommy Fury would’ve been Paul’s first opponent that was a true professional boxer, but the hype in six months may not be as strong.
If Fury gets healthy, he could find himself in a position to fill=in much like Tyrone Woodley did, or potentially he lands a match with Jake’s brother Logan who is currently trying to lure Mike Tyson into a match.
Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz
Of all the UFC callouts, Nate Diaz is the only one that might get the blessing from Dana White. Ever the shrewd businessman, Dana could see it as an opportunity where he can’t lose: Nate Diaz is currently on a three fight losing streak with one fight left on his contract, so if he wins in an exhibition with Paul, Diaz could ride that hype into an additional contract, and if he loses White can use the loss to justify not renewing Diaz’s contract.
While Diaz has made a career out of hard wins and a fight anybody attitude, his specialties in MMA aren’t grounded in boxing. Without the ability to work grappling, takedowns, and jiu-jitsu Nate puts his skillset at a severe disadvantage agreeing to a boxing match with Jake Paul.
He’s not one to back down from an opportunity or a pay day, so of all the active UFC talent, Nate Diaz is likely the most realistic. He’s also the only fighter listed that can produce viral moments on Paul’s level.
Just watch how bad Diaz makes Carrese Archer flinch at Paul vs. Woodley 2:
Jake Paul vs. Jorge Masvidal
Jorge Masvidal started his career by taking fights from anyone, anywhere. But Gamebred isn’t interested in souring his relationship with the UFC to fight Jake Paul.
There was no love lost in his response to Paul’s callout in which Masvidal stated Paul would need to see him in the octagon, and he’d “leave [Jake Paul] in a wheelchair for life”. Given Masvidal’s lack of both interest, and respect for Jake Paul it doesn’t look like this fight will come to fruition any time soon.
Jake Paul vs. Karamu Usman
Not going to happen. Hilarious to suggest. Just let it go. Usman has five successful title defenses in the last three years. There’s no reason for him to entertain a side-show fight with Jake Paul under boxing rules.
Jake Paul vs. Connor McGregor
Only slightly less unlikely thank an Usman match-up, McGregor is likely one of the only UFC stars that could book a fight with Paul and remain on Dana White’s good side.
The fight doesn’t offer much for McGregor though, as he’s already boxed a living legend and hall of famer in Floyd Mayweather.
Between Fury or Diaz, Which Would You Want to See?
Given Tommy Fury is the most likely non-UFC fighter to step into the ring with Paul, and Diaz is the most likely UFC fighter, which fight would you like to see happen more? Both would be a step-up in different ways from Paul’s competition thus far, and represent a next stage of his combat sports career.
The smart move for Paul might be a Tommy Fury match-up to reinvigorate the hype train in May or June of 2022, and if he wins, Paul might have a shot at a bigger name like he wants.
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