Daniel Cormier hopes Nate Diaz doesn’t underestimate Jake Paul in their upcoming boxing bout, expressing concerns about Paul’s size advantage, improved skills, and Diaz’s vulnerability to being hit.
Daniel Cormier has expressed concern that Nate Diaz may be underestimating YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in their upcoming fight on August 5 in Dallas. The match is Diaz’s first professional boxing bout and will see the UFC veteran taking on Paul, who began boxing in 2018 and has since beaten a string of MMA stars. Cormier shared his thoughts on the matchup on his YouTube channel, warning Diaz about the potential risks of facing “The Problem Child.”
Cormier believes that the fight could be the biggest payday of Diaz’s career and acknowledged that Diaz has earned a significant income from the UFC. However, he expressed concerns about the fight based on two factors: Paul’s larger size compared to Diaz, and the YouTuber’s improving boxing skills. The former UFC heavyweight champ explained that Diaz is often hit in fights due to his tough, brawling style, but emphasized that Paul will have size, reach, and a rule set that favors him.
Cormier suggested that Diaz’s best chance to win against Paul would be to outwork him and exploit the younger man’s tendency to tire during bouts. Diaz is known for his high pace, durability, and relentless pressure, which could put Paul in unfamiliar territory. “If Nate’s going to have an opportunity to win this fight, Nate’s has got to set a high pace early, and he’s got to keep that pace going the entirety of the fight and he has got to stay away from the right hand,” said Cormier.
While Cormier sees Diaz having several advantages against Paul, he is ultimately wary of the bigger, younger, and fresher fighter landing a knockout punch. Although he is hesitant to make a prediction about the fight, Cormier admitted that it makes him nervous: “I worry if this dude hits Nate, maybe he’s able to put him down. Boxing is so much different than anything you’ve ever done.”