Can Nate Diaz Score Another Win for MMA Fighters in a Sanctioned Boxing Match?
Although many MMA fighters are known for their fearsome striking abilities, it’s often on the mat where the bulk of their training is done.
There’s no doubt that an MMA vs boxing crossover would end badly for the likes of Tyson Fury, who will take on Francis Ngannou in boxing rules in October, and even Jake Paul, who at least has some experience of the sweet science.
But in the modern era of celebrity boxing bouts, MMA fighters have yet to score a win that proves the doubters wrong.
Background Brawlers
The Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz betting odds confirm that Paul, despite still being a relative boxing novice, is a strong 1/3 favourite to claim victory when the pair lock horns on August 6. Diaz only won five of his 34 MMA fights by way of knockout, which reveals just how good he was as a wrestler. This is highlighted by the boxing odds as he is priced at 5/2, so the odds are seemingly stacked against him.
The markets for the Fury vs Ngannou fight are likely to be similar because the more experienced boxer will be fancied to win, despite the obvious punch power of the former UFC heavyweight champion.
Next month August 5th live on DAZN#DiazPaul #TheDiazShow@RealFightINC pic.twitter.com/RsRphDyLDx
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) July 9, 2023
This alien environment has not been kind to MMA fighters in the past, although not all have ended the way of Paul’s squash of Ben Askren when lacing up the 16oz gloves….
Vitor Belfort
With the third most KO victories in UFC history, it’s not a surprise that Vitor Belfort boasted plenty of striking ability.
Following his second run in MMA’s blue riband company in 2006, the Brazilian made his professional boxing debut against Josemiro Neves – Belfort winning via first round TKO after knocking his opponent to the canvas three times in the opening minute.
He has since fought – and defeated – the legendary Evander Holyfield and Ronaldo Souza in exhibition contests.
Nick Diaz
If Nate Diaz needs any inspiration ahead of his debut boxing bout, he need look no further than his older brother, Nick.
Just two months after beating Drew Fickett at UFC 51 (by punches, no less), the elder Diaz made his professional boxing debut against Alfonso Rocha, winning via a unanimous decision after a four-round contest.
Jorge Masvidal
In the days prior to his MMA career really taking off, Jorge Masvidal fought in his one and only boxing match.
Gamebred, who has deployed a roughhouse style throughout his UFC tenure, put his striking to good use when defeating Joseph Benjamin – albeit via a split decision – back in 2005.
Having now apparently retired from mixed martial arts following his defeat by Gilbert Burns back at UFC 287, it’s not impossible that Masvidal will imitate his old nemesis Diaz by joining the celebrity boxing circuit.
Alexander Volkanovski
A year prior to starting his UFC journey, which has seen him crowned featherweight champion and named one of the pound-for-pound best in the business, Alexander Volkonovski tried his hand at boxing.
🏆🏆🏆
— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) July 11, 2023
No fugazi with Mark 🦈
This is Serious Business‼️ pic.twitter.com/nraS4DrvuO
His sole outing in the sweet science saw him defeat Dillon Margero back in 2015. Just 18 months later, the Australian made his UFC debut – he remains undefeated at featherweight ever since, even finding time to train with social media moguls along the way.
The difference between Nate Diaz and these other MMA fighters that have competed successfully in boxing is that Diaz is, shall we say, a little further down the road. Will he have the conditioning and ringcraft to take down Jake Paul on August 6?
