JAKE PAUL is closing in on his anticipated MMA debut – but he slammed Nate Diaz for turning down a $10million rematch.
The YouTuber-turned boxer this year signed for the Professional Fighters League, a competing promotion to the UFC.
Paul, 26, is coming off the back of a ten-round points win over ex-UFC star Nate Diaz, 38, in August.
And both the American and the PFL have proposed a rematch in the cage.
But Diaz has so far seemed uninterested and instead wants a return in the boxing ring – claiming a deal was even agreed.
Paul has spoken out to deny this and insisted the rematch must take place in MMA – where he is set to debut in late 2024.
He told MMA Junkie: “I don’t know, I think they’re just begging. Pretty desperate, I guess.
“Wanting to make money but not actually wanting to make things happen.
“We’re ready, MMA, end of 2024, $10million (£8m), which is more than he’s ever made for an MMA fight – ever.
“He’s sitting there asking for more money basically drunk tweeting random s*** and random fight posters, making himself look like a fool.
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“I just can’t comprehend what they’re trying to do or what they’re saying, but this is the fight game.
“Everyone says they want to do things, everyone calls people out, everyone blah, blah, blah, but no one actually makes s*** happen.
“And that’s what I’ve looked to change in this sport and to just provide transparency to my audience about what’s actually going on with these negotiations and not being afraid to fight anyone anywhere, anytime, any place.”
Paul returns on Friday, December 15 against 10-1-1 pro boxer Andre August, 35, but his PFL debut remains in the pipeline.
He said: “Yeah, 100 per cent.
“I’m going to start throwing knees and kicks and getting back to my Ohio Wrestling roots, shooting takedowns.
“I truly believe that he knows it would be a really tough fight for him, and I think that’s the thing for him where he’s like, ‘Damn, do I risk my whole MMA reputation by giving this kid a chance here?’”
