JAKE PAUL has been urged to fight Nate Diaz in his MMA debut by Brendan Loughnane after the pair exchanged Instagram messages.
Paul signed with the Professional Fighters League this year and will take on a promotional role while also competing in the cage.
The YouTuber-turned boxer will head up a new “super-fight” series, away from the PFL’s usual regular season.
That consists of qualifying and knockout stages, where points are earned per method of victory in the opening two bouts.
The top four in each weight then progress into the victory-or-go-home stage.
It sets up a winner-take-all finale fight where a title belt and $1million cash prize lays in wait.
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Britain’s Loughnane went all the way last year and returns this season defending his featherweight crown and eyeing another cash prize.
And he has the backing of Paul, after the pair exchanged DMs on social media.
Loughnane told ESPN: “I like Jake. Me and Jake have been conversating since he took PFL stakes.
“He must have realised who I was then. He added me on Instagram, we’ve been talking back and forth.
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“Jake’s a cool guy. I’m glad he’s bringing more eyes to the PFL. Keep them all coming.”
Loughnane, 33, kicks off his 2023 campaign on Saturday in Las Vegas against ex-UFC title challenger Marlos Moraes, 34.
Meanwhile Paul, 26, is coming off his first career loss following a split-decision defeat to Tommy Fury, 23, in Febuary.
The pair look set to rematch following the success of their pay-per-view blockbuster in Saudi Arabia.
And it could further backdate Paul’s impending debut in the PFL cage but Loughnane wants to see him face Nate Diaz, 37, in a two-fight deal.
He said: “Here’s what I want. I want them to fight in boxing, and then I want them to rematch in PFL. Exciting times. Let’s put it that way.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
