Nate Diaz to Face Jake Paul in Boxing Match on Aug. 5 in Dallas

Nate Diaz’s first venture since leaving the UFC figures to draw plenty of eyes.

Most Valuable Promotions and Real Fight Inc., announced on Wednesday that Diaz will square off against Jake Paul in a boxing match on Aug. 5 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. The bout will be contested at 185 pounds over eight rounds, with both athletes wearing 10-ounce gloves, according to a release. The event will air live on pay-per-view via DAZN as well as all major cable and satellite providers.

Diaz ended his Octagon tenure last September following a fourth-round submission victory against Tony Ferguson at UFC 279. That fulfilled Diaz’s contract with the Las Vegas-based promotion. Diaz emerged as one of the UFC’s biggest stars over the course of promotional tenure that began in 2007 after he won “The Ultimate Fighter 5.” He compiled a 16-11 mark in the Octagon and reached the pinnacle of his star power when he submitted McGregor at UFC 196.

“Besides ‘Canelo’ [Alvarez] he’s the biggest thang in boxing,” Diaz said in a release. “I’m here to conquer that. I’m the king of combat sports and then I’m headed back to get my UFC belts. I f——d up Conor for acting out and now here I am again, like a Super Hero of the Real Fight game, the King of the Real Fight game.”

Paul is coming off the first loss of his boxing career, a split-decision setback to Tommy Fury this past February. The social media personality owns a 6-1 mark in professional boxing, with notable wins over MMA fighters such as Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley (twice) and Ben Askren.

“My last fight didn’t end the way I wanted, but the result was the best thing that could have happened to my professional boxing aspirations,” Paul said. “Now, the world thinks I am vulnerable, when all I am is more focused than ever. My team wanted me to take an easy fight like KSI next, but that’s not how I am built. Nate Diaz is considered one of the most badass fighters of all time, but he and his team have been running their mouths for too long.

“People tell me Nate has been training with Andre Ward for years. That he has insane stamina. That he refuses to back down. Good for f—-ing Nate. I haven’t forgotten about the slap backstage in Arizona, and on Aug. 5. a Problem Child is going to piece up and knock out the Stockton G.”