Dana White admits Nate Diaz & Jake Paul should fight next: “That makes sense”

Despite recent and rather public contract disputes, UFC President Dana White actually agrees that MMA legend Nate Diaz should be pushing for a fight with Jake Paul next.

Following on from his devastating knockout of Tyron Woodley, Paul has locked in his boxing return for August 6. However, the upcoming PPV at Madison Square Garden is yet to confirm a dance partner for the social media star.

While various comments have pointed towards the likes of Tommy Fury once again, and even a potential clash with Mike Tyson, nothing has yet been made official. Thus, many are still throwing their name out in hopes of securing a big payday. 

One such name is none other than the Stockton slapper himself, Nate Diaz.

Currently bound to his existing UFC contract, it doesn’t appear Diaz is in a position to make the fight happen. Though even the company’s President has now admitted such a bout between the younger Diaz and Paul brothers would “make sense”.

Having asked for his release just 24 hours prior on social media, Diaz implied that he had “bigger sh*t to do” than wait around for one last UFC fight to be made. 

In an appearance on TheMacLife YouTube channel, White directly responded to the callout, acknowledging the idea and even agreeing with it, despite his unwillingness to let it happen.

“Dealing with Nate is always… interesting,” he said. “I don’t know what we’re gonna do.”

Without releasing Diaz from his contract, White explained that he’s required to offer him one last fight in the UFC. Whether Diaz accepts, however, is anyone’s guess.

“I like Nate but let’s be honest, Nate’s won one fight in the last five or six years,” White continued. 

“When these guys get into these positions, guys that have been with us for a long time, you want to be fair to everybody, you want to do the right things. Nate Diaz isn’t going to come in and fight Kamaru Usman.”

• Read more: Jake Paul responds to Mike Tyson’s boxing bout idea on Jimmy Kimmel

Instead of positioning the veteran for a fight near the top of the Welterweight division, White seemingly has other ideas in mind. In fact, he even admitted a boxer of Paul’s skill level would be appropriate for Nate’s next bout.

“He probably should go on and fight Jake Paul. That’s a fight that makes sense.”

Having made rare exceptions in the past for super-fights outside of the UFC, including McGregor vs Mayweather, there’s always a chance we see White and Diaz come to terms on a deal for a Paul fight. After all, the UFC President has certainly been open to the idea of working with the Paul brothers.

Moreover, Jake has even offered to take the Diaz fight for free if that’ll get it over the line.

• Read more: Jake Paul puts deadline on winning boxing world title ahead of August return

For now though, there’s no telling exactly how it might pan out. We’ll just have to wait and see who fills the spot on Paul’s August 6 card.