Leon Edwards favors Nate Diaz to beat Jake Paul

Former UFC fan favourite Nate Diaz is booked to face Jake Paul in a boxing match on Aug. 5 in Dallas, and welterweight champion Leon Edwards favors the Stockton brawler.

The 38-year previous Diaz left the UFC and entered free company after profitable the ultimate battle of his contract at UFC 279 in September. One of many extra widespread fighters within the promotion’s historical past, Diaz received The Final Fighter 5. He’s tied with Frankie Edgar, Edson Barboza and Dustin Poirier for probably the most Struggle of the Night time bonuses in UFC historical past.

Recognized for his boxing, conditioning, and sturdiness, Diaz now takes his abilities to the ring.

“I feel Jake must be cautious,” Edwards instructed Sky Sports. “Nate is hard. He’s sturdy. He’s an excellent boxer. That’s like his fashion, a really strain ahead fighter.”

“When Jake fought Tommy [Fury], the final battle, you possibly can see a variety of holes in his recreation that’s nonetheless like a newbie,” Edwards continued. “If I needed to decide, I’d most likely favor Nate extra.”

Paul’s boxing profession has largely been defeating former UFC fighters. He holds boxing wins over Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley (twice), and Anderson Silva. The primary time he confronted an precise skilled boxer he misplaced. Now he’s again to concentrating on former UFC fighters.

“I’m hoping that Nate can get it completed,” stated Edwards. “I really feel like he’ll get it completed as nicely… I really feel like Nate ought to have sufficient to beat him.”