Jorge Masvidal doesn’t show any fear when it comes to the upcoming boxing match against Nate Diaz. Having previously defeated Diaz at UFC 244 on Nov. 2, 2019, Masvidal is no stranger to the challenge. The rivalry between the two fighters has intensified since their first clash, reaching a boiling point with a heated confrontation between their teams at a recent press conference.
Set to take place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, this Saturday, Diaz and Masvidal, both former MMA stars in their late 30s, will face off in a 10-round light heavyweight bout. The event will also feature established boxers, including former WBA middleweight champion Danny Jacobs squaring off against Shane Mosley Jr. in a super middleweight co-feature on the Fanmio/DAZN/UFC Fight Pass PPV (9 p.m. ET).
Diaz’s only professional boxing match ended in defeat to Jake Paul by unanimous decision in August 2023, where he was knocked down twice. His most recent victory dates back to September 10, 2022, when he triumphed over Tony Ferguson in an MMA fight at UFC 279.
Looking ahead to the fight, Masvidal commented, “I don’t really care about Nate’s background, but you always have to respect someone with two hands.” Masvidal, who is stepping into only his second boxing match, previously defeated Diaz five years ago at UFC 244.
“Based on what I observed in his bout against Jake Paul, Diaz appears to have limitations,” Masvidal remarked. “I understand Nate is tough and relentless. He will try to wear me down, but this is boxing, and he will be on my level. July 6 will showcase my dedication and proficiency in the sport. I aim to be aggressive and efficient in the ring. I predict I will finish him by the fourth round. I’m prepared and thrilled for this challenge.”
Masvidal’s debut pro boxing match took place in June 2005 against an opponent with a questionable record.
“I always had the desire to box in the UFC, but they never permitted me to. Finally, I got the opportunity and took it seriously,” shared Masvidal. “I trained alongside legends like Roy Jones Jr. and Freddie Roach, which was an amazing experience. I am fully devoted to this sport and have committed myself to rigorous training around the clock.”
The tension between Diaz and Masvidal originates from their previous MMA encounter, which spilled over into the recent altercation at the press conference. Despite Diaz not being directly involved in the scuffle, the hostility between the two fighters escalated.
“The rivalry is genuine and unnecessary. It began with mutual respect, but Diaz’s actions following our last fight were unjustified,” Masvidal explained. “I signed up to box with Fanmio, and Diaz took it to an extreme. The attack on my coach by his team was cowardly, and he will face the consequences in the ring. My objective is to dominate and make a lasting impact. This won’t be a close contest; it will be a lopsided victory unlike anything Diaz has encountered before.”
Joseph Santoliquito is a Hall of Fame sportswriter and the president of the Boxing Writers Association of America.
Follow @JSantoliquito
