JORGE MASVIDAL has given Jake Paul the advantage in three key areas heading into his fight with Nate Diaz.
The YouTuber-turned prizefighter returns on August 5 in Texas against ex-UFC star Diaz, who is making his boxing debut.
Nate Diaz lost to Jorge Masvidal in 2019Getty Images – Getty
GettyJake Paul was beaten by Tommy Fury on points[/caption]
Masvidal – who in 2019 beat Diaz – has been linked with fighting Paul too.
But despite the rivalry, he admitted the American’s size, youth and activity gives him an edge heading into the bout.
Although Masvidal, 37, is actually backing veteran Diaz, 38, to win.
He told MMAJunkie: “It’s just the time of it. Jake’s obviously a lot younger than Nate. If Nate’s in his prime, I think he smokes Jake.
“But Nate’s been out of it for a while. I don’t know what kind of shape his lifestyle is like outside a serious training camp.
“He hasn’t been in a training camp in a while, so I don’t know. I think the odds are a lot on him.
“Jake’s been competing and Jake’s naturally a lot bigger, but all that being said, I think Nate just finds a way to tough-guy it out and just beat up Jake and break him down. I think Jake will run a lot.”
Paul, 26, suffered defeat for the first time in February, losing a split-decision in Saudi Arabia to Tommy Fury, 23.
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A rematch was expected to follow but instead the social media sensation announced he will instead fight Diaz.
Meanwhile, Masivdal is now in retirement having hung up his gloves following defeat to Gilbert Burns, 36, his FOURTH in a row.
But the fan-favourite has refused to rule out a return in either boxing or MMA down the line.
GettyJorge Masvidal retired after defeat to Gilbert Burns[/caption]