Nate Diaz’s first foray into boxing against Jake Paul ended in defeat, but Diaz recently disclosed a crucial factor influencing his strategy during the bout. In a surprising turn of events, Nate Diaz admitted to grappling with a shoulder injury prior to his boxing debut against Jake Paul in Dallas. The revelation sheds light on Diaz’s uncharacteristic fighting approach during the match, which ultimately ended in a unanimous decision victory for Paul after 10 rounds of intense action.
Diaz’s Candid Admission: A Game-Changer
During the post-fight press conference, Diaz opened up about the impact of his injury on his performance, revealing how it compelled him to adopt a different fighting style than originally planned. He confessed that his coach, Richard Perez, had urged him to maintain distance and employ a more strategic approach, but the injury forced him to fight predominantly in close quarters.
“I should have been throwing punches, keeping him on the outside and doing a lot of stuff,” Diaz explained. “But about a month back, I hurt my arm a little bit. So, I would get inside and fight like a Mexican guy. Smother their punches and get in there and make every sparring session a brawl and did that in camp, and that’s how the fight went.”
Impact on Diaz’s Performance
Despite Diaz’s valiant efforts, the injury undoubtedly hampered his effectiveness in the ring. Throughout the match, Paul’s speed and experience in professional boxing allowed him to outmaneuver Diaz, landing more significant strikes and maintaining control.
Diaz’s struggle became particularly evident in Round 5, when Paul landed a devastating head shot that sent Diaz sprawling to the canvas. Although Diaz managed to beat the count, the knockdown severely dented his chances of staging a comeback.
Navigating Unfamiliar Terrain
Compounding Diaz’s challenges was the unfamiliar weight class. Competing at 185 pounds was a departure from Diaz’s usual fighting weight in the UFC, where he predominantly fought at 155 pounds. The shift presented its own set of obstacles, as Diaz found himself grappling with the physical demands of a heavier division.
Reflecting on his decision to fight at a higher weight, Diaz expressed regret over not adhering to his usual training regimen tailored for lighter weight classes. His concerns about his opponent’s size and strength further complicated his preparation for the match.
Coach’s Endorsement Amid Adversity
Despite the setback, Diaz’s coach, Richard Perez, commended his fighter’s resilience and determination. Perez acknowledged the challenges posed by the injury but praised Diaz’s unwavering commitment to the fight, emphasizing his refusal to succumb to adversity.
“It was awesome,” Perez remarked. “He got hurt, so that throws you back. The level you’re on, you have to slow it down, so your timing’s off and then he couldn’t throw the jab very good, that’s why he got caught with the hook because he threw it and dropped it.”
Diaz’s Next Move
As Diaz reflects on his boxing debut, he remains undeterred by the setback, reaffirming his determination to continue competing. With his sights set on future bouts, Diaz intends to refine his approach and learn from the experience, showcasing his unwavering resolve in the face of adversity.
“I plan on doing my next one, if it’s gonna be boxing, we’re going to work like a small guy not a big guy,” Diaz asserted, underscoring his commitment to overcoming challenges and emerging stronger in his next endeavor.
