Mike Perry reacts to Jake Paul predicting he loses Netflix fight, angling for MMA bout with Nate Diaz: ‘I threw him on his face’

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JULY 19: Jake Paul and Mike Perry square-off for their Cruiserweight fight at Amalie Arena on July 19, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Mike Perry is wondering why Jake Paul is talking about a rematch in MMA with Nate Diaz, and not him depending what happens on May 16.

Perry and Diaz compete as one of the featured contests in the upcoming Rousey vs. Carano card in Los Angeles, Calif., which streams exclusively on Netflix. Ahead of the bout, Paul predicted Diaz would stop Perry quick via submission, and then focus on facing Paul in a mixed martial arts contest. Paul previously defeated Diaz in the boxing ring in August 2023.

Perry was also defeated by Paul in the boxing ring, and he was asked to respond to Paul’s prediction, the influencer boxer’s hopes for an MMA fight with Diaz, and Paul mentioning his name.

“Well, I guess I was mentioned in the conversation, I hadn’t heard that he doesn’t think that I’m going to win the fight,” Perry told MMA Fighting. Well, May 16, we’re going to find out. I’m training really sharp, really hard. I’m killing it every single day. I’m feeling great. I’m doing all the things I need to do to make sure my body is at the peak of my abilities and, yeah… there’s paths for options.

“Dana White was like, ‘Oh, you know, let’s see what happens in the fight and then talk about it.’ Other guys have made their return to the UFC. Maybe that’s something, or yeah, we get the most views on Netflix that an MMA fight’s ever had, then me and Jake fight. [But] what weight is Jake going to fight at? 200 or 185?

“MMA, it’s different. I threw him on his head in the boxing ring. I threw him on his face, and if that was MMA, it’s a little different how that’s going to go. But man, I am focused on the task at hand and then I’m going to beat up everybody along the way.”

Diaz and Perry shared the stage Wednesday at a press conference in New York City. For the most part, it’s been all respect between the two fighters, with Diaz putting Perry over as much as possible whenever he has the chance to do so.

Perry feels the same respect about Diaz and is excited to face one of the biggest stars the sport has ever produced. While “Platinum” respects Diaz, and appreciates the kind words, Perry will always have his eyes open when it comes to Diaz.