UFC icons Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal set for rematch in the boxing ring

Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal are genuine legends of combat sports who have met in the UFC before but will now face off in the ring for a thrilling rematch.

Both have previously fought in the ring just once. Diaz starred in a crossover fight with content creator and aspiring boxer Jake Paul in 2023, while Masvidal marked his only ring walk in 2005 against Joseph Benjamin.

The former suffered a unanimous points decision loss on debut whereas Masvidal secured a perfect start to his boxing record with a majority decision win.

Those records will soon be implicated again. Here we will look at the favourite for the upcoming bout as well as the prior rivalry that will fuel the meeting in the ring.

Masvidal is a big favourite for the rematch

Masvidal will undoubtedly be a big favourite for the fight across the reputable bookmakers, perhaps due to his superior knockout potential. Many of the 最佳博彩網站 in Asia offer him as an odds-on frontrunner, for example, bet365 offers Masvidal at 2/5 to make the all-time combat series 2-0 against Diaz.

Nate Diaz vs Jorge Masvidal boxing match is OFFICIAL for June 1st in Inglewood pic.twitter.com/Wsnmt8ffoC

— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) March 13, 2024

The bout is set to be an immensely intriguing one as both fighters relied on aspects of boxing in their time in MMA. Masvidal perhaps has the biggest advantage as he is renowned for his punching power - which led to three knockouts alone on his UFC record.

Diaz's quick and agile movement however could also make him a nuisance in the ring, but ultimately he does not carry the same level of threat as Masvidal. His chances of an upset will likely rely on him taking the fight the distance and halting his opponent's momentum as much as possible.

Masvidal is without a doubt the more suitable boxer. Diaz is the more versatile overall fighter but after failing to stop his heavy-hitting rival in the Octagon, he almost certainly will not manage it in the ring.

The first Diaz-Masvidal meeting

The first Diaz vs Masvidal meeting in the MMA section of combat sports was sparked by the former's UFC 241 victory. Diaz defeated Anthony Pettis and proceeded to call out Masvidal in the aftermath.

Jorge Masvidal vs. Nate Diaz for the 'BMF' title with @TheRock #UFC244 pic.twitter.com/Q0BCbb5I7A

— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) November 1, 2019

The fight was scheduled for UFC 244 and a new belt titled the 'BMF' was established for the winner. Despite all the hype that the pair built with their regular firey exchanges, the actual fight did not live up to expectations due to an unfortunate early stoppage.

Diaz was forced to a defeat by the doctor's decision as a cut suffered on his brow was deemed too severe for him to continue. The manner in which the first fight was decided is what fuelled the desire for a rematch, and that demand is finally set to be met five years on, but in the boxing ring this summer.

A long-awaited culmination of the Diaz-Masvidal rivalry is finally set to arrive after the bitter affair in 2019. Masvidal will be expected to maintain control throughout the fight and earn a comfortable victory, although the threat of a revenge-seeking Diaz should not overlooked.