Mixed martial arts stars Nate Diaz and Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal continued their publicity tour on Wednesday in Masvidal’s hometown of Miami before they meet in the ring on Saturday, June 1st headlining a pay-per-view show presented by Fanmio from The Kia Forum in Los Angeles. Two huge personalities, Diaz and Masvidal will square off in a ten-round professional boxing light heavyweight showdown marking the first time two true MMA stars will go toe-to-toe in a boxing ring. Masvidal is 1-0 as a boxer, having won a very low-level fight in 2005. He defeated Diaz in MMA in 2019. Diaz is 0-1 as a boxer, having lost to Jake Paul on August 5, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. Paul defeated Diaz via unanimous decision over ten rounds via scores of 98–91 (twice) and 97–92.

 

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from Pier 5 at Bayside Marketplace:

 

NATE DIAZ

 

“If the last fight would of continued and gone to the end, this would be my city.

 

“He won the first fight, but I’m back for more. So that’s what’s popping. This is a new fight and I’m here to win.

 

“I expect him to do what he’s gotta do in there. He’s got a good coach and he’s doing what he’s supposed to do training, but I’ve been doing this a long time. We’ll see how it goes for him.

 

“I’m preparing for a way tougher fight from Jorge than I had against Jake Paul. 100%. Jorge is as experienced as it comes, so I’m ready for what he’s bringing. But having those rounds helped for sure.

 

“All I know is that we’ve been trying to make this rematch happen for a long time. He was the biggest opportunity in the game.”

 

JORGE MASVIDAL

 

“I respect what Nate’s done in his career, but that goes away when we step in that ring. I only have one thing on my mind. I’m gonna put an end to this rivalry.  

 

“I owe it to this city more than anything to go out with a W, and several of them. I’m in a really good place now and have to come back and get those W’s for this place right here. Do or die.

 

“I want to take the judges and referees and doctors out of it and leave it up to my hands and get him out of there Kimbo Slice style. Dade County style. These people here want that violence.

 

“It’s a badge of honor to face someone who’s willing to put it all on the line. That being said, I’m gonna end this guy on June 1.

 

“This BMF belt shows that if you get after it, you can get it done. It doesn’t matter who you are, you just gotta put aside the nonsense.”