UFC superstar Nate Diaz’s boxing debut has not been without its issues.
The 38-year-old Californian lost his first professional bout against YouTuber turned-boxer Jake Paul in Dallas on Saturday.
ReutersDiaz was floored in the fifth round[/caption]
ReutersPaul and Diaz fought in front of around 20,000 fans in Dallas, Texas[/caption]
The fight was far from a classic, with their collective inexperience in the ring on show in moments throughout.
Diaz‘s trademark confidence and swagger were on display throughout, goading Paul and even pretending to stumble after the latter landed a blow.
But perhaps the most notable moment from Diaz’s performance was when he was pulled aside and told off by the referee for attempting to headbutt Paul.
And fans rapidly took to Twitter to comment on the bizarre moment, such as one who tweeted: “Nate Diaz just threw a baby headbutt jokingly to end this round 8 lmao. At least we’re entertained.”
As one said: “Nate DIAZ is an absolute legend. No care in the f**king world, raising his hands after every round, cheeky little headbutt towards the end of the round too.”
While another comment read: “Nate Diaz with his best round of the fight in the eighth.
“And true to form, ends with an attempted headbutt after the bell.”
The fight continued and Diaz grew into the bout as the rounds drew on.
However, ultimately Paul won via unanimous decision in the tenth round.
But it could have ended so much sooner, with Paul having landed a brutal left hook in the fifth round that left Diaz floored.
However, Diaz was able to continue after getting back to his feet, and was left unphased in the long run.
He would continue to show off his less-than-serious attitude throughout, raising his arms in celebration after every round.
As for the next step, while nothing is seemingly set in stone, Diaz and Paul said post-fight they would be open to potentially face off in the octagon.
ReutersPaul and Diaz could face one another again in the octagon[/caption]
