Conor McGregor would be tougher fight for Jake Paul than former rival Nate Diaz, claims UFC legend Michael Bisping

FORMER UFC Middleweight Champion Michael Bisping has tipped Conor McGregor as a tougher opponent for Jake Paul over Nate Diaz.

Youtube star-turned-boxer Paul has beaten former UFC stars Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren inside the boxing ring and has set his sights on a bout with McGregor or Diaz in the future.

With McGregor making the switch the boxing back in 2017, Bisping believes the Dubliner’s technique and boxing IQ makes him the superior opponent over Diaz.

Speaking on his Youtube channel, the Manchester native said: “When it comes to power, precision, and actual technique of the shots, I give McGregor the advantage.

“Yes, Diaz can bang. Yes, Diaz wobbled McGregor in that first fight.

“That’s how he was able to finish him with the rear-naked choke. And he’s always got great boxing with a high output. But I don’t think, No.1, it’s as technical as McGregor’s, and it certainly isn’t as explosive. So, I give the striking advantage to Conor McGregor.”

Despite Bisping’s assertion, a Diaz bout remains the more likely option for Paul.

Diaz will be out of contract with the UFC after his fight with the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev meaning he will be free to negotiate a boxing match with Paul.

Paul echoed Bisping saying that he too believes McGregor would be a tougher opponent to test his boxing credentials.

Speaking to Morning Combat, the Ohio native said: “I think Conor is the tougher fight because of his experience in the ring with Floyd Maayweather.”

He added: “He is definitely a better striker and Nate gets hit a lot more. I think a fight with Conor is very possible.”

“He is just inactive, I am the one that is still fighting, I am the one that is going uphill while his entire career is going downhill.”

Paul concluded: “If and when the stars align we can make that happen 100 per cent. Nate just knows I am the money fight.”