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    I have THREE brothers in the Man Utd academy… one will be even better than Wayne Rooney, says MMA star

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    MANCHESTER UNITED fans have been told they already have the next Wayne Rooney on their hands.Rooney was just 16 when he broke onto the Premier League scene for Everton – scoring a famous goal for Everton. MMA star Ibragim Ibragimov with brother and Man Utd academy star AmirCredit: INSTAGRAM @ibragimWayne Rooney pictured in 2005Credit: AP:Associated PressTwo years later he joined United and an iconic career would follow – leaving as club legend and all-time top scorer. Nowadays though the glory years at Old Trafford are long gone with the Red Devils struggling for form and in desperate need of some inspiration. But MMA star Ibragim Ibragimov – whose three siblings all play for United – reckons his 16-year-old brother Amir as the man for the job.Ibragimov told SunSport: “My brother is the next big thing, I’ve already said that to everybody. READ MORE IN MMA”He’s ready for the first-team, he just needs the chance. Once he gets the chance, Inshallah he will make it, 100 per cent this year.”They are comparing him to Wayne Rooney, so he’s going to be the next Wayne Rooney. A better version than Wayne Rooney.” Amir, 16, Gazik, 15, and Muhammad, 12, are all products of United’s youth team and touted for big futures.Gazik once played with Cristiano Ronaldo’s son while Wayne Rooney’s eldest Kai is an academy team-mate. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd even Old Trafford icon Sir Alex Ferguson has given his endorsement to Amir, who has also scored for England at Under-16 level.Ibragimov said: “They need young fresh blood. They need more academy players.MMA star Ibragim Ibragimov is the eldest brother to three Man Utd players including one England international”They have a lot of academy players at the moment, really good, like dark horses and they’re on the bench.”Some of the guys on the bench already, some of the guys are playing for the academy, they got a good team.”So yeah, hopefully they have youngsters play for the first team and then they’ll show the levels of Manchester.”Ibragimov moved from Dagestan – where UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov hailed – to Manchester aged 13. And the 20-year-old was a talented footballer himself landing trials at Man City and Sheffield United – before focussing on just MMA. He said: “I used to play football. I think if I would have come to the UK a little earlier, I would’ve made it to a football 100 per cent.”I was doing both, doing well, so I could’ve done the football and I obviously I decided to do MMA.Muhammad, far left, next to Amir, middle left with Gazik and Ibragim, far rightAmir has scored for England U16sCredit: GettyAmir Ibragimov with Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Instagram @gazik_ibra4Gazik also plays with Wayne Rooney’s son Kai, rightCredit: Instagram @gazik_ibra4″I don’t know, but sometimes on a deep weight cause I’m thinking, ‘I should have done football!'”Because the way my brother live, all they need is just train, eat, sleep, repeat, all they need, they, they don’t need anything else.”They get good food. They don’t have to go away. They just need to train. “They say concentrate, focus, and then just go out there on the stadium and then play and enjoy this enjoy themselves.”Ibragimov is 8-0 in the cage and returns on Saturday in Dubai against 5-1 Irishman Kenny Mokhonoana. And the avid United fan has vowed to finally give Red Devils fans something to cheer about. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “All the guys from Manchester who supported me, I appreciate everything. “Guys, just keep watching on 25th of January I’ll bring the win for Manchester and Manchester United.”The MMA star once played football himselfCredit: Instagram @pfleuropeIbragimov is 8-0 as an MMA fighterCredit: Instagram @ibragim.60 More

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      UFC boss Dana White breaks silence over talks of huge £400m fight between Conor McGregor and Logan Paul

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      DANA WHITE has broken his silence amid reports of a boxing fight between Conor McGregor and Logan Paul. McGregor was the first to reveal he was in negotiations for an exhibition against the YouTube star in India.Dana White broke his silence amid reports of a boxing fight between Conor McGregor and Logan PaulMcGregor first revealed talks to fight Logan PaulCredit: @TheNotoriousMMALogan Paul ruled himself out of the boutCredit: SplashThe Ambani family – worth £77BILLION ($96bn)- were behind the idea and believed to be paying the pair £200m ($250m) EACH. But now UFC president White has shot down the reports and insisted McGregor’s next bout will be in the UFC octagon. He said on the Pardon My Take podcast: “No. Hopefully Conor McGregor returns in the fall.” The Irishman has not fought since July 2021 – breaking his leg in round one against Dustin Poirier.READ MORE IN BOXINGMcGregor, 36, was set to return in June against Michael Chandler, 38, until a toe injury forced him out. He has since been in a legal fight against Dublin woman Nikita Hand. McGregor was found civilly liable for assaulting Hand at a Dublin Hotel in December 2018.He has also vowed to appeal the decision. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMcGregor sent social media into a frenzy when he posted: “I am in preliminary agreements with the Ambani family to face Logan Paul in a boxing exhibition in India. I have agreed.”I will then seek my return to the Octagon.”Conor McGregor Trains Amid Logan Paul Boxing Match RumoursMukesh Ambani is the richest person in Asia and 9th richest in the world – making his fortune through his Reliance Industries company. The business  interests in petrochemicals, oil and gas, telecom, retail, media and financial services.Paul, 29, also teased a bout with McGregor online before pledging his future to the WWE. It sparked the likes of KSI, 31, and Tommy Fury, 25, to then call out the former UFC champion. KSI and Tommy Fury both called out McGregorCredit: PA More

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      Conor McGregor plays football for his pub’s team and puts in crunching tackles but also nearly scores from 30 yards out

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      CONOR MCGREGOR flew into crunching tackles and came close to scoring a screamer as he swapped the octagon for the football pitch. The UFC legend shocked fans by lining-up for pub team Black Forge FC yesterday.Conor McGregor swapped the octagon for the football pitchCredit: Instagram @thenotoriousmmaHe played on the left-wing for Black Forge FCCredit: Instagram @thenotoriousmmaThe Irishman flew into crunching tacklesCredit: Instagram @thenotoriousmmaMcGregor ended up booting another playerCredit: Instagram @thenotoriousmmaMcGregor donned the No11 shirt for the side named after the pub he owns in Dublin called the Black Forge Inn.The 36-year-old appeared to play on the left-wing as footage of him in action went viral on social media.He used his physical presence and aggression to good use, holding off defenders and putting in flying challenges.In one of the clips, McGregor is beaten to the ball and falls to the floor before bouncing back up and steaming into another tackle with his studs showing.READ MORE IN SPORTAnd after avoiding booking, he later goes for a volley from a set-piece but ends up booting an opposition player’s stomach in true MMA style.The match against Harding FC in the United Churches Football League finished 1-1.But McGregor could have been the hero when he came close to scoring from 30 yards out.The Irishman latched onto a long ball over the top of the defence and he tried an audacious half-volley that cannoned off the top of the bar.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut it was not all good from McGregor, who did trip over the ball after receiving a short pass from a team-mate. Fans loved his performance, with one saying: “The type of tackles I would expect him to make.”Another joked: “Can see why he picked fighting.”A third wrote: “McGregor playing footy is the funniest thing ever.”Inside McGregor’s Notorious lifestyleWith more sides to his personality than an Octagon, Conor McGregor’s rise has been an enthralling watch. More

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      Jake Paul identifies three ‘extremely good’ opponents in the frame for MMA debut amid talks to rematch boxing rivals

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      JAKE PAUL has three names on a list of potential MMA opponents. The YouTuber-turned-boxer is 11-1 in the ring and most recently beat 58-year-old heavyweight great Mike Tyson in November. Jake Paul has three names on a list of potential MMA opponentsAnd already Paul is back in training for his next bout – but behind the scenes talks are ongoing for an MMA switch. The American is signed to the Professional Fighters League – where he and promotional partner Nakisa Bidarian share equity.Bidarian – who once served as Chief Financial Officer for the UFC – is working with Paul to pin down an MMA opponent. PFL founder Donn Davis told SunSport: “Nakisa has three names that he’s focused on. READ MORE ON JAKE PAUL”I don’t want to share those because I don’t think that’ll help, Nakisa and Jake get those done. They’re really good at that. “So I don’t think it’s one name. I think there’s a group of three that would be extremely good and they’re working on this.”Paul, 27, signed for the PFL just one month before losing to Tommy Fury, 25, in February 2023 which is his first and only defeat. He has won five times since, most recently against Tyson which attracted controversy amid their huge age gap. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut over 100 MILLION tuned in live on Netflix – with Paul’s commercial success in the boxing ring so far delaying a switch to MMA. Nate Diaz, 39, who was beaten by Paul in their August 2023 boxing bout was linked with an MMA rematch worth £10million.Francis Ngannou set for boxing return in 2025 with Tyson Fury rematch and Deontay Wilder fight targetedFury was also approached for a two-fight deal that included bouts in both the cage and the ring worth £15m.And while talks with potential opponents continue, Davis expects this year will mark Paul’s debut in the PFL cage. He said: “Jake has been so successful at boxing that that’s delayed his MMA. No question about it. And I think 2025 will be the year.”We thought 2024 would be the year, but it was just so much success forthcoming in boxing.”I don’t think you could have seen the cultural phenomenon of the Tyson fight coming, and that really took over 2024.”So, I’m pretty confident 2025. But it’s also about the right opponent. At one point the Diaz opponent was set up and things didn’t happen.”So it’s opponent-driven, but I think this is the year.”Mike Tyson was beaten on points by Jake PaulCredit: Getty More

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      Francis Ngannou set for boxing return in 2025 with Tyson Fury rematch and Deontay Wilder fight targeted

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU is in line to fight in boxing and MMA in 2025.The heavyweight returned to the cage in October – following a three year absence from MMA. Francis Ngannou could rematch Tyson FuryCredit: ReutersNgannou had walked out on the UFC in 2021 to pursue boxing while also signing with rivals the Professional Fighters League. The PFL permitted their star signing to box – setting up two mega-money bouts in Saudi Arabia against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. And PFL founder Donn Davis revealed Ngannou is expected to fight in the ring and cage this year.Davis told SunSport: “He’s considering two options; one boxing, one MMA.READ MORE IN BOXING”I believe he’ll box once in 2025 and he’ll do MMA once in 2025. What order will be determined really by the opponents and the opportunities. “And we’re thinking about the same way. So I think it’s too early to tell. Is it boxing and then MMA? Or MMA then boxing? “But he’ll do one of each in 2025.”Ngannou, 38, made his boxing debut in October 2023 against Fury, 36, who was the WBC champion and unbeaten at the time. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd Fury was sensationally dropped in the fight before winning a controversial split-decision. Ngannou then faced Joshua, 35, in March 2024 but was brutally knocked out in two rounds. Jake Paul identities three ‘extremely good’ opponents in the frame for MMA debut amid talks to rematch boxing rivalsIt set up his return to MMA which he won against Renan Ferreira, 35, in one dominant round. Ngannou has continued to keep the door open to a boxing return and was recently linked with a fight against Deontay Wilder.Wilder, 39, is coming off two losses but is set to return this year after snubbing retirement. And Davis warned not to rule out Ngannou facing the American or rematching Fury. He said: “I think he’s open to either one. But if I knew, I wouldn’t breach my confidence on his boxing stuff.”What I know about Francis is A, he’s very, very smart, and B, he really doesn’t have any fear, as some other fighters do.”They prefer things over other things, and I know that from when we talked to him about fighters on the MMA side, he’ll say, ‘That guy’s much harder match up for me.’READ MORE SUN STORIES”That guy stylistically could be difficult for me, but he never says, ‘I prefer versus I prefer.'”He just thinks this could be easier or harder or more difficult or you’d have to train differently, but he’s open to everything.”Deontay Wilder is coming off two lossesCredit: Getty More

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      Conor McGregor sends £200million warning to Logan Paul after ‘confirming’ shock boxing match

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      CONOR MCGREGOR has sent a blunt warning Logan Paul’s way amid continued talks over a shock exhibition bout.The former two-weight UFC champion revealed late last year he’d accepted a boxing match against the WWE superstar.Conor McGregor revealed a shock showdown with Logan Paul was in the works late last yearCredit: GETTYThe Irishman claimed he’ll throw down with the YouTuber in IndiaCredit: SPLASHThe UFC superstar has sent a chilling warning the YouTuber’s wayCredit: XSunSport understands negotiations over the bout are in the exploratory phase and neither the UFC nor the WWE are at the table.McGregor, 36, has suggested a whopping deal for the £400million ($500m) showdown – the brainchild of Indian billionaire Anant Ambani – has been finalised.And he’s done so once again with a blunt warning to social media superstar Paul.Along with a photo of Paul in the WWE ring and an India flag emoji, McGregor wrote on X: “$250,000,000. #ImComing.”READ MORE ON MCGREGORScores of McGregor’s followers commented, with one saying: “Easy work.”Another said: “I hope it’s true. I ain’t mad lol.”One remarked: “A quarter of a billion dollars to fight Logan Paul. surely not?”[The] world’s gone absolutely MAD if that turns out to be the reality.Most read in Boxing”Surely this fight won’t make enough to pay both fighters that silly amount.Another chimed in: “Doesn’t matter the fighter, if they’re offered $250M they’ll fight. Logan Paul Teases Conor McGregor Fight Announcement”Can’t blame them either.”A stunning report last December claimed both McGregor and Paul will receive a whopping £200m for their proposed Mumbai melee.Both men added fuel to the raging fire surrounding their proposed crossover clash, with McGregor resharing the report and Paul liking an Instagram post citing it.The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is being lined up to host the crossover clash, which will reportedly be in conjunction with the ‘Visit India’ tourism campaign.Logan Paul hasn’t fought since beating Dillon Danis in October 2023Credit: GettyConor McGregor hasn’t fought since breaking his left leg in July 2021Credit: APYouTube sensation Paul hasn’t fought since winning his Misfits Boxing grudge match Dillon Danis in October 2023.MMA mogul McGregor, meanwhile, has been on the sidelines since breaking his left leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.He was slated to make his UFC return against Michael Chandler last June but was forced out of their Sin City showdown with a broken toe.READ MORE SUN STORIESMcGregor’s next fight, wherever it’ll take place, will be his first since being found civilly liable for assaulting Nikita Hand at a Dublin Hotel in December 2018.The Irishman – who was accused of “raping and battering” Ms Hand – has vowed to appeal the verdict of last month’s civil trial at Dublin’s High Court. More

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      ‘He’ll get f***ed up’ – Conor McGregor issued brutal warning over £400m Logan Paul boxing match

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      CONOR MCGREGOR has been warned he could get “f**ked up” if he doesn’t take a fight with Logan Paul seriously.Preliminary talks over a shock exhibition bout between the pair – which is the brainchild of Indian billionaire Anant Ambani – took place last month.Conor McGregor appears to be closing in on a boxing match with Logan PaulCredit: GettyYouTuber Paul will have a massive size advantage over McGregor in the proposed punch-upCredit: GETTYMcGregor has been warned he could get “f**ked up” if he parties in the build-up to the fightCredit: INSTAGRAM@THENOTORIOUSMMAThe claim warning has come from former UFC heavyweight Brendan SchaubCredit: GETTYAnd the pair, 36 and 29 respectively, each hinted that the stunning crossover clash was a done deal just before the turn of the New Year.Paul’s chances of beating McGregor have been written off by many, despite his massive size advantage.But former UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub reckons he could pull of an almighty upset if McGregor doesn’t curb his partying ways.The fighter-turned-podcaster said: “My only concern is if Conor doesn’t take it serious.READ MORE IN MMA”If he kind of moseys in, he’s partying, I think he’ll get f***ed up.“Now, if it’s prime Conor, Logan might be get pieced up.“At one point, you’ve got to give it to the Paul brothers; one fought Mike Tyson, the other is fighting Conor McGregor.’No matter how you feel about it, it’s pretty cool.”Most read in BoxingA stunning report recently claimed MMA mogul McGregor and Paul are set to earn a whopping £200million each for their proposed Mumbai melee.Social media sensation Paul hasn’t boxed since winning his Misfits grudge match with Dillon Danis in October 2023.Logan Paul Teases Conor McGregor Fight AnnouncementFormer two-division champion McGregor, meanwhile, has been on the sidelines since breaking his left leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.His next fight, whenever it may take place, will be his first since being found civilly liable for assaulting Nikita Hand at a Dublin Hotel in December 2018.’The Notorious’ who was accused of “raping and battering” Ms Hand – has vowed to appeal the verdict of last November’s civil trial at Dublin’s High Court. More

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      Logan Paul teases imminent Conor McGregor fight announcement as £400m purse bombshell is dropped

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      LOGAN PAUL has appeared to tease an imminent Conor McGregor fight announcement.Exploratory talks over a shock Indian exhibition boxing match between the YouTube sensation and UFC superstar got underway earlier this month.Logan Paul could be on course to face UFC icon Conor McGregor next yearCredit: GETTYThe Notorious recently suggested the crossover clash is a done dealCredit: GETTYPaul teased an imminent fight announcement just hours after McGregor stoked the fireCredit: INSTAGRAM@LOGANPAULMcGregor, 36, sensationally hinted late last week that a deal for the pair to throw down has been finalised. And Paul has added more fuel to the already raging fire on his Instagram story.Just hours after it was claimed he’ll face The Notorious in a Mumbai melee, Paul uploaded footage of himself hitting a heavy bag.The video followed Paul’s liking of an Instagram post stating the fight was nearly a done deal.READ MORE ON MCGREGOR VS PAULScores of boxing and MMA fans were quick to comment on the training clip, with one saying: “Conor KO’s Logan so it sets up him vs Jake.”Another said: “Yeah, he’s cooked.”And another said: “Worst boxer ever.”One remarked: “I think we know the outcome of this fight already.”Most read in BoxingAnother chimed in: “Way too big for McGregor.”It’s been claimed Paul and McGregor will each pocket a staggering £200MILLION for their South Asian showdown.Conor McGregor Trains Amid Logan Paul Boxing Match RumoursMumbai’s Wankhede Stadium is said to be the venue for the crossover clash, which is the brainchild of billionaire Anant Ambani.The fight will reportedly be held in conjunction with the nation’s ‘Visit India’ tourism campaign.It was recently revealed that neither the UFC nor the WWE – who McGregor and Paul have respective contracts with – have been contacted about the bout.But the fight would be simple to make if the promotions were keen to cash in as they’re both under the TKO Group banner.Paul hasn’t set foot inside the ring since his Misfits Boxing win over Dillon Danis last October, which came via disqualification.McGregor, meanwhile, hasn’t competed since breaking his left leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Irishman’s next fight will be his first since being found civilly liable for assaulting Nikita Hand at a Dublin Hotel in December 2018.The Dubliner – who was accused of “raping and battering” Ms Hand – has vowed to appeal the verdict of last month’s civil trial at Dublin’s High Court.Logan Paul last fought in a October 2023 grudge match with Dillon DanisCredit: ALAMYConor McGregor hasn’t competed since breaking his left leg in July 2021Credit: AP More

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      Conor McGregor ‘CONFIRMS’ £400m Logan Paul boxing match in India with UFC star set to receive INSANE purse

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      CONOR MCGREGOR has appeared to suggest a shock showdown with Logan Paul has been FINALISED.The Notorious revealed earlier this month that he was in preliminary talks over an exhibition boxing match with the YouTube sensation.Conor McGregor revealed earlier this month that he’s in talks to box Logan Paul next yearCredit: GettyMcGregor revealed his proposed clash with Paul would take place in India next yearCredit: GettyThe Notorious has seemingly confirmed that the fight has been finalisedPaul added more fuel to the fire on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM@HAPPYPUNCHAnd the 36-year-old has suggested the fight – which is set to be financed by Indian billionaire Anant Ambani – is on the brink of being announced.Veteran MMA journalist Emmett Glenn reported on Sunday that McGregor is now gearing up to face the social media sensation in a Mumbai melee next year.Glenn also revealed both men are set to earn a whopping £200MILLION ($250m) each for the South Asian slugfest.The crossover clash is said to be set to take place at the Wankhede Stadium and will be part of the country’s “Visit India’ tourism campaign.READ MORE ON MCGREGORAnd McGregor seemingly confirmed Glenn’s report by quoting his post on X with a Indian flag and a love-heart emoji.Casual and hardcore fight fans were quick to comment on the seemingly done deal, with one saying: “$250M each for an exhibition fight?”That’s more than most world title fights pay!”Another said: “Money talks, $250M is crazy for each.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd another said: “I’m tired of these gimick fights. Dude is scared to go back into the UFC.”One remarked: “Holy s**t that will be wild! $250 mil each??”Conor McGregor names his top five MMA fighters of all time including WWE legend and actor nicknamed ‘The Handsome One’ Another chimed in: “Lots of money for a boring fight.”YouTube phenom Paul added even more fuel to the fire by liking an Instagram post citing the report.It was revealed last week that neither the UFC nor the WWE, who McGregor and Paul are respectively contracted to, have been approached about the bout.Both entities, however, are under the TKO Group Banner – meaning the possible punch-up would be incredible easy to make.Former two-division champion McGregor hasn’t fought since breaking his left leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.His next outing will be his first since being found civilly liable for assaulting Nikita Hand at a Dublin Hotel in December 2018.The Irishman – who was accused of “raping and battering” Ms Hand – has vowed to appeal the verdict of last month’s civil trial at Dublin’s High Court. More