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    Ex-UFC fighter Mike Perry threatens to hit bare-knuckle opponent with a BASEBALL BAT in fiery press conference

    EX-UFC fighter Mike Perry pulled out a BASEBALL BAT during a fiery Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship press conference.The former UFC welterweight went face-to-face with opponent Julian Lane on Thursday ahead of their grudge match at KnuckleMania on Saturday night.
    Mike Perry traded verbal jabs with Julian Lane during the BKFC KnuckleMania 2 presserCredit: BKFC
    Lane repeatedly goaded Platinum during the heated presserCredit: BKFC
    And his taunts led to Perry pulling out a baseball bat midway through the presserCredit: BKFC
    And after being goaded by Lane for the umpteenth time, he pulled a bat out of nowhere and said: “What’s up, little b***h?”
    Ultimate Fighter season 16 contestant Lane immediately mocked Perry, saying: “You’ve got a bat, b****?
    “He needs a bat. What are you going to do with that?
    “My peoples already waiting outside to get your a** but I’ve got to make them wait so I can let you get in the ring and get really f****d up.
    “So with that bat, you might want to watch yourself when you’re walking out of here, you’re going to play like that.”
    Perry, however, lightened the mood by dismantling the bat and showing it was just a prop.
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    Former MMA fighters Perry and Lane, 30 and 34 respectively, were involved in a viral brawl last December.
    The pair clashed after Lane threw an object while Perry was in the commentary booth.
    But Platinum insists he has no serious issue with Nitrane, telling MMA Junkie: “It’s just another fight.
    “I’m here to handle business, make a paycheck, take care of my family – try to do make jokes, do something funny, spontaneous.
    Mike Perry inked a deal with BKFC after the expiration of his UFC contractCredit: GETTY
    “He got an attitude problem, but I’m gonna adjust his attitude on Saturday.”
    Perry inked a multi-fight deal with BKFC last October following the expiration of his UFC contract.
    The Michigan mauler lost four of his last five octagon outings, including his final fight against Daniel Rodriguez.
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    Jake Paul reignites war of words with UFC legend Conor McGregor by pointing out how much Tyson Fury earns for fighting

    JAKE PAUL has reignited his war of words with Conor McGregor – and this time he’s taken aim at the UFC star’s wages.The YouTuber began targeting McGregor with a series of expletive-filled videos 14 months ago before stopping his digs after seeing him break his leg last July.
    Jake Paul has renewed his feud with UFC superstar Conor McGregor
    The YouTuber took at The Notorious after seeing him praise Israel Adesanya’s new UFC contractCredit: TWITTER
    Paul trolled McGregor by saying he and Adesanya make less than Tyson FuryCredit: Getty
    Paul, however, put McGregor back in his crosshairs last month by mentioning him in his Dana White ‘diss track’.
    And now, he’s mocked the former two-division champion’s earnings by claiming they pale in comparison to those of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
    After seeing McGregor congratulate UFC middleweight champ Israel Adesanya for his new bumper deal, Paul tweeted: “Indeed well deserved [sic] for Izzy but unfortunately Tyson Fury still makes more than both of you combined for fighting.”
    The Problem Child then called for McGregor to step up and speak out about fighter pay in the UFC.
    He asked: “Conor, when you gonna [sic] start playing your part to get ALL fighters better pay and healthcare?”
    McGregor, who has yet to respond to Paul, hailed Adesanya’s bumper new deal by saying: “Congrats Paradigm Sports Management Agency.
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    “Number 1 and 2 highest paid on the UFC roster contractually.
    “Myself and Izzy. An excellent feather in the cap of an amazing sports agency. @ParadigmSports!
    “Congrats to all my team and a big congrats last night Israel.”
    Future UFC Hall of Famer McGregor, 33, is currently gearing up for a potential summer return to the octagon.
    The Irishman shattered his left leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier last July but has made a faster-than-anticipated recovery.
    Paul, meanwhile, is currently playing the role of promoter ahead of Amanda Serrano’s clash with Katie Taylor but is eyeing a September return to the ring.
    During an appearance on The MMA Hour, he said: “There’s a lot going on in other aspects of my life.
    “I’m going to do these press conferences over the next two weeks here to help with the promotion around Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano and I’m very busy on the business side of things with my venture capital fund.
    “So I haven’t even got back into the gym or been training at all.
    “I need to have a discussion with my coaches but probably I would say August-September maybe. Maybe later. I’m trying to figure it out.
    “Obviously if the stars align in some sort of way or I have a change of heart, then things can obviously move around but right now I don’t feel like that motivated to just go right back into another training camp.”
    Jake Paul is eyeing a September return to the ringCredit: GETTY
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    Aaron Chalmers, 34, admits he will never be world champ but Geordie Shore star dreaming of big fights and massive events

    AARON CHALMERS has given himself three years to achieve his boxing dreams of winning massive fights and even titles. The ex-Geordie Shore star has confirmed his switch from MMA to professional boxing, signing for promotional company Boxxer and Sky Sports.
    Aaron Chalmers has signed as a professional boxer
    He left the cage with a 5-2 record, last fighting in February 2020, and was almost ready to hang up his gloves afterwards.
    Chalmers, 34, told SunSport: “Not long after that we went into lockdown, then I had a baby and my life kind of spiralled a little bit.
    “I was drinking and then it got to like August or September and I thought, ‘I’m going to give it one more chance in boxing’.”
    Chalmers then spoke to close friend, 10–1–1 welterweight Josh Kelly – who suggested he try out their Surrey gym headed up by Adam Booth.
    Soon enough, the former Bellator welterweight was training in front of esteemed British coach Booth, where his boxing journey began.
    Chalmers revealed: “The first day, Adam was like, ‘Right, shadow box’. I shadow boxed and obviously I’d never boxed before, I’d only ever done MMA.
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    “From the level Adam has, he was like, ‘Right, we need to take everything back to scratch.’
    “For the first six months, I was literally practising the perfect jab, for f***ing six months.
    “There were many times I thought, is this going to work? But I thought stick in there and it will pay off.
    “People think I’ve just joined to Adam’s a couple of weeks ago and just signed to Boxxer.
    “That’s not the case. It’s been 17 months, living away, I’ve had two babies, and I’m living away from my missus and family as I knew eventually it would pay off, and it has.”
    Chalmers is living close to his gym and is surrounded by the likes of Michael Conlan, 30, Liam Williams, 29, and Kelly, 27.
    That does come at the cost of only spending one weekend every fortnight back home with his partner Talia and their three kids.
    But with only limited time to give it his all in the ring, the boxing debutant is ready to do whatever it takes.
    Michael Conlan, Aaron Chalmers and trainer Adam Booth
    Aaron Chalmers pictured with Sugar Shy and Liam Williams
    He said: “I’ve got three years, so it has to be done properly. If I wasn’t doing it properly, then I wouldn’t be at Adam’s gym.
    “I’m not going to be a world champion, that’s a fact. I haven’t got time on my side.
    “But my main goals are to fight on big, big shows, be on the undercards of massive events in England, Sky Sports events.
    “Maybe finish off, at 37 and try a fight for an Area title. Who knows? My MMA career was a whirlwind, I look back and think, ‘Jesus Christ’.
    “I’m hoping my boxing career will be the same, I’m hoping once we get the first fight in, I feel like everything is going to open up.”
    Big celebrity fights, with the likes of YouTuber Jake Paul, 25, and Love Islander Tommy Fury, 22, in the sport could be inevitable.
    But walking away with a prestigious domestic belt, like the famed English or British titles, could be just as rewarding for Chalmers.
    Aaron Chalmers is training in Adam Booth’s gym
    He agreed: “You can never say never, three years is a long time, you can learn a lot.
    “By all means, if Adam and I thought in two or three years time, I was ready, then 100 per cent I would never shy away from trying to earn a belt.
    “For someone who started boxing at 33-years-old, I would f***ing love to retire with a British or English title.
    “For me that is a big, big step, but we’ll see. Along with those fights, you’ve also got other fighters in boxing we can look at.
    “I’m just excited, I’m so glad it’s been announced.”
    Chalmers is set to make his pro boxing debut in April at the middleweight limit.
    Aaron Chalmers had a 5-2 MMA recordCredit: Sportsfile More

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    UFC boss Dana White refuses to do ‘jack s***’ with Bob Arum amid talk of Tyson Fury’s fight with Francis Ngannou

    DANA WHITE will refuse to do ‘jack s***’ with Bob Arum amid talk of Tyson Fury fighting Francis Ngannou. The UFC president has publicly clashed with Hall of Fame boxing promoter Arum in the past.
    Francis Ngannou and UFC president Dana WhiteCredit: Getty
    Tyson Fury pictured with boxing promoter Bob ArumCredit: Reuters
    And their feuding could rule out a future partnership for Fury, 33, to fight Ngannou, 35.
    White said at the UFC 271 press conference: “I’m not doing jack s*** with Bob Arum.
    “The other two guys I like, I like Al Haymon a lot and I like Eddie Hearn very much.”
    Mysterious American boxing mogul Haymon and White worked together in 2017, when Conor McGregor, 33, lost to Floyd Mayweather, 44.
    And White has long been praised by British promoter Hearn, whose boxers have used the UFC’s Performance Institute in Las Vegas before.
    But Arum’s feud with the UFC boss, which dates back to the veteran matchmaker slating MMA in its early days, shows no signs of being resolved.
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    UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou has publicly called to fight Fury but his current contract prohibits a crossover to the ring.
    Only Irish superstar McGregor was given permission to make the move to boxing for his ten round loss to Mayweather.
    But no other fighter has received the same treatment, leaving Ngannou to consider his future.
    The Cameroonian has no fights left on his UFC deal but as champion, he is still contracted to the promotion for the next 12 months.
    But if he refuses an extension, once the period is up, he will be free to cross over to boxing, where unbeaten WBC champ Fury will wait.
    FURY VS NGANNOU ‘NEXT YEAR’
    The Gypsy King has plans to fight mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte, 33, next and then the winner between Oleksandr Usyk, 35, and Anthony Joshua, 32.
    But Fury has already mapped out a plan to welcome Ngannou to the ring in 2023, predicting a record-breaking pay-per-view blockbuster.
    He told iFL TV: “I am going to fight Francis Ngannou in Las Vegas next year – in March or February.
    “There’s been no talks this year because I have got some boxing to do. But next year we can have some crazy fights. It’s a massive fight.
    “I believe it breaks all pay-per-view records in the United States. Two heavyweight champions going head to head.”
    Francis Ngannou has teased a switch to boxingCredit: AFP
    Tyson Fury wants to fight Francis Ngannou in 2023Credit: Getty More

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    What is a catchweight in boxing and UFC?

    BOXING and MMA are sports jam-packed with fighters of all different shapes and sizes. And it’d be foolish to have anyone fight whoever they please, regardless of their physical size or stature, so weight classes were introduced.
    Deontay Wilder weighs in before his second heavyweight fight with Tyson FuryCredit: The Sun
    UFC bantamweight star Amanda Nunes is one of the sport’s greatest athletesCredit: AP:Associated Press
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    In boxing, there are 17 different weight divisions, starting at strawweight and ending all the way up in the sport’s blue-riband division, heavyweight.
    In the UFC, the world’s largest MMA organisation, there are 12 weight classes, eight for the male fighters and four the females.
    But what happens when two fighters can’t agree to a fight in a particular weight class? Introducing the catchweight…
    What is a catchweight in combat sports?
    A catchweight is the weight agreed to by both participants in a fight which is stipulated to take place outside of the exciting weight classes in the sport.
    This weekend, Amir Khan takes on Kell Brook in a huge Brit grudge clash, and although both have fought their careers from super-lightweight all the way up to super-welterweight, the pair won’t be fighting in any of those.
    Instead, the fight is taking place at 149lbs, which is two pounds above the standard welterweight limit.
    Catchweights are agreed to in a contract and they’re usually brought in to accommodate a fighter who struggles to make weight, with the opposing fighter unlikely to want to move up a full weight class.
    Should a fighter weigh-in heavier than the agreed-to weight class, there are usually purse charges in place as punishment.
    In the case of Khan and Brook, if either fighter misses the 149lb limit, it’s been reported that they face a huge six-figure fine for their troubles.
    Catchweight fights don’t happen as often in the UFC as they do in boxing, but there have still been some instances.
    Current featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski fought at a 150lbs catchweight against Shane Young in 2017, taking the fight on a weeks notice.
    Boxing weight classes

    Strawweight – 105lbs
    Light-flyweight – 108lbs
    Flyweight – 112lbs
    Super-flyweight – 115lbs
    Bantamweight – 118lbs
    Super-bantamweight – 122lbs
    Featherweight – 126lbs
    Super-featherweight – 130lbs
    Lightweight – 135lbs
    Super-lightweight – 140lbs
    Welterweight – 147lbs
    Super-welterweight 154lbs
    Middleweight – 160lbs
    Super-middleweight – 168lbs
    Light-heavyweight – 175lbs
    Cruiserweight – 200 lbs
    Bridgerweight* – 224lbs
    Heavyweight – 200lbs+

    *Only recognised by the WBC in boxing.
    UFC weight classes
    Female weights

    Strawweight – 115lbs
    Flyweight – 125lbs
    Bantamweight – 135lbs
    Featherweight – 145lbs

    Male weights

    Flyweight – 125lbs
    Bantamweight – 135lbs
    Featherweight – 145lbs
    Lightweight – 155lbs
    Welterweight – 170lbs
    Middleweight – 185lbs
    Light-heavyweight – 200lbs
    Heavyweight – 200lbs+

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    Khabib backing Amir Khan in Kell Brook grudge match but predicts a ‘close fight’ as UFC legend reveals love for boxing

    KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV is backing Amir Khan in his grudge match with Kell Brook – but expects a ‘close fight’. The 35-year-old welterweight rivals finally put their reputations and bragging rights on the line this Saturday in Manchester.
    Khabib Nurmagomedov and Amir KhanCredit: @amirkingkhan
    Kell Brook fights Amir Khan this SaturdayCredit: Getty
    Khan and Khabib – both hugely popular fighters in the Middle East – have formed a friendship in the past.
    So the retired UFC legend will be rooting for his pal in the pay-per-view clash, but knows it will not be easy.
    Khabib, 33, told Sky Sports: “I’m gonna watch. I like boxing, I love boxing. I was watching like boxing, like all big fights I watch live.
    “I know he [Khan] has a tough opponent. And I was like, I don’t think like Amir Khan right now is in his prime time.
    “But it’s going to be a close fight. My opinion is it’s going to be a close fight, a very close fight.
    “He has a tough opponent, but he can beat him, but I think it’s going to be very close fight.”
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    Khabib retired from the UFC in 2020 after beating Justin Gaethje, 33, in what was his first fight after losing his influential father Abdulmanap.
    The Russian refused to return without his mentor and coach, even rejecting a $100million boxing match with Floyd Mayweather, 44.
    Khabib remains a fight fan and has even launched his own MMA promotion, Eagle Fighting Championship.
    But well as boxing, Nurmagomedov is a keen football supporter and recently visited Manchester United.
    Now one of his top priorities is convincing good friend Cristiano Ronaldo, 37, to remain at Old Trafford for next season.
    Khabib joked: “He became 37 years old, this is not his best age but even how he plays, I think affect his whole team.
    “His energy, his experience, his advice. They have a very good, strong, young team.
    “Next year I feel they will do a very good job, right now so many new players they don’t connect well.
    “I think next year Manchester United are going to be big problem for all clubs. I’m going to talk with him.”

    UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov and Man Utd forward Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Instagram / @khabib_nurmagomedov More

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    Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmers signs first pro boxing deal to fight on Sky Sports and be managed by Adam Booth

    AARON CHALMERS has confirmed his switch from MMA to professional boxing. Chalmers, who had a 5-2 cage record, has signed to fight on Sky Sports with promotional stable Boxxer.
    Aaron Chalmers has confirmed his switch from MMA to professional boxingCredit: @aaroncgshore
    The reality TV and Geordie Shore star will be managed by esteemed British coach Adam Booth.
    Chalmers, 34, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my time in MMA but I always knew that boxing was where I wanted to be.
    “Now I’ve got the chance to fulfil that dream and over the next few years I’m going to give it my all.”
    Chalmers fought for American promotion Bellator and had two knockouts in his seven-fight MMA career.
    But he is the latest high-profile signing to join Sky and Boxxer, which is run by promoter Ben Shalom.
    Shalom said: “Millions of people know Aaron Chalmers as a television star and professional MMA fighter.
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    “But he’s very serious about boxing and I’ve witnessed his dedication over the past twelve months.
    “Adam Booth is one of the most accomplished trainers out there, so I’m looking forward to some exciting fights and seeing how far he can go.”
    Chalmers is joined by stable-mates Harlem Eubank, 27, and Josh Kelly, 27, in penning a deal with Sky.
    His pro boxing debut along with the weight division he will campaign in is yet to be announced.
    Aaron Chalmers had a 5-2 MMA careerCredit: Getty More

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    Jake Paul called out by Brit UFC star Paddy Pimblett… for fight in his mum’s back garden and slams MMA switch claim

    JAKE PAUL has been called out by rising UFC star Paddy Pimblett – who wants to fight the social media star in his ‘mum’s back garden’.YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul has ruffled the feathers of several UFC fighters over the last 14 months – despite his calls for better pay in the promotion.
    Jake Paul has been singing from the rooftops about fighter payCredit: ALAMY
    The YouTuber has also teased a move into mixed martial artsCredit: INSTAGRAM@JAKEPAUL
    And UFC star Paddy Pimblett has challenged Paul to a fight in his mum’s gardenCredit: GETTY
    But Pimblett isn’t buying Paul’s claim that he wants to fatten fighters’ pockets, nor does he believe The Problem Child is keen on a transition to MMA.
    During an appearance on the Chattin’ Pony podcast, the former Cage Warriors featherweight champ said: “The way he’s saying, ‘I’m gonna end up getting in the cage.’
    “You’re not, lad. You’re not. Stop lying. If you want to have an MMA fight, I’ll fight you in my ma’s garden tomorrow. You know what I mean?
    “He’s going on, he’s trying to act like a martyr – like he’s helping MMA fighters.
    “He’s not, lad. He’s just doing that for his own publicity.”
    Pimblett is adamant Paul’s rants about fighter pay are just an attempt to make UFC president Dana White look bad.
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    The Liverpudlian added: “That’s why the only thing what’s p me off about it, people are like, ‘Ah, he’s actually being good for MMA fighters.’
    “He’s not. He just wants to make a show of Dana White, and that’s the perfect way of doing it.”
    Next Generation’s Pimblett revealed his dislike of Paul days after the former Disney star’s first victory over Tyron Woodley last August.
    He said: “I don’t waste my time with s*** like that. The only thing I’ve seen is where Woodley catches him with a punch and nearly knocks him out.
    “I’ve heard off a few people that Woodley got robbed.
    “You need to finish people like that, or you’ll get robbed.
    Pimblett is preparing to make his second octagon outing at UFC London next monthCredit: Getty
    “He’s a sausage. I’d fight him tomorrow and I’d beat him tomorrow.”
    Lightweight prospect Pimblett is currently gearing up for a March showdown with Kazula Vargas at UFC London.
    Paul, meanwhile, is eying a September return to the ring after he finishes promoting Amanda Serrano’s monumental clash with Katie Taylor.
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