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    ‘I don’t hate the guy’ – UFC boss Dana White talks down Jake Paul feud and says YouTuber is ‘trying to make some money’

    DANA WHITE has talked down a feud with Jake Paul by admitting: ‘I don’t hate the guy’. The UFC president has been locked in a verbal online spat with YouTube star Paul recently.
    Dana White has talked down a feud with Jake PaulCredit: Getty
    Jake Paul has been locked in a verbal online spat with Dana WhiteCredit: AFP
    White was largely accused of underpaying his UFC stable, while he himself hit out at the American celebrity’s boxing record.
    But the UFC boss has now set the record straight and played down a rivalry with Paul, who he claimed is just ‘trying to make some money’.
    White told Manouk Akopyan: “He really hasn’t been a thorn in my side. I don’t hate the guy like people think I hate him.
    “You know, he’s out there doing his thing. He’s a young guy who’s got a fanbase and is trying to make some money. I don’t ever fault anybody for that.”
    Paul, 24, has knocked out and beaten two of White’s former fighters, Ben Askren, 37, and Tyron Woodley, 39.
    Ex-UFC champion Woodley initially lost on points in August but was KO’d in their December rematch.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Boxing.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    Paul’s over two wins came against online rival ‘AnEsonGib’ and ex-NBA point guard Nate Robinson, 37.
    As a result, White has mocked the social media sensation for failing to fight an opponent who has boxed professionally before.
    Their spat also turned sour when Paul accused the MMA promoter of using cocaine.
    But White refuted the accusation and offered to be tested for the recreational drug over a TEN YEAR period.
    In return, he asked to drug test Paul for two years, accusing the 5-0 prizefighter of using steroids.
    He really hasn’t been a thorn in my side. I don’t hate the guy like people think I hate him. Dana White on Jake Paul
    Paul later hit back and denied the allegations and agreed to be tested by United States Anti Doping Agency – the UFC’s drug testing partners.
    The viral back-and-forth came as a shock to boxing promoter promoter Eddie Hearn, who praised Paul for engaging White so publicly.
    Hearn said to DAZN Boxing: “Jake Paul’s done really well to engage Dana White in those conversations.
    “I’ve got a huge amount of respect for Dana White and I was quite shocked that he posted a video about Jake Paul addressing him.
    “That would have been music to Jake Paul’s ears. Music to his ears, because that’s what he does, he goads you to the point you start talking back.”
    UFC president Dana White pictured with boxing promoter Eddie HearnCredit: @danawhite More

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    ‘He’d f*** y’all up’ – Tyron Woodley warns UFC stars against calling out Jake Paul as he hits back at critics

    TYRON WOODLEY hit back at critics following his knockout loss to Jake Paul and warned ‘he’d f*** y’all up’. The ex-UFC champion was brutally laid out in round six of his short-notice rematch with Paul in December.
    Tyron Woodley was knocked out in his rematch with Jake PaulCredit: Showtime
    It was his second defeat to the YouTuber, having initially been beaten on points four months earlier.
    But the brutality of the rematch KO left Woodley the subject to viral memes and mocking.
    The man himself though has played down suffering any embarrassment and instead praised unbeaten Paul.
    Woodley, 39, said on The MMA Hour: “A lot of people are saying, ‘Oh, you lost to him again. You got knocked out.’
    “He would literally fuck a lot of y’all up. MMA fighters and other people that are just bumping at the gums.
    “He’s an athletic kid that don’t have no job beyond this. He don’t have no kids, he don’t have no businesses he’s running.
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    “He can have the best trainer, the best coaches, the best nutrition, the most focus, he can separate himself.
    “He don’t have the financial burden. Most MMA fighters, when we first start, we don’t have money.
    “We do what we can do. We get whatever training we get can help us out to see a future in this.”
    Paul has now KO’d all of opponents, also beating online rival ‘AnEsonGib’, ex-NBA player Nate Robinson, 37, and retired UFC star Ben Askren, 37,
    But he is still yet to face an opponent with prior professional boxing experience, after 7-0 Tommy Fury, 22, pulled out with a broken rib and chest infection.
    Jake Paul celebrating his brutal KOCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    Jake Paul urged by Eddie Hearn to face Conor McGregor NEXT – but promoter fears Dana White feud may stop ‘massive fight’

    EDDIE HEARN urged Jake Paul to face Conor McGregot next – but fears the feud with Dana White could stop the ‘massive fight’ from happening. Paul has already knocked out two of White’s former stars – Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren.
    Jake Paul pictured with Eddie Hearn in 2019Credit: Getty
    UFC president Dana White and Conor McGregor in 2016Credit: Getty
    And more recently, he has feuded with the UFC president online, accusing him of underpaying his fighters.
    All while the YouTuber has long called out McGregor – who lost his boxing debut to Floyd Mayweather.
    And Hearn said the Irishman is the biggest fight out there for Paul but admitted his rivalry with White could stand in the way of negotiating a deal.
    He said told DAZN Boxing: “For me, the fight is Conor McGregor. I keep saying it. I think it’s a good fight, to be honest with you.
    “You’ve got the weight difference. Conor McGregor can box. He’s not a boxer but he’s had an amateur background.
    “He’s a lot more accomplished than a Tyron Woodley or an Askren and these kinds of people.
    “And it’s a massive fight. But obviously you’ve got the whole UFC, Dana White – Jake Paul.”
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    UFC fighters are prohibited from competing outside of the octagon, unless given special permission.
    McGregor, 33, was given so to fight Mayweather, 44, in a 2017 crossover bout which White co-promoted.
    But his back-and-forths with Paul, 24, make a deal less likely to be agreed.
    White even responded to Paul’s accusation he uses cocaine and agreed to be tested for the recreational drug over a TEN YEAR period.
    But in return, he wanted to steroid test the 5-0 prizefighter for two years, alleging the American celebrity of cheating.
    Paul denied ever taking steroids and also agreed to be tested by United States Anti Doping – the UFC’s drug testers – to prove it.
    Hearn admitted he was stunned that White responded so publicly to Paul, which played right into the social media sensation’s hands.

    The promoter said: “Jake Paul’s done really well to engage Dana White in those conversations.
    “I’ve got a huge amount of respect for Dana White and I was quite shocked that he posted a video about Jake Paul addressing him.
    “That would have been music to Jake Paul’s ears. Music to his ears, because that’s what he does, he goads you to the point you start talking back.”
    Paul has KO wins over YouTuber ‘AnEsonGib’, ex-NBA player Nate Robinson, 37, as well as ex-UFC pair Askren, 37, and most recently Woodley, 39.
    The ex-UFC champion was initially beaten on points in August but knocked out in the December rematch.
    Woodley only filled in on short notice after Tommy Fury, 22, pulled out with a broken rib and chest infection.
    It means Paul is still yet to fight an opponent with prior professional boxing experience, something 0-1 McGregor technically has.
    Jake Paul knocked out Tyron Woodley in their rematchCredit: AP
    Floyd Mayweather beat Conor McGregor in 2017Credit: Getty More

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    Mike Tyson comparisons a ‘great honour’ for UFC champion Francis Ngannou who says Iron is ‘greatest boxer of all time’

    UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou admits it’s a ‘great honour’ to be compared to boxing legend Mike Tyson.The Cameroonian has garnered a fierce reputation as one of combat sports’ most vicious knockout artists during his six-year stint in the UFC.
    UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has developed a reputation as a fierce KO artistCredit: GETTY
    The Predator has several viral KOs to his name – including his vicious KO of Alistair OvereemCredit: GETTY
    Ngannou has drawn comparisons to booking legend Mike TysonCredit: REUTERS
    And the Cameroonian admits it’s an ‘honour’ to be compared to the boxing greatCredit: INSTAGRAM@FRANCISNGANNOU
    Ngannou’s ferociousness inside the cage has recently seen him garner the same fearsome aura Tyson had in the late 1980s and early ’90s.
    And having his name mentioned in the same breath as a prime Tyson is a source of immense pride for ‘The Predator’.
    The 34-year-old told SunSport this week: “Well, that’s such a great honour.
    “That’s honourable just to be at the point that they compare me to Mike Tyson.”
    Although he’s thrilled with the comparisons to Iron Mike – who he holds in the highest regard – Ngannou doesn’t plan to rest on his laurels.
    He said: “I won’t say that it’s my ultimate goal, but it’s something massive as Mike Tyson is my greatest fighter, [greatest] boxer of all time. I get Mike Tyson all day long.”
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}LATEST IN SUN BINGO AND VEGAS.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    That being said, the former refugee is still over the moon to have his name mentioned in the same breath as the ex-undisputed heavyweight champion’s.
    He said with a wry smile on his face: “So to be at that point [in my career], it’s just great, man. It’s just good stuff.”
    Ngannou was in love with boxing before his now-former coach Fernand Lopez – who will corner against him this weekend – urged him to try his hand at mixed martial arts.
    The UFC’s first African-born heavyweight champion still has ambitions of entering the squared circle and has set his sights on a blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury.
    And he believes a big-money bout with The Gypsy King will come to fruition after he makes the first defence of his title this weekend.
    Francis Ngannou believes Mike Tyson is the ‘greatest boxer of all time’Credit: INSTAGRAM@FRANCISNGANNOU
    Francis Ngannou will defend his heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 this weekendCredit: UFC
    When asked how confident he is about a fight with the WBC heavyweight champ coming to fruition, he replied: “Out of ten?
    “Let’s say eight. Why not nine? Just to be conservative.”
    Before Ngannou can think about a venture into the boxing world, he must first get through his UFC 270 heavyweight title unification bout with former team-mate and sparring partner Ciryl Gane.
    The pair know one another intimately having trained together at the MMA Factory in Paris, but Gane insists he’s ‘improved’ significantly since their days as training partners.
    Bon Gamin told SunSport: “I think this time we’ve improved, 100 per cent.
    “We have improved a lot – on my part and his part.
    “At this time, the feeling was, ‘I was really lucky’ because I had just started in MMA and I can spar with a guy who was already in the top-five.”
    “So I think today, it’s going to be a bit different. But this has helped me to have a little more confidence.”
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    Jake Paul urged by Eddie Hearn to face Conor McGregor NEXT but promoter fears Dana White feud may stop ‘massive fight’

    EDDIE HEARN urged Jake Paul to face Conor McGregot next – but fears the feud with Dana White could stop the ‘massive fight’ from happening. Paul has already knocked out two of White’s former stars – Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren.
    Jake Paul pictured with Eddie Hearn in 2019Credit: Getty
    UFC president Dana White and Conor McGregor in 2016Credit: Getty
    And more recently, he has feuded with the UFC president online, accusing him of underpaying his fighters.
    All while the YouTuber has long called out McGregor – who lost his boxing debut to Floyd Mayweather.
    And Hearn said the Irishman is the biggest fight out there for Paul but admitted his rivalry with White could stand in the way of negotiating a deal.
    He said told DAZN Boxing: “For me, the fight is Conor McGregor. I keep saying it. I think it’s a good fight, to be honest with you.
    “You’ve got the weight difference. Conor McGregor can box. He’s not a boxer but he’s had an amateur background.
    “He’s a lot more accomplished than a Tyron Woodley or an Askren and these kinds of people.
    “And it’s a massive fight. But obviously you’ve got the whole UFC, Dana White – Jake Paul.”
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    UFC fighters are prohibited from competing outside of the octagon, unless given special permission.
    McGregor, 33, was given so to fight Mayweather, 44, in a 2017 crossover bout which White co-promoted.
    But his back-and-forths with Paul, 24, make a deal less likely to be agreed.
    White even responded to Paul’s accusation he uses cocaine and agreed to be tested for the recreational drug over a TEN YEAR period.
    But in return, he wanted to steroid test the 5-0 prizefighter for two years, alleging the American celebrity of cheating.
    Paul denied ever taking steroids and also agreed to be tested by United States Anti Doping – the UFC’s drug testers – to prove it.
    Hearn admitted he was stunned that White responded so publicly to Paul, which played right into the social media sensation’s hands.

    The promoter said: “Jake Paul’s done really well to engage Dana White in those conversations.
    “I’ve got a huge amount of respect for Dana White and I was quite shocked that he posted a video about Jake Paul addressing him.
    “That would have been music to Jake Paul’s ears. Music to his ears, because that’s what he does, he goads you to the point you start talking back.”
    Paul has KO wins over YouTuber ‘AnEsonGib’, ex-NBA player Nate Robinson, 37, as well as ex-UFC pair Askren, 37, and most recently Woodley, 39.
    The ex-UFC champion was initially beaten on points in August but knocked out in the December rematch.
    Woodley only filled in on short notice after Tommy Fury, 22, pulled out with a broken rib and chest infection.
    It means Paul is still yet to fight an opponent with prior professional boxing experience, something 0-1 McGregor technically has.
    Jake Paul knocked out Tyron Woodley in their rematchCredit: AP
    Floyd Mayweather beat Conor McGregor in 2017Credit: Getty More

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    UFC star Francis Ngannou says there is ‘9/10’ chance he will fight Tyson Fury after Ciryl Gane bout in crossover clash

    UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is 90 per cent sure he’ll Tyson Fury in a blockbuster crossover bout after he makes the first defence of his title.Ngannou, 34, has been on the receiving end of multiple call-outs from the bruising Brit ahead of his UFC 270 title defence against Ciryl Gane on Sunday morning.
    Francis Ngannou was recently called out by WBC heavyweight champion Tyson FuryCredit: TWITTER
    The king of the UFC’s heavyweight division quickly accepted Fury’s call-outCredit: REUTERS
    The Predator is confident a showdown with the Fury will come to fruitionCredit: REUTERS
    The Predator has publicly accepted Fury’s challenges and believes he’ll throw down with the WBC heavyweight champ after seeing off Gane.
    When asked how confident he is about a fight with the Wythenshawe warrior coming to fruition, he replied: Out of ten?
    “Let’s say eight. Why not nine? Just to be conservative.”
    African powerhouse Ngannou is refusing to let the prospect of a multi-million-pound showdown with the Gypsy King distract him from his first defence of the UFC’s heavyweight crown.
    He said: “That idea just came out like that, but I’m not thinking about that fight right now.
    “Obviously I think it would be a good thing to bring something new. Some crossover thing, something strange; very entertaining.
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    “I think he’ll make this very special and very good. Some new fighting style.”
    Ngannou will become a free agent if he loses his grudge match with former team-mate Gane, although a victory will extend his current deal until the end of the year.
    The Cameroonian clubber doesn’t know what the future holds for him but admits he wants his next outing to be a big-money showdown with Fury.
    He said: “I don’t know [if the fight will happen], but that’s who I want it to be [against].”
    Should Ngannou get the better of the undefeated Gane, a blockbuster bout with former pound-for-pound UFC king Jon Jones will be on the cards.
    But if clashes with Jones and Fury were both put to the former refugee, he’d prefer a venture into the boxing ring.
    He told Sky Sports: “If you give me the two options, I would choose fighting Tyson Fury.
    Francis Ngannou must first get past Ciryl Gane before he can think about a fight with Tyson FuryCredit: UFC
    “After fighting Stipe [Miocic], the John Jones fight was on the table, but it seems like nobody really cares about it, so I don’t know.
    “And also, we don’t even know what is the position of Jon Jones right now.
    “I’m not planning my life based on that. I will plan my life based on the facts.”
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    UFC star Nate Diaz called out by Bellator champ AJ McKee to ‘squash the beef’ after their brawl before Jake Paul fight

    NATE DIAZ has been called out by Bellator champion AJ McKee to ‘squash the beef’ following their brawl before Jake Paul’s last fight. The pair were in Florida supporting their training partners Anthony Taylor and Chris Avila, who fought on Paul’s undercard.
    AJ McKee called out Nate Diaz to ‘squash the beef’Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    Nate Diaz was involved in an altercation with AJ McKeeCredit: Getty
    And at one of the media days a melee between the opposing teams broke out, with McKee and Diaz involved.
    Now, the Bellator king wants to settle the score inside the cage as ‘head honchos’ of their rivalling camps.
    He told CBS Sport: “Things just escalated a little quickly. Nate has one fight left. I have however many left. But I don’t really care.
    “If we have an issue, at the end of the day, we can let these [fists] do the problem solving for me.
    “He comes from that era. I come from watching that era and growing up in that era. We ain’t gotta do all this and all that.
    “If we have really issues let’s let these do the handling. So far it’s 1-1 with Chris Avila and Anthony.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in MMA.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    “I think Nate and I need to go ahead and squash the beef as head honchos. Let us get it on and pop it one time and see what it is.
    “I know what it is but I think he needs to see what it is and feel what it is so that he can know.
    “I don’t care what weight class. 150, 170. I walk around 160, 165 right now. Tell me 170 and see what I come back with.”
    Avila, 28, went on to beat Paul’s ex-sparring partner Taylor, 32, over eight rounds in a boxing rematch having initially lost in MMA.
    And McKee, 26, opened up on how the altercation with Diaz, 36, first erupted days beforehand.
    He revealed: “I don’t know how it all started with Anthony but, at the end of the day, Anthony will not be touched in my presence. Period.
    I think Nate and I need to go ahead and squash the beef as head honchos. Let us get it on and pop it one time and see what it is. AJ McKee
    “You know what I mean? If I’m with any of my boys, if somebody has an issue, none of my boys are going to be touched in my presence.
    “I mean, if they catch Ant on the street and beat him up, I’m not going to come and find Nate. But while I’m standing there, he won’t be touched.
    “I don’t care if it’s Chris Avila, Nate Diaz or anyone else. He’s not going to be touched.
    “I have my four-year-old brother with me too, on top of it all. So you know I’m not looking for trouble unless trouble needs to be got.
    “In that situation, he tried to sneak around and get to Anthony. My boy Rhys wasn’t having it. He squared up. I saw someone square up with him.
    “At that point, I mean, hey, when people are squaring up you know what comes after square up – punches get thrown.”
    Anthony Taylor pictured with AJ McKee
    Nate Diaz and training partner Chris Avila More

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    UFC chief Dana White trolls Tyson Fury over lack of ring action following Francis Ngannou vs Gypsy King fight talk

    DANA WHITE said Tyson Fury called out Francis Ngannou because he needs ‘guys to fight’ and admitted: ‘It doesn’t surprise me’. Fury teased a Las Vegas ‘clash of the heavyweight titans’ crossover bout with UFC champion Ngannou.
    Tyson Fury called out Francis NgannouCredit: Rex
    Francis Ngannou, UFC president Dana White and Junior dos SantosCredit: Getty
    He said on Twitter: “Think of the clash of the titans, Fury vs Ngannou. Very excited, very excited.
    “I think this would be an absolutely amazing fight, Las Vegas, the world would want to see it.
    “The clash of the heavyweight titans.”
    The MMA and boxing stars have built a steady rivalry in recent years that has seen the pair challenge other other.
    But UFC fighters are banned from competing outside the promotion, unless given a special exemption.
    Conor McGregor, 33, was given one in 2017 for his lucrative boxing loss to American legend Floyd Mayweather, 44.
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    No fighter has since been given such treatment – but Ngannou wants to put a stop to that.
    Fury, 33, the WBC boxing belt holder since February 2020, has in the past teased a boxing match with UFC gloves on against Ngannou, 35.
    But the Cameroonian has his sights set on a switch to boxing.
    Ngannou defends his title against former training partner Ciryl Gane, 31, next on January 22.
    It is the last fight on his UFC contract and Ngannou has threatened to walk out on the promotion amid a money row.
    And if he is to extend his deal, he wants a clause that would allow him to box at the same time along with a pay rise.
    Think of the clash of the titans, Fury vs Ngannou. Very excited, very excited. Tyson Fury
    Ngannou told told ESPN: “No, I will not fight for $500,000, $600,000 anymore. I mean, it’s over. It’s over.
    “I just did this. I took this fight for a personal reason, and because I want to make sure that regardless, even if it’s unfair.
    “I have been wrongly treated, I can make my case to say I have completed the eight fights. But no.
    “We’ve been having this (boxing) discussion for a year, and it seems like they were OK with it.
    “Whatever you’re doing, whatever the event is, whether it’s boxing, when the UFC is involved, it’s just going to make it bigger.
    “That’s not questionable. So yes, if I want to box, I would like the UFC to be involved.”
    Tyson Fury with his WBC heavyweight titleCredit: Reuters
    UFC heavyweight champion Tyson FuryCredit: Getty More