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    Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou fight welcomed as ‘exciting nonsense’ by Eddie Hearn as he focuses on Dillian Whyte clash

    TYSON FURY’S bid to fight UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is just ‘exciting nonsense’, according to Eddie Hearn.The Matchroom boss would much rather match the 33-year-old WBC king against mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte or former unified champ Anthony Joshua.
    Tyson Fury recently called out UFC heavyweight champion Francis NgannouCredit: TWITTER
    Cameroonian KO artist Ngannou accepted The Gypsy King’s call-outCredit: GETTY
    But the prospect of the pair meeting has been laughed off by Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie HearnCredit: MATCHROOM BOXING
    But the Gypsy King has been having fun calling out the Cameroon knockout sensation on Twitter instead.
    The 6ft 9in undefeated superstar has offered to fight The Predator under boxing rules but with the UFC’s dangerous 4oz gloves.
    And Ngannou replied with an invite into the octagon with the standard boxing gloves instead.
    Hearn would much rather Fury handled the serious business of negotiating a deal to face Whyte but is enjoying the show.
    “I think it’s nonsense but it’s all good,” he said after launching his and DAZN’s stacked start to 2022.
    “Anything that gets people talking is good.
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    “It is quite exciting to think of the prospect of Tyson Fury fighting Francis Ngannou in a ring or in a cage, wherever. But I don’t see it happening any time soon.
    “Anything like that drives fan engagement, which is good, it’s good for Tyson and Francis Ngannou, boxing and the UFC.
    “Anything that gets people talking is good news.”
    Whyte is furious that the WBC have ordered him to accept just 20 per cent of the purse for his potential fight with Fury, especially as he is their interim champion.
    Hearn expects Tuesday’s purse bids to be pushed back to help all parties come to an agreement and he confirms the always bullish Whyte – who has been the sanctioning body’s No1 contender since 2017 – has been drained by the frustration.
    He said: “We swapped a couple of messages earlier this week and Dillian is not the type to accept anything that is not fair.
    “I would be tired as well, if I was Dillian Whyte, but I think his team has done a good job of shielding him from a lot of it.

    Dillian Whyte is the mandatory challenger for Tyson Fury’s WBC heavyweight titleCredit: Getty
    “His management and legal team have put so much work in to get Dillian what he deserves and a lot of people would have quit a long time ago.
    “Sometimes these things are a battle of endurance because it is legal letter after letter, case after case, petitions, just relentless work.
    “But they are not going to give up and they will keep fighting for what they believe Dillian Whyte deserves.”
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    Tyson Fury calls on Dana White to set up boxing match against ‘beast’ Francis Ngannou with UFC GLOVES as feud hots up

    TYSON FURY has teased a crossover fight against UFC champion Francis Ngannou – but with a twist. The WBC heavyweight boxing champion shared a poster of himself and Ngannou, tagging UFC president Dana White in the post.
    Tyson Fury teased a crossover fight against UFC champion Francis Ngannou

    He captioned it: “Who would like to see me fight this beast boxing rules @ufc gloves?”
    It comes following a feud between Fury and UFC heavyweight Ngannou, who has talked up a boxing switch before.
    The Cameroonian, 35, defends his title against former training partner Ciryl Gane, 31, on January 22.
    It is the last fight on his UFC contract and Ngannou has threatened to walk out on the promotion amid a pay row.
    And more recently, he discussed wanting a stipulation on his next UFC deal which would allow him to box at the same time.
    Ngannou told TMZ: “It’s always been down the line. This is something I’m not taking my eyes off of.
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    “It’s gonna happen, either way. Even if, when the UFC and I finalise a deal, the boxing part has to be into it because I can’t see myself retire without boxing.
    “Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder. I would like to test myself to that level. It’s not the same sport, although I’m the champion, I’m in the top in this division.”
    UFC stars are prohibited from fighting outside the promotion, unless given a special exemption.
    Conor McGregor, 33, was given so in 2017 for his lucrative boxing loss to American legend Floyd Mayweather, 44.
    But no fighter has since been given such treatment, which has led to Ngannou pondering a UFC exit.
    Fury once promised to ‘roast’ Ngannou in a fight, and called him ‘easy work’.
    Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder. I would like to test myself to that level.Francis Ngannou
    But the Gypsy King has ruled out ever making a full-time switch to MMA, instead proposing a striking bout in the cage, with the smaller 4oz gloves.
    He told talkSPORT in June: “I’ve got no real interest in grappling up and down on the floor and all that sort of stuff.
    “I’m a stand-up fighting man, I don’t wrestle up and down and grab each other’s arms and sit on each other and all that.
    “I’ve no interest in all that stuff – I like to stand up and fight so would I ever compete as an MMA fighter? Hell no!
    “Would I compete with small gloves on in a cage in a fight? Yes. But no gripping and grappling.
    “The noble art of standing up and what men have been doing for centuries. I don’t see any noble science in wrestling up and down the floor.”
    UFC heavyweight champion Francis NgannouCredit: Getty
    Darren Till with Tyson Fury, who is wearing UFC glovesCredit: Refer to Caption More

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    Jake Paul PASSED drug test taken before Tyron Woodley bout amid UFC boss Dana White’s calls for him to prove he is clean

    JAKE PAUL was subjected to a pre-fight drug test before his rematch with Tyron Woodley – which he passed with flying colours.Both YouTuber turned boxer Paul and former UFC welterweight champ Woodley were subjected to urinalysis before their Tampa tussle last month.
    Both Jake Paul and Tyron Woodley were drug tested ahead of their rematch last monthCredit: AFP
    The pair were subjected to urinalysis by the Florida Athletic CommissionCredit: GETTY
    Both Paul and former UFC welterweight champ Woodley passed their respective testsCredit: Rex
    And multiple sources have revealed to SunSport the pair’s respective tests ‘produced negative results for all prohibited substances.’
    The Florida Athletic Commission didn’t make the test results public knowledge due to ‘medical privacy’.
    A FAC spokesperson told SunSport: “Both fighters submitted to a urinalysis prior to the bout.
    “The Florida Athletic Commission does not release medical or testing results.”
    They later added: “The Florida Athletic Commission does not release medical testing information due to medical privacy.
    “The penalties for banned substances are defined in Section 548.046 (3)(d) of Florida Statutes.”
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    Despite showing no signs of performance-enhancing drug use, Problem Child Paul has been dogged by accusations of banned substance use over the last five months.
    Last August, renowned mixed martial arts coach Firas Zahabi claimed Paul was ‘definitely’ ‘going to be on PEDs’ for his first encounter with Woodley.
    UFC president Dana White recently accused Paul of using steroids in a video responding to the social media star’s demands to compete inside the octagon.
    White said: “You publicly stated that I use cocaine. I do not. So I told you, you could randomly cocaine test me for the next 10 years.
    “I believe that you’re a cheater and I believe that you use steroids, so I want to randomly steroid test you for the next two years.”
    Social media sensation Paul quickly denied White’s allegation, saying in a three-minute-long video: “Dana, I accepted every part of your challenge. I said I would fight [Jorge] Masvidal in MMA.
    “Steroid test me whenever the f**k you want. It is two weeks after my fight and I’m a fat b****.
    “And I take it as a compliment because there’s no other excuse to me knocking out all your champions [than].’ This kid does steroids.’
    “Look at me. Look at that, a fat b****.”
    Jake Paul has been dogged by PED use but is adamant he’s never taken steroidsCredit: AFP
    In his brief professional boxing career Paul, 24, has never tested positive for PEDS or anabolic steroids.
    Former Disney star Paul stretched his unbeaten record to 5-0 with a stunning sixth-round stoppage of Woodley, whom he fought to a split decision victory last August.
    SunSport has reached out to Woodley’s team for comment and are awaiting a response.
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    Billy Joe Saunders backs old enemy Jake Paul in his Twitter spat with Dana White over UFC stars’ pay

    BILLY JOE SAUNDERS backed Jake Paul in the YouTube star’s Twitter row with Dana White. Paul has hit out at the UFC president on several occasions, often criticising his fighter pay.
    Jake Paul has feuded with UFC boss Dana WhiteCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Former two-weight boxing champion Billy Joe SaundersCredit: Getty
    The American social media influencer, 24, then stepped up the feud and insisted he would retire from boxing and fight Jorge Masvidal, 37, in the octagon.
    But Paul demanded certain terms be met, which included the increase in fighters pay.
    The demands were as follows: “1) Increase min fighter pay per fight to $50k (it’s $12k now).
    “2) Guarantee UFC fighters 50% of UFC annual revenues ($1bn in 2021).
    “3) Provide long term healthcare to all fighters (you previously said brain damage is part of the gig… imagine the NFL said that).
    “There are many UFC alums who have publicly said they are suffering from brain damage.”
    @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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    Former two-weight boxing champion Saunders, 32, who Paul once said he could beat in a fight, was in support of the terms.
    He posted on Instagram: “His (sic) got a point.”
    Former UFC middleweight champ Robert Whittaker was also another to publicly get behind Paul.
    Whittaker, 31, told The Mirror: “I would certainly love some healthcare, I would love that long-term post-fighting career security and I’m sure every fighter would.
    “I would like different things to change. But I’m not crying over spilt milk, it is what it is.
    “I’m very blessed to be able to do what I do for a living anyway. Instead of asking for what I don’t have, I’m grateful for what I do have.”
    Robert Whittaker pictured with UFC president Dana WhiteCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Put your nuts on the table’ – UFC star Marvin Vettori calls to spar Jake Paul after YouTuber’s feud with Dana White

    UFC middleweight Marvin Vettori challenged Jake Paul to a sparring match and goaded: ‘Put your nuts on the table’. Paul has already beaten two former UFC fighters, most recently a brutal knockout against Tyron Woodley.
    UFC middleweight Marvin Vettori challenged Jake Paul to a sparring matchCredit: Getty
    Jake Paul during a sparring sessionCredit: Instagram
    But current contender Vettori, 28, now wants a piece of the YouTube star, even if it comes behind-closed-doors in the gym.
    Tweeting Paul, Vettori posted: “Let’s set up a sparring. I’ll match any bet you want.
    “You claim anybody, anytime, anywhere but you won’t go further then 6 rounds I promise you that.
    “Put your nuts on the table, I wanna feel if you can really box.”
    Vettori, who has sparred ex-WBC boxing champion David Benavidez before, is 18–5–1 in his MMA career, and lost in his UFC title challenge to Israel Adesanya last June.
    Paul meanwhile, is 5-0 as a professional boxer with KOs against YouTuber ‘AnEsonGib’, ex-NBA player Nate Robinson, 37, retired UFC welterweight Ben Askren, 37, and Woodley, 39.
    @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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    Vettori’s callout comes as the social media sensation continues his feud with UFC president Dana White.
    White had agreed to be tested for cocaine for the next ten years, so long as he could do the same for steroids with Paul over the next 24 months.
    But Paul hit back: “Steroid test me whenever the f*** you want. It is two weeks after my fight and I’m a fat bitch.
    “And I take it as a compliment because there’s no other excuse to me knocking out all your champions [than].’ This kid does steroids.’
    “Look at me. Look at that, a fat bitch. If you steroid test me, I want to steroid test every one of your fighters.
    “Ohhh, you don’t want to do it though, will you?”
    UFC president Dana WhiteCredit: Getty More

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    Conor McGregor bizarrely calls out Neymar as Notorious threatens to ‘smoke’ PSG ace and UFC champ Charles Oliveira

    CONOR McGREGOR has sensationally taken shots at Neymar as the UFC star says he will ‘smoke’ the Brazil and PSG ace. The Notorious is currently out of action in the UFC after suffering a broken leg in his last fight against Dustin Poirier.
    Neymar with UFC Champ Charles Oliveira
    McGregor has said he will ‘smoke’ the two superstarsCredit: Instagram / @thenotoriousmma
    However he has been adamant about receiving another title shot at the UFC lightweight belt when he returns from injury.
    McGregor, who won the belt when defeating Eddie Alvarez back in 2016, has made no secret of his desire to take on current champ Charles Oliveira.
    But superstar footballer Neymar has also entered his crosshairs after taking a bizarre shot at the most expensive player in history.
    Oliveira, who is from Brazil, shared a photo last week alongside Neymar where he thanked him for his support and ‘affection’.
    But last night McGregor hit back by sharing the photo to his Instagram story saying he would ‘smoke the two of these’.
    McGregor has feuded with a Brazilian star in the past having battled Jose Aldo to win his first UFC title belt back in 2015.
    @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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    And while he remains on the sideline through injury the Dubliner has been stepping up his recovery to return by the start of the summer.
    He has won just one fight inside the Octagon since his last title success in 2016, losing twice to Dustin Poirier last year.
    Oliveira defeated Poirier by submission in his last fight in December and his won his last eight bouts inside the Octagon with none of them going the distance.
    But Oliveira would be happy to see him skip the queue for a shot at the title and is open to facing him come May this year.
    He said: “May would be a wonderful date. Conor challenged me asking a date, and tweeted Ireland vs Brazil 2.
    “Not only him, but also myself and all the world wants to see that fight. So let’s make it happen.
    “I’m waiting for him in May. It may be in welterweight, lightweight or middleweight, with my title on the line or not. Just choose and I’ll be ready.”
    UFC chief Dana White praises ‘loyal’ Conor McGregor as Irishman prepares for return from injury More

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    Jake Paul offered future MMA bout by Bellator after teasing boxing retirement to have UFC fight with Jorge Masvidal

    JAKE PAUL has been offered a home in Bellator – but only if he’s serious about competing in mixed martial arts.The YouTuber recently claimed he’d retire from boxing and sign a one-fight deal to face Jorge Masvidal in the UFC if president Dana White met his demands.
    Jake Paul recently revealed he’d be open to taking part in a mixed martial arts fightCredit: AP
    The Problem Child also claimed he’s going to start training at American Kickboxing AcademyCredit: GETTY
    And Bellator president Scott Coker is willing to give the YouTuber an MMA boutCredit: Getty
    That came after the 24-year-old star – who viciously KO’d former UFC welterweight champ Tyron Woodley in his last outing – said he’d start training at renowned MMA gym American Kickboxing Academy.
    And Bellator president Scott Coker is willing to give The Problem Child an opportunity to try his hand at MMA.
    He told MMA Junkie: “If you want to come into MMA, we would gladly do it.
    “Think about this: He’s not saying, ‘I’m going to go train here. I’m going to go train there.’
    “He’s going to come to one of the best gyms in the planet, where Khabib is, where Daniel Cormier is still training, where Cain Velasquez is teaching there now, and he’s going to go into an environment that he is going to flourish, and he has a wrestling background already.
    “He has great striking, obviously. You’ve seen it, and so this guy is just going to get better and better and better.”
    @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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    Paul has yet to fight a fully-fledged boxer in his brief stint in the sport and Coker believes the social media sensation is due a step up in competition.
    He continued: “The days of him fighting basketball players or whatever, those days are over.
    “He wants to do it. The only thing I will say is, my understanding is he wants to get 10 fights into boxing, and then after that come over to mixed martial arts.
    “I know certain people feel a certain way, but I tell you, don’t underestimate these guys because when they have their minds made up, it just seems like that they’re able to fulfill their destiny, and so to me, it’s something that if they want to make it happen, we would love to do something with them and put them in some big fights and really test them out.”
    Paul – along with older brother Logan – has made waves in the boxing world in his five professional bouts.
    And although the brothers came into martial arts very late, Coker is refusing to put a ceiling on how far they can go.
    The veteran promoter said: “I always said, ‘Look, these guys are real athletes, and they’re young, they work hard, they’re grinding it out.
    Jake Paul knocked out Tyron Woodley in his last outingCredit: Showtime
    “They’re putting in the work. You can’t take that away from them, and they’re getting better and better and better.
    “What you saw with Woodley, that’s a lot of hard work to get to that point. I’ve never seen Woodley get knocked out like that, right? And so, is it just boxing?
    “Yes. So, I always said, ‘Look, man, don’t underestimate these guys,’ and this was like a year-and-a-half ago.”
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    Jake Paul warned against taking on ‘real fighter’ Nate Diaz as UFC star’s team-mate says he would would win ‘hands down’

    JAKE PAUL has been warned against facing ‘the realest fighter of all time’ by Nate Diaz’s training partner. Paul recently called out Diaz – and Jorge Masvidal – after knocking out ex-UFC champion Tyron Woodley in their rematch.
    Jake Paul called out UFC star Nate DiazCredit: Instagram @jakepaul
    Nate Diaz was dubbed ‘the realest fighter of all time’Credit: Getty
    On the undercard, Chris Avila beat Anthony Taylor, a former sparring partner of the YouTuber’s.
    And Avila, a long-time team-mate of Diaz in their home of Stockton, gave the green light for his mentor to box Paul.
    He told MMAFighting: “I’m down to see that fight. But when you fight Nate Diaz, you’re getting the realest fighter of all time right there.
    “So these guys are sitting here calling his name and eventually he’s going to get in the boxing ring and I’m excited to see it.
    “Who he’s going to box is his choice. He’s going to make a stamp and a statement in boxing, easy.”
    Paul, 24, was set to face Fury, 22, this month until the British former reality TV star pulled out with a broken rib and chest infection.
    @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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    Woodley, 39 then signed as a late replacement but was knocked out in the rematch, just three months after losing on points.
    He now joins YouTuber ‘AnEsonGib’, ex-NBA player Nate Robinson, 37, and retired UFC welterweight Ben Askren, 37, on Paul’s KO list.
    But Avila, 28, insisted Diaz, 36, will not suffer the same fate as former UFC pair Askren and Woodley.
    He said: “Jake Paul’s team is zero. We’re one up already.
    “That last fight was a Paul-Diaz, team versus team, Jake Paul made that. They’re already down one.
    “So if he wants to get in the ring with Nate or me, it would be fine with either of us. I know that’s a fight I can win.
    “I know that’s a fight Nate would win, hands down. Easy money.”
    Nate Diaz’s training partner Chris AvilaCredit: Getty Images – Getty More