MMA

LOGAN PAUL has called out Tyson Fury to an MMA fight, and claimed: ‘The bigger they are, the harder they fall’. The YouTuber’s brother Jake, 4-0 as a boxer, is set to face Tommy Fury on December 18 in Florida.
Logan Paul called out Tyson Fury to an MMA fight
WBC heavyweight champion Tyson FuryCredit: Ryan Hafey
But it did not stop Logan from admitting his respect to Tommy’s older and undefeated brother Tyson, the WBC heavyweight champion.
And while appearing to rule out ever boxing the Gypsy King, instead the social media influencer laid out a challenge to fight in the cage.
Asked for his favourite fighter, Logan responded: “Probably Tyson Fury. I love Tyson Fury.
“I think Jake should fight Tommy, then I should fight Tyson.”
Logan, 26, was then probed to clarify his callout to Fury, 33, and whether he would be willing to fight the boxing superstar.
And he said: “Yeah, sure. In an MMA match. The bigger they are, the harder they fall, brother.”
Fury has flirted with the idea of an MMA switch once his boxing career is done.

But more recently, he shut down the idea but admitted he would be open to a striking bout, in MMA gloves, but with grappling permitted.
Logan meanwhile, wrestled in high school and has always eyed a move into the cage.
He has boxed three times before, his opening two bouts against online rival KSI, 28, with the first ending in a draw.
But they later turned professional a year later and Logan was beaten via scrappy split-decision.
The American then returned this June for a sensational exhibition bout against Floyd Mayweather, 44, who gave away TWO STONE.
And after Mayweather failed to score a knockout, no winner was declared.
Logan has now been linked with a fight against heavyweight legend Mike Tyson, 55, who returned last November in an exhibition with Roy Jones Jr, 52.
Eddie Hearn calls for Mike Tyson fight against Logan Paul to be scrapped with shock bout in works for February More

JARRELL MILLER has been training with UFC champions while serving a drugs ban from boxing. The heavyweight was first shamed in 2019 after failing three pre-fight drug tests and lost out on close to £4million to fight Anthony Joshua.
Jarrell Miller sparring in an MMA gymCredit: Instagram / @bigbabymiller
The heavyweight is serving a drugs banCredit: Instagram / @bigbabymiller
Miller was only banned by governing body WBA for six months but was welcomed back by legendary promoter Bob Arum and a Top Rank contract.
But again controversy struck as his comeback fight against Jerry Forrest in July 2020 was cancelled after another failed drug test, with Arum also cutting ties.
Miller was hit with a substantial two-year ban, but throughout the doping scandal, he has continued to train and spent time at Sanford MMA in Florida.
Headed up by ex-Dutch kickboxer Henri Hooft, it is a premium MMA gym in America and houses the likes of UFC stars Kamaru Usman, 34, Luke Rockhold, 37, and Gilbert Burns, 35.
Miller, who has competed professionally in kickboxing, has recently been captured sparring Rockhold, a former champion.
His promoter Dmitriy Salita revealed kickboxing training has always been part of the American’s regime, but has his sights set on a boxing return.

Salita told SunSport: “He is getting back in shape with a mind set to be the best in the division.
“He wants to be an American heavyweight champion of the world from Brooklyn, New York. We haven’t had that in a long time.
“Jarrell always did kickboxing training even for his boxing fights.
“It helps him get in shape and maybe one of the reasons why he is so athletic and flexible in the ring for a heavyweight.”
Miller in April 2019 first tested positive in a blood sample for human growth hormone (HGH), which is on the World Anti-Doping Agency banned list.
A urine sample after then also showed traces of EPO – known to increase oxygen-carrying and combat fatigue – as well as GW1516, which helps boost endurance and fat loss.
Miller blamed the positive tests on an injection to an injured elbow and tainted supplement.
Anthony Joshua saw his fight with Jarrell Miller in 2019 cancelledCredit: AP:Associated Press
When he returned a year later, to again test positive for GW501516, he this time insisted it was down to a sex pill.
It landed him a two-year ban by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, which could be reduced to 18 months if he completed drug testing program.
That would mean he could make a comeback as early as January 2022, but it is not clear whether those terms were met.
Promoter Salita is aware Miller’s first fight will be to win over fans again as he expects a harsh reception upon his return.
He said: “That is going to happen. I believe Jarrell learned his lessons and knows that he has several years to make a mark in the division.
“Positive, responsible  action inside and outside the ring is what is most important and something that fans will look at, can’t blame anyone for that.”

Jarrell Miller pictured with Christopher LovejoyCredit: Instagram / christopherlovejoy

Adam Kownacki, middle left, with Jarrell Miller at Sanford MMA gymCredit: Instagram / @akbabyface
More recently, Miller – who has not fought since beating Bodgan Dinu in November 2018 – has linked up with boxing trainer Kevin Cunningham in Florida.
And when not sparring with MMA elite, he has shared rounds in the gym with ex-opponent Dinu, 35, as well as current contenders Adam Kownacki, 32, and Christopher Lovejoy, 37.
Miller may have missed out on fighting AJ – who lost to replacement Andy Ruiz Jr and then won the rematch – but the boxing villain has set his sights on Tyson Fury.
Fury, 33, recently knocked out Deontay Wilder, 36, in their trilogy bout in his adopted US home of Las Vegas.
And with a gap to fill as America’s next world title challenger, Miller will lace up the gloves once more with one eye on a super-fight with the Gypsy King.
Salita said: “That fight maybe the biggest heavyweight promotion in a long time. It can be very exciting.
“One step at a time but that would be tremendous.”
Boxing trainer Kevin Cunningham with Jarrell MillerCredit: Instagram / @cunningham_kevin01

Jarrell Miller pictured with WBC champion Tyson FuryCredit: Instagram / @bigbabymiller More

CLARESSA SHIELDS says she would ’embarrass’ Jake Paul in sparring with just ONE hand. The female boxing star has gone back and forth with Paul recently and insisted she would never fight on his undercard.
Claressa Shields has no doubt she would beat Jake PaulCredit: AP
YouTube star-turned boxer Jake PaulCredit: Instagram @jakepaul
Shields, a three-division champion in the pros and two-time Olympic gold medalist then took another swipe at the YouTuber.
She told Sky Sports: “I don’t know what world people live in that they think a man [could beat me] who has not been to the Olympics, who has not fought professionally.
“There are a lot of women in boxing who could [outbox] men, especially a regular joe like Jake Paul.
“I know it’s too much to fight him because it would be too embarrassing [for him], but if I were to spar Jake, I could use one hand.
“Just my jab, I wouldn’t even have to use the banger. Just my jab – I would out-jab, out-hook and out-uppercut him. I would embarrass him.
“This isn’t a shot at Jake Paul. This is how skilled I am. You’re not as great a boxer as me.
“If you are? Go to the Olympics and [win a] medal. Go.”

Paul, 24, is 4-0 as a boxer and most recently beat ex-UFC champion Tyron Woodley, 39, in August over eight rounds.
It added to knockouts over online rival ‘AnEsonGib’, ex-NBA player Nate Robinson and retired UFC welterweight Ben Askren, both 37.
He is now in talks to fight Tommy Fury, 22, the brother to WBC heavyweight champion Tyson, 32.
Shields meanwhile, is undefeated at 11-0 and has reigned as undisputed champ at TWO weights.
She is also 1-0 in MMA and returns to the cage tonight in Professional Fighters League’s seasonal finale against Abigail Montes.
Shields will then made a swift comeback in December to build to a super-fight with ex-amateur rival Savannah Marshall, the only boxer to beat the American.
If I were to spar Jake, I could use one hand. Just my jab, I wouldn’t even have to use the banger.Claressa Shields
The unbeaten fighter is the self-proclaimed ‘Greatest Women of All Time’ – and says she would have no problem in the ring with Paul.
Shields said: “I sparred those guys too who are Olympic silver and gold medallists.
“Jake couldn’t grace the ring with those guys because they would destroy him, just like I would.
“This isn’t disrespectful. I am a skilled boxer – respect it and know it. Just because I’m a woman?
“This is real-life stuff. I box for real. I’m not a play-fighter.”
Josh Thompson believes Nate Diaz to ‘quit ufc’ for £10m Jake Paul fight More

JARRELL MILLER has been training with UFC champions while serving a drugs ban in boxing. The heavyweight was first shamed in 2019 after failing three pre-fight drug tests and lost out on close to £4million to fight Anthony Joshua.
Jarrell Miller sparring in an MMA gymCredit: Instagram / @bigbabymiller
The heavyweight is serving a drugs banCredit: Instagram / @bigbabymiller
Miller was only banned by governing body WBA for six months but was welcomed back by legendary promoter Bob Arum and a Top Rank contract.
But again controversy struck as his comeback fight against Jerry Forrest in July 2020 was cancelled after another failed drug test, with Arum also cutting ties.
Miller was hit with a substantial two-year ban, but throughout the doping scandal, he has continued to train and spent time at Sanford MMA in Florida.
Headed up by ex-Dutch kickboxer Henri Hooft, it is a premium MMA gym in America and houses the likes of UFC stars Kamaru Usman, 34, Luke Rockhold, 37, and Gilbert Burns, 35.
Miller, who has competed professionally in kickboxing, has recently been captured sparring Rockhold, a former champion.
His promoter Dmitriy Salita revealed kickboxing training has always been part of the American’s regime, but has his sights set on a boxing return.

Salita told SunSport: “He is getting back in shape with a mind set to be the best in the division.
“He wants to be an American heavyweight champion of the world from Brooklyn, New York. We haven’t had that in a long time.
“Jarrell always did kickboxing training even for his boxing fights.
“It helps him get in shape and maybe one of the reasons why he is so athletic and flexible in the ring for a heavyweight.”
Miller in April 2019 first tested positive in a blood sample for human growth hormone (HGH), which is on the World Anti-Doping Agency banned list.
A urine sample after then also showed traces of EPO – known to increase oxygen-carrying and combat fatigue – as well as GW1516, which helps boost endurance and fat loss.
Miller blamed the positive tests on an injection to an injured elbow and tainted supplement.
Anthony Joshua saw his fight with Jarrell Miller in 2019 cancelledCredit: AP:Associated Press
When he returned a year later, to again test positive for GW501516, he this time insisted it was down to a sex pill.
It landed him a two-year ban by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, which could be reduced to 18 months if he completed drug testing program.
That would mean he could make a comeback as early as January 2022, but it is not clear whether those terms were met.
Promoter Salita is aware Miller’s first fight will be to win over fans again as he expects a harsh reception upon his return.
He said: “That is going to happen. I believe Jarrell learned his lessons and knows that he has several years to make a mark in the division.
“Positive, responsible  action inside and outside the ring is what is most important and something that fans will look at, can’t blame anyone for that.”
Jarrell Miller pictured with Christopher LovejoyCredit: Instagram / christopherlovejoy

Adam Kownacki, middle left, with Jarrell Miller at Sanford MMA gymCredit: Instagram / @akbabyface
More recently, Miller – who has not fought since beating Bodgan Dinu in November 2018 – has linked up with boxing trainer Kevin Cunningham in Florida.
And when not sparring with MMA elite, he has shared rounds in the gym with ex-opponent Dinu, 35, as well as current contenders Adam Kownacki, 32, and Christopher Lovejoy, 37.
Miller may have missed out on fighting AJ – who lost to replacement Andy Ruiz Jr and then won the rematch – but the boxing villain has set his sights on Tyson Fury.
Fury, 33, recently knocked out Deontay Wilder, 36, in their trilogy bout in his adopted US home of Las Vegas.
And with a gap to fill as America’s next world title challenger, Miller will lace up the gloves once more with one eye on a super-fight with the Gypsy King.
Salita said: That fight maybe the biggest heavyweight promotion in a long time. It can be very exciting. One step at a time but that would be tremendous.”
Boxing trainer Kevin Cunningham with Jarrell MillerCredit: Instagram / @cunningham_kevin01

Tyson Fury pictured with WBC champion Tyson FuryCredit: Instagram / @bigbabymiller More

PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE are in talks with boxers and other ‘crossover athletes’ – all interested in their ‘life-changing’ $1million prize.The PFL has a unique quarters, semis and final MMA format, which see the last two competitors in each weight dramatically fight for the mega winner’s cheque.
Boxing champion Claressa Shields after her winning PFL debutCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Champion Kayla Harrison, boxing legend Mike Tyson and CEO of PFL Peter MurrayCredit: Professional Fighters League
Its third season – which comes to a close in Florida on October 27 – has been a historical one for the MMA organisation and CEO Peter Murray.
Viewership on ESPN has risen by 100 per cent and marquee names have also joined their stable across six weight divisions.
That includes ex-UFC champions Anthony Pettis 34, and Fabricio Werdum, 44, as well as undefeated boxer Claressa Shields, 26.
But according to Murray, there is more to come, with other stars enticed by the three-fight a year format, lucrative prize money and championship belt up for grabs.
He told SunSport: “Those fighters who performed well and won, they’ve earned their shot in the championship for the big money.
“So it provides an added drama for fans, and for fighters a big payday. A million dollars is life-changing money. 

“It’s big money in this sport, so fighters have the chance to make more money in the PFL.
“Fighters have been looking for an alternative and we have certainty been compelling fighters now or they’re now compelled to go into free agency. 
“Now they have a real option as the No2 MMA organisation in the sport today. 
“We’re speaking to a lot of different crossover athletes, boxers, who have brought a skill and desire to compete at a high level in MMA.”
Shields, a three-weight boxing champion, made her MMA debut with PFL in June and will now return in the finale of season three against Abigail Montes.
Also headlining that night is double Olympic judo gold medallist Kayla Harrison, 31, who won the women’s lightweight 2019 championship.
American Harrison faces Taylor Guardado in this year’s finals, looking to become a two-time champ.
Next year PFL will launch a challenger series, with the winner going on to compete in their regular season.
Professional Fighters League CEO Peter MurrayCredit: Professional Fighters League
Pay-per-view will also be rolled out, as well as a combine which will evaluate athletes on mental and physical abilities. 
Murray said: “We’re launching a challenger series, which is new. 
“We’ll be launching a combining which is new and we’re also launching pay-per-view, which is new. 
“And pay-per-view will come after the start of the PFL season this coming spring.”
Murray also revealed PFL are closing in on a UK media partnership, having not yet signed a network deal.
He said: “Number one, the UK is a priority market from an international perspective for the PFL, it’s one of our top priorities. 
“Number two, we will absolutely have a new media partner in 2022, or partners, which will expand the visibility of the PFL and provide access for fans in the UK to not only the season product but the other properties I referenced.” 
PFL plot UK debut to take ‘innovative’ NFL-style play-off format international More