MMA

HENRY CEJUDO has traded words with Canelo Alvarez over fighting the Mexican’s team-mate Ryan Garcia.
Garcia considers training partner Canelo a brother and mentor, as both share the same gym and coach, Eddy Reynoso.

Henry Cejudo traded words with Canelo Alvarez

The pound-for-pound king and Reynoso were guests on Mike Tyson’s podcast, with ex-UFC champion Cejudo present.
There, the Olympic gold medalist was captured talking up a crossover fight with lightweight sensation Garcia.
Asked by EsNEWS for a response, Canelo, 30, said: “Why not?”
Cejudo, 34, then joked: “He’s being nice about it! He’s not telling the truth.

“I’m ready. I’m ready, somebody’s gotta bend the knee for Triple-C.”
Cejudo has previously challenged Garcia, 22, who himself has called out UFC legend Conor McGregor, 32, and his sparring partner Dillon Danis, 27.
But Cejudo later retired in May after beating Dominick Cruz, 36, and vacated his bantamweight belt.
It was inherited by Petr Yan, 28, but the Russian threw it away after illegally kneeing Aljamain Sterling, 31, before being disqualified.

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Afterwards, Cejudo announced he was making a comeback and wanted to fight the pair.
Garcia, meanwhile last fought in January, stopping Brit Luke Campbell, 33, in round seven with a body shot.
He then looked to face rival Gervonta Davis, 26, or his hero Manny Pacquiao, 42, but talks collapsed with both.

Canelo Alvarez pictured with protege Ryan Garcia More

BEN ASKREN admitted he is baffled by Jake Paul’s popularity and branded the YouTuber an ‘idiot’ who is ‘too stupid to learn’.
The retired UFC welterweight faces Paul on April 17 at the 75-000 seater Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atalanta.

Ben Askren admitted he is baffled by Jake Paul’s popularity

Ben Askren called Jake Paul an ‘idiot’ who is ‘too stupid to learn’Credit: Instagram

Askren, who has never boxed before, said not even handing the social media star his first loss could humble him.
He told MMA Junkie: “Jake Paul’s gonna be an idiot before me, he’s gonna be an idiot after me.
“This guy’s an idiot. That’s what he does. What kind of lesson? He’s too stupid to learn anything.”
Askren, 36, was so unaware of who Paul, 24, or his older brother Logan, 25, were, he asked the pupils at his wrestling school about them.

And the ex-ONE Championship and Bellator champion still cannot get his head around their massive online following, with 43MILLION subscribers between them.
Askren said: “I don’t think there’s any good answer. They’re all like, ‘He does a lot of dumb things.’
“Or, ‘He says crazy stuff.’ But it’s like, OK. So? So what? There’s nothing that, I don’t know.
“People who I liked growing up: Chris Farley, I think he’s hilarious; Chris Rock, I think he’s hilarious; Muhammad Ali, I’m inspired by this man.

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“People who I liked, I could name a reason why I liked that person. And with these guys, that just doesn’t seem to be the case.”
Paul has two knockouts in as many wins since he turned pro in 2020, against rival ‘AnEsonGib’ and ex-NBA player Nate Robinson, 36.
His third fight will be his toughest, facing for the first time an experienced and seasoned competitor.
But Askren was renowned for his limited striking style and elite level grappling skills.
As a result, he is the betting underdog, and has linked up with esteemed trainer Freddie Roach to enhance his boxing even more.

Still, Askren predicts an easy night’s work against Paul, most famed for viral videos on YouTube.
He explained: “I’m trying to be as good of a boxer as I can. I’m not under the impression that I’m gonna be a pro boxer.
“I’ve been top 10 in the world in four different sports. I know what it’s like to be world class.
“I’m not gonna be a world-class boxer, but I don’t gotta be a world-class boxer. I just gotta beat up Jake freaking Paul.
“That ain’t gonna be that hard, guys.”

Ex-UFC star Ben Askren trolls Jake Paul with new ‘slow-mo’ sparring video More

JAKE PAUL continues his transition from YouTuber to boxer when he fights Ben Askren.
The two will clash on April 17, with former UFC star Askren having his first pro boxing fight.

Jake Paul has blasted two opponents out of there in minutesCredit: Instagram

Ben Askren will have his first pro boxing fight against a YouTuberCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Paul beat AnEsonGib in his pro debut in January 2020 with a first-round TKO and backed that up by knocking out ex-NBA star Nate Robinson in November.
Here, SunSport checks out who some of the stars of UFC think will win the mouthwatering scrap
Dana White
White had Mike Tyson giddy after betting $1million Jake Paul would lose to Ben Askren.
And the YouTuber responded by DOUBLING the wager.

White said: “I hope you can bet on this thing because I will bet $1m (£720,000) that he loses this f***ing fight.
“I bet a million dollars that he loses this fight!”
Paul responded pretty quickly, writing on Instagram.

Dana White is ready to bet $1million that Askren winsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

He wrote: “Dana let’s double the bet up! $2million. We wire the money into escrow.

“$4 million total. Winner takes all. My team will be in touch to make a contract.”
Prediction: Askren
Jorge Masvidal
Masvidal, who is seen by many as the best boxer in UFC, thinks Paul is the superior athlete AND boxer to Askren that will see him victorious.
Gambred told Fight Hub TV: I have seen Ben, but if it goes after the second round, Ben can start hand fighting and make it a little slower.
“I see Jake winning.”
Prediction: Paul
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Jorge Masvidal, known for his boxing skills, is predicting a Paul winCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Leon Edwards
Leon Edwards predicts Askren is ‘going to get chinned’ against Paul – with the result ‘bad for MMA’.
Current 170lb contender Edwards, 29, told talkSPORT: “He’s going to get knocked out, I’m serious.
“It’s going to be bad for MMA, man! I don’t know who agreed to this. I don’t think it’s going to be good for MMA and he’s going to get chinned.
“But, it’s going to be funny to see.”
Prediction: Paul

Brit Edwards believes Paul will win by KO – and it will be ‘bad for MMA’Credit: Getty Images – Getty

Michael Chandler
UFC’s exciting talent Chandler thinks Askren can KO Paul – and he is even confident enough to pick the round.
In an interview with ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, Chandler stated that Askren can win if he makes the fight dirty.
Striking isn’t Askren’s forte, as admitted by the man himself, but Chandler thinks the 36-year-old can find a way to win.
Prediction: Askren

Chandler thinks Askren will triumph on the nightCredit: Handout – Getty
Raush Manfio
Askren has no chance of being victorious in his showdown with Paul, according Titan FC lightweight Raush Manfio.
The Brazilian told MMA Fighting: “I believe Ben Askren can take a punch, but Jake Paul has knockout power.
“If Askren goes in there to trade hands, he’s going down. No doubt. He’s going down.
“I can only see Jake Paul winning by knockout or points, Jake Paul is far superior. I can’t see one weapon [Askren] can use.
“[Paul] has knockout power and cardio. Meanwhile, [Askren] might have a chin but doesn’t have firepower to drop him, so I don’t see how Askren wins this match.”
Prediction: Paul

Askren has no chance of being victorious in his showdown with Paul, according Titan FC lightweight Raush ManfioCredit: Instagram / @brutalbostwick
Tyron Woodley
Woodley thinks Askren can end the fight early – but he is helping his former UFC buddy train.
The former UFC lightweight champ told Endless Hustle podcast: “My prediction is he’s [Askren] probably going to drown him out.
“Ben says seven rounds, I don’t know why they’d want to fight that many rounds. Probably in the fifth or sixth round, Ben will probably end up with a TKO.”
But Woodley does acknowledge Paul should not be taken lightly.
He added: “Jake has a chance in the first round. Maybe first two rounds. And I like Jake. But when it’s my dawg, I gotta ride for my dawg.”
Prediction: Askren

Former UFC lightweight champ Woodley is unsurprisingly backingCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Dana White sends Mike Tyson wild as UFC boss bets $1m on Jake Paul to LOSE to Ben Askren – before YouTuber doubles wager More

BEN ASKREN released sparring footage ahead of his fight against Jake Paul and joked about whether it was in ‘slow motion’ or not.
The retired UFC welterweight faces Paul on April 17, at the 75,000-seater Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Ben Askren released sparring footage ahead of his fight against Jake PaulCredit: Twitter @Benaskren

Ben Askren joked about whether it was in ‘slow motion’ or notCredit: Twitter @Benaskren

His opponent, a YouTuber-turned 2-0 professional, has accused Askren of lacking speed and boxing skills.
The former ONE Championship and Bellator champion hit back as he referenced the jibe in his latest training post.
Askren, 36, captioned the sparring video: “Bens sparring is on point. But the question seems to be – slow motion or real time?
“Check out the vlog and you decide. On April 17th it’ll be nothing but real time and JP won’t be able to keep up.”

Askren despite being vastly more experienced as a fighter, was renowned for his limited striking style but high-level grappling accolades.
As a result, he emerges as the betting underdog against Paul, 24, who has two knockouts in as many fights.
But in a new development, Askren will link up with esteemed, Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, most renowned for coaching Manny Pacquiao.
He told MMA Junkie: “I’m only in LA for a week, so I’m gonna get as much as I can out of Freddie Roach.

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“I’m gonna pick his brain. So I started training, maybe six weeks it’s been.
“First couple of weeks was just like strength and conditioning, let me get back in shape because I couldn’t really start training until December 1 because of my hip surgery.
“I couldn’t do anything until December 1.”

Ben Askren retired from the UFC in 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty

YouTuber Jake Paul is 2-0 as a boxerCredit: Instagram More

JAKE PAUL’S fight against Ben Askren will be available in the UK for £17 with rapper Snoop Dogg returning as commentator.
The YouTuber faces Askren on April 17, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, which can hold up to 75,000 fans.

Snoop Dogg will return as commentator for TrillerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

It will be broadcast on FITE TV in the UK, costing £17 – while in America the price is $49.99.
Sky Sports televised the PPV rematch between Paul’s older brother Logan and online rival KSI, who won by split-decision.
Due to their inexperience and skill, the price was slashed to just £10, but fans are split on how well the box office numbers will fare next month.

Smart move they Jake Paul has a big YT fan base and they will make money on this
— Jams (@SirJams_) March 8, 2021

That’ll get a few buys off of kids stealing their mums card but other than that a massive flop inbound
— jack vando (@jack_vando) March 8, 2021

It’ll do massive numbers.. 🤦🏻‍♂️ sadly
— Dano (@roberts_dano) March 8, 2021

One said: “The sad thing is that many people will buy this ppv.”

Another said: “Oh no. This is gonna flop hard.”
One added: “Smart move they Jake Paul has a big YT fan base and they will make money on this.”
Another added: “No one at all is paying for that.”
Triller, backed by Ryan Kavanaugh, who owns billion dollar film company Relativity Media, will stage the PPV.

They burst onto the boxing scene last November, bringing heavyweight legend Mike Tyson, 54, out of retirement, as he drew in an exhibition with Roy Jones Jr, 52.

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On the undercard, YouTuber Paul, 24, improved to two knockouts in as many fights as he left ex-NBA star Nate Robinson, 36, out cold.
It proved a financial success, with 1.6million PPVs sold, due to the nostalgia of Tyson and intrigue of Paul.
But Kavanaugh claimed to SunSport that the social media star’s third and toughest fight to date will surpass 2MILLION PPV buys.
Triller are looking to shake boxing up by offering viewers at home unique TV angles, as well as featuring celebrities and champions of the past and present.
They also had rap artist Snoop Dogg commentating on fights and performing live on stage.
The American recording artist has partnered with Kavanaugh to launch ‘Fight Club’ on Triller.
And Snoop Dogg will be another fixture in the commentary box when Paul fights 36-year-old retired UFC welterweight Askren.

UFC star Leon Edwards predicts Jake Paul will ‘chin’ Ben Askren More

JAKE PAUL will fight ex-UFC welterweight Ben Askren at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
The venue – home to NFL side Atlanta Falcons and MLS outfit Atlanta United – can hold up to 75,000 fans.

Jake Paul will fight ex-UFC welterweight Ben Askren at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in AtlantaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Ben Askren will fight Jake Paul on April 17Credit: Getty – Contributor

The stadium is home to NFL side Atlanta Falcons and MLS’ Atlanta United and can hold up to 75,000 fans.Credit: Getty Images – Getty

Social media app Triller, backed by Ryan Kavanaugh, who owns billion dollar film company Relativity Media, will host the pay-per-view event on April 17.
Kavanaugh said: “Our vision of big fights, big entertainment and world class events can only fit into a world class venue, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium fits that vision.
“April 17th will have an element of surprise and action for everyone, from music fans to the casual and diehard fight fan.”
The fight will be on pay-per-view, costing $49.99 in America and £17 in the UK on FITE TV.

Triller brought heavyweight legend Mike Tyson, 54, out of retirement in November, as he drew in an exhibition with Roy Jones Jr, 52.
On the undercard, YouTuber Paul, 24, improved to two knockouts in as many fights as he left ex-NBA star Nate Robinso, 36, out cold.
But for his third professional bout, he will face his hardest test to date, against former ONE Championship and Bellator champion Askren.
Askren, 36, despite being vastly more experienced as a fighter, was renowned for his limited striking style but high-level grappling accolades.

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As a result, he emerges as the betting underdog, with Paul promising to add the biggest name to his record and another highlight-reel to his collection.
He said upon the fight announcement: “The world complained because I knocked out a basketball player and not a real fighter.
“So now I’m giving the people what they want by taking on a ‘real fighter.’
“After Ben Askren is added to my knockout meme collection, what can anybody say?
“Thank you to Triller Fight Club for giving me the platform to once again put a man to sleep. April 17, it’s lights out for Askren.”

UFC star Leon Edwards predicts Jake Paul will ‘chin’ Ben Askren More