MMA

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury offered brutal bare-knuckle move as promoter reveals dream fight against ex-UFC star Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson

      by

      TYSON FURY has been offered a route into bare-knuckle boxing for a dream fight with ex-UFC star Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson.
      David Feldman is the president of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship in America.

      Tyson Fury has been offered a route into bare-knuckle boxing Credit: Mark Robinson – The Sun

      Former UFC light-heavyweight Anthony JohnsonCredit: Getty – Contributor

      He promoted the brutal grudge match between Paulie Malignaggi and Artem Lobov in 2020, which Conor McGregor’s training partner won on points.
      Feldman has also secured the high-profile signing of former UFC flyweight Paige VanZant.
      But his fantasy fight would be between current WBC heavyweight champion Fury and Johnson, a two-time UFC title challenger.
      Feldman told SunSport: “It’s a tough one, but I’d say in the heavyweight division Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson fight Tyson Fury. 

      “I think that would be a very intriguing fight, you got a guy like Anthony Rumble who can punch really, really hard. 
      “And you see sometimes boxers don’t do as well in bare-knuckle fighting because in our sport you can hold and punch, and clinch. 
      “But Fury’s family is full of travellers, of bare-knuckle fighters so I think those are the two I’d pick the most. 
      “I think that’s a very intriguing matchup. If I could do that right now, I would pick Rumble vs Tyson Fury, that would be an amazing matchup.”

      Conor McGregor’s training partner Artem Lobov pictured after a fight

      Johnson, 36, left the UFC in 2016 after losing to light-heavyweight legend Daniel Cormier for a second time.
      He went on to become BKFC’s head of fighter relations, working closely with Feldman.
      Johnson has since announced a return to MMA and was signed by UFC’s competitors Bellator.
      Fury, 32, the current unbeaten heavyweight, is no stranger to combat with exposed fists, as his dad John as well as uncle and former trainer Peter both fought as bare-knuckle boxers.
      Feldman says the Gypsy King’s family affair with the sport makes him the perfect man to transition over.
      For similar reasons, if the promoter could pick a star from the UFC to sign, it would be Jorge Masvidal.

      Artem Lobov beat Paulie Malignaggi Credit: Getty – Contributor

      Jorge Masvidal used to fight in backyards before his UFC career

      Jorge Masvidal is a dream signing for BKFCCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Masivdal, 36, first made his name fighting on the streets of Miami with famed brawler Kimbo Slice and has carried his experience into the cage.
      Feldman revealed: “If I was going MMA, I’d like to get Jorge Masivdal. 
      “I think he fits for this, he used to do this in the backyard with Kimbo Slice, so I think this fits right up his alley way. 
      “He likes to stand and bang and he’s got the persona for it, I think he’d be a great addition.”
      BKFC have already welcomed recognisable names from MMA such as Lobov, 34, Chris Leben, 40, Gabriel Gonzaga, 41 and Antonio ‘Bigfoot’ Silva, also 41 and Wanderlei Silva, 44.
      But securing 26-year-old VanZant – who featured on Dancing With The Stars and Sports Illustrated – has garnered the most attention.
      And Feldman hopes the arrival will spark new interest in bare-knuckle and help bring more eyes to the sport as she debuts against Brittany Hart on Friday.

      Paige VanZant featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated

      Paige VanZant left the UFC to join BKFCCredit: Sportsfile – Getty

      Paige VanZant training for her BKFC debut
      He explained: “She’s a really good fighter and also what I call an A-lister, a lot of people know her in the celebrity world. 
      “She was on Dancing with The Stars, Sports Illustrated cover girl, so many different things that made her an attractive signing to us to bring fans that wouldn’t normally have watched. 
      “People say she’s an ‘Instagram model’ that kind of thing but at the end of the day if you’ve seen her face in some of her fights she was a bloody mess. 
      “She’s not afraid of bleeding, of getting hit, and this is what this sport is about if you can get hit and throw a punch back you have a good chance of doing well. 
      “Paige is a tough girl, she didn’t have to come to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, she came over to test herself. 
      “That says a lot about the kind of fighter and athlete that she is. Am I expecting her to transition well? Yes I am. 
      “I think she’s going to take a punch well, she’s got a very tough opponent in front of her in Brittany Hart.”

      Paige VanZant works hard to bulk up in training More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury breaks down Conor McGregor’s defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 and agrees he lost due to ‘inactivity’

      by

      TYSON FURY agreed Conor McGregor was beaten by Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 due to ‘inactivity’.
      McGregor was coming into the fight having had just 40 seconds of action in 12 months, dating back to his knockout over Donald Cerrone.

      Tyson Fury opened up about Conor McGregor’s loss Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Conor McGregor lost against Dustin Poirier at UFC 257

      CASINO DEALS: BEST SIGN UP OFFERS TO CLAIM OVER £700
      After defeat to Poirier, the Irishman, 32, pointed to his lack of time in the octagon as a sticking point in his performance.
      And unbeaten WBC heavyweight champion Fury backed up those claims as he admitted ‘inactivity kills the cat’.
      Fury told Gareth A Davies: “He did [use inactivity as an explanation for his defeat], and he’s bang on right.

      “Conor McGregor fought in 2016, then he had two years out and then he fought Khabib [in 2018].
      “Then he had another two years out, and then he fought Cerrone [in January 2020].
      “Then he had another year out, and then he fought this guy, Poirier.
      “So inactivity kills the cat, no doubt about it.

      “When one man’s been active – fighting, sparring and in camps – and one man’s been on the couch, it’s no good.”

      Dustin Poirier knocked out Conor McGregor in round two Credit: Sportsfile – Subscription

      Conor McGregor beaten at UFC 257 Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      After McGregor’s loss, he said: “It’s hard to overcome inactivity over long periods of time. And that’s just it.
      “The leg kicks were good. That low calf good was very good. The leg was dead and I just wasn’t as comfortable as I needed to be.
      “It’s inactivity and that’s it. But Dustin is some fighter. If you put in the time in here, you’re going to get cosy in here and that’s it.”
      Fury, 32, himself is no stranger to time on the sidelines, having spent almost three years out after winning the unified titles in 2015.
      After a battle with alcohol, substance abuse and depression, the Gypsy King marked his return with a win against Sefer Seferi in July 2018.
      Within two more years he once again became world champion to cap off a remarkable comeback after dethroning Deontay Wilder of the WBC belt.
      Fury opened up on the importance of activity and how legends of the past have all suffered from time out.

      Tyson Fury made his comeback in 2018 against Sefer Seferi Credit: Reuters

      Tyson Fury won the world title again in 2020 beating Deontay Wilder Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      He said: “You lose your timing, you lose your distance, you lose it all.
      “You lose it all, it’s all gotta be gained back within camps and within fighting.
      “If you had three fights on the bounce after you’d never been in the ring for three years, in the third one you’d be ten times better than the first.
      “I’ve always known it. Because I’m a boxing historian I’ve always known about the inactivity.
      “Gerry Cooney when he fought Larry Holmes – he was out of the ring for 18 months.
      “His timing wasn’t there, he just wasn’t the same fighter as he should’ve been.
      “If one man’s not active and one man’s been in the ring, it’s an uphill battle.
      “Recently we saw Juan Pablo Hernandez, the former IBF cruiserweight champion, he came back after a long lay-off and fought journeyman Kevin Johnson and got knocked out.”

      Tyson Fury warns Anthony Joshua that fighting him is like wrestling a T-Rex More

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Jake Paul will ‘wish he was still a Disney kid star’, says ex-UFC star Ben Askren as he predicts round 7 TKO win

      by

      BEN ASKREN said Jake Paul will ‘wish he was still a Disney kid star’ after their bout.
      The ex-UFC welterweight, who retired in 2019, will become internet sensation Paul’s third professional boxing opponent on April 17.

      Ben Askren predicted he will TKO Jake Paul in round seven Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Jake Paul was formerly a Disney Channel actor Credit: Alamy

      And, despite going in as underdog with the bookies, he predicts he will KO the YouTuber in the seventh round.
      Ahead of the fight Askren, 36, poked fun at his opponent’s prior career as a Disney Channel actor while he broke down how he thinks the fight will go.
      He told MMA Junkie: “It’ll probably maybe be relatively competitive in the first couple rounds (until) he starts to slow down and I start to land a lot more punches, a lot of volume.
      “The seventh round I’m going to TKO him and he’s going to wish he was still a Disney kid star.”

      Askren left the UFC after consecutive defeats, to Jorge Masvidal and then Damian Maia.
      Masvidal’s win was the quickest in UFC history, after he won in five seconds following a flying knee.
      Askren has since had hip replacement, last September, in retirement before accepting a deal to fight Paul, 24.
      Social media star Paul won his pro debut in January 2020, stopping fellow vlogger ‘AnEsonGib’ in round one.

      He followed it up with a viral knockout against ex-NBA player Nate Robinson in November.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Paul has since campaigned to fight UFC superstar Conor McGregor, and even went after Dana White in the pursuit.
      Askren, who himself had a frosty relationship with White, revealed he spoke with the promoter about his boxing debut.
      He needed permission from the UFC to take the fight, having still been under contract with them.
      And while they appear to have patched things up, they both share a similar view on Paul.
      Askren said: “He does not seem to like Jake Paul too much, that’s seeming to be totally true.
      “We had a nice phone call. Probably the most cordial phone call Dana and I have ever had.
      “Both Dana and Hunter (Campbell) were relatively easy. They didn’t really have many complaints.”

      Jake Paul works out with Jorge Masvidal who knocked out Askren in 5 seconds More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Manny Pacquiao accuses Conor McGregor of ‘underestimating’ Dustin Poirier in build-up to stunning KO defeat at UFC 257

      by

      MANNY PACQUIAO accused Conor McGregor of underestimating Dustin Poirier before his stunning UFC 257 knockout loss.
      McGregor had previously stopped Poirier in under two minutes of their featherweight fight in 2014.

      Manny Pacquiao reckons Conor McGregor underestimated Dustin PoirierCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Dustin Poirier knocked out Conor McGregor at UFC 257Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      But in last week’s rematch, the American returned the favour and subjected Notorious to his third UFC defeat.
      It also put McGregor’s return to the boxing to face Pacquiao on the shelf with the Irishman compelled to fight for his reputation in the UFC instead.
      But PacMan will still have one eye on how his fellow southpaw bounces back from the devastating setback.
      Pacquiao, 42, told ABS-CBN News: “Losing is part of the game. In sport there are winners and losers, that’s all. 

      “It is not about defeat, but about how you accept defeat in your life: how you get over that difficult time in your life.
      “McGregor had already beaten his rival before and I think that made him underestimate him.”
      McGregor, 32, lost his boxing debut in 2017, as Floyd Mayweather finished the fight in round ten.
      But the former UFC champion fancied another lucrative escapade in the ring against boxing royalty.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      He revealed before his return to the octagon that talks were intensifying between himself and Pacquiao, with the pair both managed by Paradigm Sports.
      But McGregor can forget all about the Filipino icon for now, after his representative confirmed the eight-division champion is no longer pursuing McGregor.
      Sean Gibbons, president of Manny Pacquiao promotions, told SunSport: “Very unfortunate, it looked like Conor looked past Dustin and got knocked out.
      “Maybe he had the Senator on his mind. I think the demand for the fight is not there presently.
      “Conor has some business to clean up and handle in the UFC. 
      “It’s a bummer, it could have been fun for as long as it lasted and know leg kicks would have made a world of difference.”

      Justin Gaethje threatens to never fight in the UFC again if Conor McGregor is handed title shot in his next bout More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      UFC icon Khabib receives ‘offer’ to join ‘ambitious’ Russian third tier football side FC Kamaz after showing off skills

      by

      KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV has received an ‘offer’ to join an ‘ambitious’ Russian third tier football side FC Kamaz.
      It comes after the UFC icon showed off his skills during a match at a Spartak Moscow training school in Dubai.

      Khabib received an ‘offer’ to join an ‘ambitious’ Russian third tier football side FC Kamaz

      Khabib pictured with Virgil van Dijk Credit: Instagram / @khabib_nurmagomedov

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
      Kamaz caught wind and wrote on Instagram, via RT: “We offer you to make your football debut as part of our team.
      “PFL is the football UFC… we play every match only to win [and are] an ambitious team with the task of entering the FNL.”
      “We have prepared for you a certificate for [Khabib]. If everything goes well, you just have to insert the date of issue.”

      Kamaz, who are pushing for promotion, have asked Nurmagomedov to take part in a three-week training camp in Novorossiysk starting on February 12.
      Khabib, 32, is a Real Madrid supporter, but recently posed for a picture with Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.
      The Russian has long been a football fanatic, and appears to have time to focus on a career switch after retiring from the UFC.
      He made the call in October after the first fight since the loss of his influential father Abdulmanap, who passed away aged 57 in July.

      But, with Nurmagomedov one win away from completing his dad’s dream of 30-0, UFC chief Dana White tried to tempt him back in a meeting on Fight Island this month.

      White revealed Khabib would consider a return, but only if a lightweight contender convinced him to do so.
      However, after Dustin Poirier stunned Conor McGregor – two of Nurmagomedov’s former opponents – he seemed to shut down the notion.
      White said: “I did talk to Khabib. He said to me ‘Dana be honest with yourself, I’m so many levels above these guys, I’d beat these guys’.
      “It doesn’t sound very positive so we’ll see. I’ve told you guys before he won’t hold the division up. He’s basically retired.”
      Khabib later joked that he was a ‘free agent’ and training to become a footballer.

      Khabib is retired from the UFC
      Nurmagomedov even once admitted he prefers football to MMA.
      He told UFC Russia:”For me, football is the number one sport.
      “When I was a child, I dreamed of being a football player and I have always watched football.
      “In a way, football is better, you don’t have to fight or smash somebody – you just go onto grass and show everyone what you are capable of doing professionally.
      “Of course, it is hard but I like it more, more than UFC, more than MMA.”

      Watch as UFC icon Khabib leaves football opponent for dead with shock burst of speed in match with Dutch legend Seedorf More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Jake Paul thinks ‘too highly of his own skills’, says Ben Askren as ex-UFC star vows to ‘beat up’ YouTuber in ring

      by

      BEN ASKREN claimed Jake Paul thinks ‘too highly of his own skills’ and vowed to ‘beat up’ the YouTuber.
      Askren, a former UFC welterweight who retired in 2019, will face the internet sensation on April 17 in the boxing ring.

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

      Jake Paul has won his first two fights as a pro boxer Credit: AP:Associated Press

      It will be Paul’s third professional bout, having already beaten social media rival ‘AnEsonGib’ and ex-NBA star Nate Robinson.
      And, with the Askren not renowned for his striking skills in the cage, the vlogger has again been made favourite by pundits and fellow fighters.
      But Askren, who lost just twice in his 22 MMA bouts, warns Paul, 24, won’t have it so easy now he comes face-to-face with an experienced fighter.
      Asked if he was surprised by Paul being favoured by the masses, Askren told SunSport: “Nope, a lot of stupid people exist.  

      “I was literally only rocked one time in 21 fights and ten-plus years of training.”
      Askren won titles in Bellator and ONE Championship before finally signing for the UFC in 2018.
      He beat Robbie Lawler on his debut, but suffered a historic loss against Jorge Masvidal four months later.
      Masvidal’s flying knee FIVE SECONDS into the fight made it the quickest win in UFC history.

       BEST BETS TODAY: GET THE TOP PRICES AND BOOSTS AVAILABLE

      After Askren was beaten by Damian Maia in October 2019, he retired and underwent hip surgery.
      The ex-USA wrestling champion insists he ‘feels great’ having gone under the knife in September and predicts a round seven KO against Paul.
      Despite the millionaire video star’s lack of fighting experience, Askren admits it will not be his easiest night’s work.
      But he does feel Paul is his least qualified challenger, who has has had his ego boosted with easy knockovers against ring novices.
      Askren, 36, said: “I think that the lack of skill of his opponents has made him think a little too highly of his own skills.  
      “Seeing as I have had a few fights last under 90 seconds I don’t think it will be the easiest fight.  I do think Jake is the least skilled. 
      “April 17 I am going to beat Jake up, what he decides to do after that is up to him.”

      YouTuber Jake Paul after a sparring session Credit: Instagram / @brutalbostwick

      Ben Askren retired from the UFC in 2019 Credit: AP:Associated Press
      Askren is not the only one to questions Paul’s thin resume of inexperienced opponents, with fans calling for the American celebrity to face a real test.
      Robinson, 36, was KO’d and became a meme after he was left out cold in round two last November.
      Paul has promised the same viral treatment of Askren, but recognised he is faces a step up in competition.
      After the fight announcement, he said: “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.”

      Jake Paul hits the pads in training for April 17 boxing return More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Jake Paul trains with UFC star Jorge Masvidal and predicts he’ll knock Ben Askren out in just four seconds

      by

      JAKE PAUL claims Jorge Masvidal  is training him to better the UFC superstar’s five-second KO of Ben Askren.
      Youtuber Paul predicts he will stop ex-ONE and Bellator welterweight champion Askren in four seconds or less when they meet in the BOXING ring on April 17.

      YouTuber and boxing pro Jake Paul says Jorge Masvidal has shown him how to KO Ben Askren in FEWER than five seconds

      Jorge Masvidal famously stopped Ben Askren in five seconds back in 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      And apart from calling out MMA icon Nate Diaz, Paul posted a sensational prediction as he chases his third win in three fights as a a pro fighter.
      He said of his sessions with Masvidal: “He knocked out my opponent @benaskren in 5 seconds and now will help me do it in less time.. @gamebredfighter is teaching me his secrets… 
      “April 17th the fight will last less than 4 seconds and then we coming for @natediaz209.”

      Masvidal famously destroyed Askren with a devastating knee to the head at UFC 239 in 2019.

      And Paul is favourite to beat boxing novice Askren.
      But going anywhere close to matching his sub-5ecs victory target would still be a shock.
      And UFC new boy Michael Chandler has warned fight fans his pal Askren can stun Paul.
      Chandler, who wrestled with Askren at the University of Missouri, told The Pat McAfee Show, “Let’s be honest, Ben isn’t the most talented striker.

      “If you are Jake Paul you chose the right mixed martial artist to step inside the boxing ring.

      “But I’m telling you right now, don’t overlook my man Ben.  ”
      Paul, though, told ESPN: “Go Google Ben Askren’s striking. Hahaha. It’s not going to go that long, it’s not going to go that long.
      “I don’t even think he’ll hit me. I haven’t been hit one time in the face in my past two fights.” More

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Boxing

      Ben Askren tipped by UFC new boy Michael Chandler to cause shock upset in boxing match with YouTuber Jake Paul

      by

      UFC new-boy Michael Chandler has warned fight fans not to write off Ben Askren’s chances in his showdown with Jake Paul.
      The former UFC welterweight contender, who retired from MMA in November 2019, will face the YouTuber in a boxing match on April 17.

      Former UFC welterweight Ben Askren will box Jake Paul on April 17Credit: Getty

      Jake Paul, who is 2-0 as a professional boxer, goes into his bout with Ben Askren as the favouriteCredit: Jake Paul

      Askren’s chances of beating Paul – who is 2-0 as a professional boxer – have been written off by many due to his less-than-stellar striking game.
      But Chandler – who wrestled with Askren at the University of Missouri – believes the former Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight champion is more than capable of causing an upset.
      During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Chandler said: “Let’s be honest, Ben isn’t the most talented striker.
      “If you are Jake Paul you chose the right mixed martial artist to step inside the boxing ring.

      “But, I’m telling you right now, don’t overlook my man Ben. Number one, I hope he is getting paid a grip.
      “Number two, I’m tuning in, I might even be there boxing ringside because that will be a fun one. I think it is awesome.
      CASINO DEALS: BEST SIGN UP OFFERS TO CLAIM OVER £700

      “Truthfully, I would never hate on anybody for making a living and doing what they are doing.

      “The Paul brothers, fighting [Floyd] Mayweather and the basketball player and KSI.
      “It is not a real sport necessarily but it is fun to watch. It is good for the sport, it is entertainment and you will see it more and more.”
      Chandler is happy to see his old uni mate getting a big payday, adding: “I love it man, I wasn’t sure it was going to happen.
      “I just love every good thing that happens to Ben Askren. Say what you want about him.

      Michael Chandler has warned fight fans not to overlook Ben AskrenCredit: Getty

      “A lot of people don’t know him as I know him, he’s like a big brother to me, he’s a guy I would consider one of my best friends and teammates for life. I’m excited about it.”
      Askren is eyeing a seventh-round TKO victory over the younger Paul brother, who insists the MMA veteran won’t lay a glove on him.
      He told ESPN: “Go Google Ben Askren’s striking. Hahaha. It’s not going to go that long, it’s not going to go that long.
      “I don’t even think he’ll hit me. I haven’t been hit one time in the face in my past two fights.
      “So I haven’t even been punched as pro boxer one time. Nate Robinson landed one body shot in a clinch.
      “I don’t think Ben Askren will even hit me. That’s my prediction.”

      Jake Paul makes Ben Askren fight prediction and claims ex-UFC star ‘won’t even hit me’ More