MMA

Subterms

    More stories

    • 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

    • 213 Shares119 Views

      in Boxing

      Canelo’s opponent Avni Yildirim calls Conor McGregor ‘arrogant and ignorant’ for thinking he could beat Manny Pacquiao 

      by

      AVNI YILDIRIM has called Conor McGregor ‘arrogant and ignorant’ for believing he could beat Manny Pacquiao.
      McGregor revealed before his UFC return against Dustin Poirier that he was in talks to fight Pacquiao.

      Avni Yildirim with Canelo AlvarezCredit: Instagram @avniyildirim

      Conor McGregor after defeat to Dustin Poirier Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      But after the Irishman was stopped in the octagon for the first time, his return to the boxing ring was all-but KO’d.
      Turk Yildirim – who faces Canelo Alvarez on February 27 – is happy to see the two rivalling superstars left alone in their own sport.
      He told SunSport: “Should basketball teams start playing football? Would you watch a baseball team playing hockey?
      “It‘s two different sports. If somebody wants to turn from one sport to the other that‘s fine. But it‘s surely not easy to do.

      “We are professionals at what we do. We have done it for years – training, fighting – to get to the level where we are.
      “To believe that you can just enter a sport and beat somebody who has done it his whole life is arrogant and ignorant to say the least.”
      McGregor, 32, made his boxing debut in 2017, losing to Floyd Mayweather, 43, in ten rounds.
      But he fancied another lucrative payday and crack at boxing royalty as he pursued Filipino icon Pacquiao, 42.

      Conor McGregor knocked out against Dustin Poirier Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Yildirim, 29, was not convinced, however, and urged McGregor to instead focus his efforts in the UFC, giving him no hope of upsetting PacMan.
      He said: “I think McGregor has been a big star at UFC but I don‘t see him as a boxer.
      “He clearly lost to Mayweather and I don‘t understand why he should have the desire to lose to Pacquiao.
      “If they want to fight, let them fight. No problem. Would I watch it? I don‘t think so.”
      As McGregor builds a rivalry with boxing’s legends of the past, Yildirim is going after the sport’s current kingpin.
      He challenges super-middleweight and pound-for-pound superstar Canelo for the WBC, WBA and Ring Magazine belts in Florida.
      Yildirim is the Mexican’s mandatory challenger and comes into the fight with a 21-2 record.
      Canelo, 30, will defend his throne having beaten Callum Smith in December, but right after was given 90 days to defend his WBC title.

      Canelo faces Avni Yildirim on February 27 Credit: Instagram / @avniyildrim

      Canelo and Avni Yildirim are former sparring partners
      Having agreed terms with Yildirim, Alvarez does so with future unification bouts already on his mind.
      So much so that he penned a two-fight deal with promoter Eddie Hearn, with the view of facing WBO champ Billy Joe Saunders later this year.
      Despite the four-weight champion planning ahead, Yildirim refuses to feel overlooked – but warned that Canelo is in the dark about what he is getting himself into.
      He said: “I don‘t care what Canelo says, thinks or plans. I focus on myself and what I need to do to show my best possible performance.
      “I can only speak for myself and tell you that I am not thinking past Canelo. First things first.
      “Yes, it was a long journey. But I am not looking back, I am focusing on what‘s ahead of me.
      “I am looking forward to the fight and I will make sure that I will be in the best possible shape.
      “I don‘t want to compare myself to anybody else. But as far as I know Canelo has never faced a true Turkish warrior.”

      Canelo Alvarez looks sharp on heavy bag as he prepares for ring return against Avni Yıldırım More

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Boxing

      Jake Paul explains sick taunts at Conor McGregor’s pregnant fiancee and tells UFC star to win more to earn $50m bout

      by

      JAKE PAUL has revealed he verbally attacked Conor McGregor’s pregnant fiancee, Dee Devlin, because he wanted to ‘piss off’ the UFC superstar.
      The YouTuber made derogatory comments about The Notorious’ long-term partner late last year in an X-rated call-out video.

      Jake Paul has no remorse for his comments about Conor McGregor’s fiancee, Dee DevlinCredit: Reuters

      Jake Paul insists his comments about Dee Devlin were not over the liveCredit: ESPN

      Paul, 23, has no remorse for his actions, insisting insulting the mother of McGregor’s two children – who is pregnant with their third child – is not off-limits.
      He told ESPN: “I wanted to piss him off. You know? I wanted to make a lot of noise, and I wanted it to become personal right away because I truly believe I can beat Conor McGregor.
      “And people don’t want to watch a fight where everyone’s going in there being like, ‘Hey, buddy, good luck tomorrow!’
      “That’s not the type of fighter I am. If we’re going to go into a fight, no like, I’m going to destroy you, and anyone you’re affiliated with is a part of the wrath and can be attacked.”

      Paul insists his comments were fair game when considering McGregor’s previous taunts about the wife of his bitter rival Khabib Nurmagomedov, who he tweeted a picture of and called a ‘towel’.
      He added: “McGregor’s done it. McGregor has attacked Khabib’s wife, Khabib’s religion, thrown chairs at people.
      “Like, this is the fight business. If people are gonna get offended, then get the f**k over and choose a different sport. Go do gymnastics.”
      CASINO DEALS: BEST SIGN UP OFFERS TO CLAIM OVER £700

      Paul’s attempts to land a blockbuster fight with McGregor were unsuccessful and he’s had to make do with a showdown against former UFC welterweight Ben Asken, whom he’ll face on April 17.
      The ex-Disney star – who is 2-0 as a professional boxer – is brimming with confidence, so much so he doesn’t expect the former Bellator and ONE Championship champion to land a glove on him.
      After hearing the Olympic wrestler’s prediction for their clash, Paul 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

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Manny Pacquiao’s rep confirms demand for Conor McGregor fight ‘not there presently’ after Dustin Poirier UFC 257 win

      by

      MANNY PACQUIAO’S representative confirmed their interest in fighting Conor McGregor is ‘not there presently’.
      It comes after McGregor was knocked out and stunned by Dustin Poirier at UFC 257, losing in round two.

      Sean Gibbons pictured with Manny Pacquiao Credit: MP Promotions

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

      CASINO DEALS: BEST SIGN UP OFFERS TO CLAIM OVER £700
      The Irishman had revealed several times in the build up to his UFC return that talks were intensifying between himself and Pacquiao.
      But McGregor’s proposed return to the ring – having lost his boxing debut to Floyd Mayweather in 2017 – is all-but KO’d as he was upset in Abu Dhabi.
      Now, he has been told to focus his efforts on redeeming himself in the octagon with Pacquiao no longer pursuing the former two-division UFC champion.

      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.”

      As quickly as McGregor picked himself up from the canvas and addressed defeat, Pacquiao appeared to move on in another direction.

      Conor McGregor knocked out by Dustin Poirier Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Lightweight sensation Ryan Garcia, 22, announced on Instagram that he would be fighting Pacquaio, 42.
      It is understood the two are in talks to potentially box in an exhibition bout.
      McGregor revealed after the loss on Fight Island that a deal with eight-division champion PacMan was almost signed.
      But now the southpaw, who was left unable to walk after Poirier battered his calves with kicks, has been left second guessing his next move.
      McGregor, 32, said: “I always did want to focus on my MMA career but I’m also open. I’ll just see what happens. I don’t know what will happen.
      “That Manny fight was happening. It was as good as done.
      “I just want to get in and get back into a bounce, especially against that style of fighter, and not take those kicks.
      “Not play with those kicks. It’s just a motherfucker to take. That’s my mind going.”

      Ex-UFC star Chael Sonnen claims Conor McGregor looked scrawny and weak against Poirier More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Conor McGregor urged to destroy ‘utter clown’ Jake Paul NEXT in ‘tune-up’ fight to build confidence for UFC return

      by

      CONOR McGREGOR has been urged to put on a demolition job against Jake Paul in a ‘tune-up’ fight – to help build back his confidence.
      McGregor’s eagerly anticipated UFC return went up in smoke after he was knocked out by Dustin Porier.

      Conor McGregor has been urged to fight Jake Paul Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Jake Paul has been chasing a fight with Conor McGregor Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Beforehand, YouTuber Paul pestered the UFC superstar for a fight, claiming he had a $50million purse waiting for him.
      But the social media sensation was just as quick to bask in McGregor’s defeat, goading him with a retracted $10,000 offer.
      Joe Duffy, the first man to beat McGregor in 2010, argues Paul is the closest thing the Irishman will get to an easy knock over.
      The retired UFC lightweight reckons his former opponent should try and silence the millionaire vlogger before making some noise in the octagon.

      Duffy told SunSport: “Going away from MMA, even Jake Paul is ring time.
      “He could go in, destroy this guy, a complete and utter clown, go in and make a millions.
      “He could come back, have ring time and go and tee off on someone in the UFC.

      Joe Duffy was the first man to beat Conor McGregor in 2010Credit: Getty – Contributor

      “It’s not a bad shout, it’s the easiest money and the closest to a tune-up fight that he’s going to get so that makes the most sense in terms of his career.

      “He can get comfortable in just competing, I know it’s not the octagon but he can come back to that, it makes a bit more sense in my head.”
      Paul’s pursuit of McGregor – who lost his boxing debut against Floyd Mayweather in 2017 – has so far been greeted with contempt.
      The 2-0 internet sensation was barely acknowledged by the former two-weight UFC champion, but was described as ‘a confused little kid’.
      Paul, 24, has instead moved on and announced he will fight ex-UFC welterweight Ben Askren, 36, on April 17.
      Meanwhile McGregor, 32, is left with a rebuilding job having lost for the third time in the octagon.
      The questions posed now are the same as when he was beaten for the first time in the UFC by Nate Diaz in March 2016.
      McGregor responded emphatically, avenging defeat five months later to redeem himself, even closing out the year by winning the lightweight title.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Conor McGregor was beaten by Dustin Poirier Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Dustin Poirier after knocking out Conor McGregor Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      It salvaged his reputation and his ability to come back from adversity even enhanced his marketability.
      But, a loss to Poirier in an immediate rematch, which would be the decider in their trilogy, would be catastrophic for McGregor’s road back to supremacy.
      Duffy, 32, said: “I think that’s the reality, as harsh as it is.
      “I do feel like he needs a good fight and he needs a win if he wants to carry on his career at the top in MMA.
      “I think to a degree it kind of is like that, Dustin’s had so many fights and came back, same with the likes of Michael Bisping.
      “But it all depends on how Conor bounces back now, because his stock is so high it changes the game.”

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