MMA

CONOR McGREGOR’S boxing coach called the Irishman ‘the Muhammad Ali of the UFC’.
Irish Olympic legend Phil Sutcliffe was the first man to train McGregor, when the future star walked into the Crumlin Boxing Club aged 12.

Conor McGregor’s boxing coach called the Irishman ‘the Muhammad Ali of the UFCCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Heavyweight hero Muhammad Ali was considered ‘The Greatest’ Credit: Getty Images – Getty

But after the southpaw superstar chose to pursue professional MMA, the pair drifted apart.
That was until this year, for the first time in his UFC career, McGregor was corned by Sutcliffe, who took control of the boxing training during the camp.
Having worked with The Notorious right from the beginning, the veteran coach has witnessed first hand his equally devastating aura and skillset.
And he gave McGregor the highest compliment of all as he compared him to The Greatest.

Sutcliffe told TheMacLife: “I tell most of our boxers, learn how to read, learn how to see the shots coming. He has that with fine art.
“He’s the Muhammad Ali of the UFC.”
Sutcliffe admitted McGregor was always a student of the game – but has also worked hard to fine tune his craft.

Phil Sutcliffe pictured with McGregor’s head trainer John Kavanagh

McGregor on the pads with veteran coach Sutcliffe

He explained: “It’s a bit of both.

‘He always had the ability to not get hit and reading the punches even as a child.
“He is able to move his head, bob, weave, and the work ethic of him is unbelievable.”
McGregor, 32, linked back up with Sutcliffe in the summer of 2019 and brought him into his team for his last fight.
There, the former two-weight champion knocked out Donald Cerrone, 37, in just 40 seconds in January but was unable to fight again after.
McGregor will make his return 12 months on, as he rematches Dustin Poirier in a lightweight headliner at UFC 257 on Fight Island.
Poirier, 31, was KO’d inside two minutes of their first fight in 2014 at featherweight.

And Sutcliffe has warned McGregor’s power has only improved since then.
He said: “Conor will be able to get his shots or his kicks or anything in there like he did the last time.
“Now hopefully he’s more powerful now than he was – Conor’s more powerful now and so will the other guy be a little more powerful because he’s had to put on a bit of weight.
“But Conor’s skill’s percentage towards Poirier’s skill percentage is much bigger.
“Not saying it’s going to be an easy fight, but Conor has the skill and the strength now.
“He’s stronger now than he was the last time he fought him.
“Conor hits very, very hard, but precise with technique. He hits with precision.”

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BEN ASKREN called Jake Paul ‘a coward’ and said the YouTuber ‘has gone silent’ ever since he accepted his fight offer.
Askren was sent a proposal to face the internet sensation in March which, according to the ex-UFC welterweight, was quickly accepted.

Ben Aksren called Jake Paul ‘a coward’Credit: Twitter @Benaskren

Paul sent a fight offer to Askren as he continues his tirade against UFC stars

But, now Askren has accused Paul of giving him the silent treatment and even doubts the pair will fight.
He said on Twitter: “So, let me give you a little recap of the situation.
“I’m retired, coaching wrestling, doing some podcasts, buying some Bitcoin, enjoying life. I don’t really wanna fight anybody.
“So in November, this jabroni Jake Paul calls me out, puts up a poster with my name, ha ha ha it’s kinda funny. Whatever, right? No big deal.

“Well then, a couple weeks later, I get a couple texts and a week after that I get some calls and I get an offer.
“OK, this guy really wants to fight. Am I opposed to making some easy money? Beating up a YouTuber? Of course I’m not.
“So what do I do? ‘Sure, Jacob, I’ll fight you’. No problem. I accept publicly, on Twitter, nonetheless.
“Since then Jacob has gone silent. Jacob is kind of a coward. Sorry guys, I don’t think the fight is happening.”

Askren retired from the UFC in 2019 Credit: Getty – Contributor

YouTuber Paul is 2-0 in his boxing career Credit: Getty Images – Getty

Paul, 23, improved his professional record to 2-0 in November, after he scored a viral knockout against ex-NBA player Nate Robinson, 36, on the Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr undercard.
The internet phenomenon recently leaked a message to rival Dillon Danis, which revealed an offer he sent to the MMA fighter as well as to Askren and Michael Bisping.
But Danis, 27, is said to be out until June due to a knee injury, leaving retired pair Bisping, 41, and Askren, 36, as favourites to fight Paul next.
Askren last fought in October 2019, as he quit the octagon after consecutive losses to Jorge Masvidal and Damian Maia.
The American grappler has never been renowned for his striking and won only six times by knockout.

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BEN ASKREN called Jake Paul ‘a coward’ and said the YouTuber ‘has gone silent’ ever since he accepted his fight offer.
Askren was sent a proposal to face the internet sensation in March which, according to the ex-UFC welterweight, was quickly accepted.

Ben Aksren called Jake Paul ‘a coward’Credit: Twitter @Benaskren

Paul sent a fight offer to Askren as he continues his tirade against UFC stars

But, now Askren has accused Paul of giving him the silent treatment and even doubts the pair will fight.
He said on Twitter: “So, let me give you a little recap of the situation.
“I’m retired, coaching wrestling, doing some podcasts, buying some Bitcoin, enjoying life. I don’t really wanna fight anybody.
“So in November, this jabroni Jake Paul calls me out, puts up a poster with my name, ha ha ha it’s kinda funny. Whatever, right? No big deal.

“Well then, a couple weeks later, I get a couple texts and a week after that I get some calls and I get an offer.
“OK, this guy really wants to fight. Am I opposed to making some easy money? Beating up a YouTuber? Of course I’m not.
“So what do I do? ‘Sure, Jacob, I’ll fight you’. No problem. I accept publicly, on Twitter, nonetheless.
“Since then Jacob has gone silent. Jacob is kind of a coward. Sorry guys, I don’t think the fight is happening.”

Askren retired from the UFC in 2019 Credit: Getty – Contributor

YouTuber Paul is 2-0 in his boxing career Credit: Getty Images – Getty

Paul, 23, improved his professional record to 2-0 in November, after he scored a viral knockout against ex-NBA player Nate Robinson, 36, on the Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr undercard.
The internet phenomenon recently leaked a message to rival Dillon Danis, which revealed an offer he sent to the MMA fighter as well as to Askren and Michael Bisping.
But Danis, 27, is said to be out until June due to a knee injury, leaving retired pair Bisping, 41, and Askren, 36, as favourites to fight Paul next.
Askren last fought in October 2019, as he quit the octagon after consecutive losses to Jorge Masvidal and Damian Maia.
The American grappler has never been renowned for his striking and won only six times by knockout.

Jake Paul mocks Conor McGregor, Dana White and Michael Bisping in latest foul-mouthed social media clip More

JAKE PAUL leaked a $500,000 offer to fight Dillon Danis in March – while confirming deals have also been sent to Ben Askren and Michael Bisping.
The YouTube sensation is searching for his next opponent, having moved to 2-0 after a viral knockout against ex-NBA player Nate Robinson in November.

Jake Paul called out rival Dillon Danis on Instagram

Paul leaked a fight offer sent to Danis

Conor McGregor pictured with training partner Conor McGregor

Paul, 23, has made it clear he wants to face Bellator star Danis, 27, who is a friend and training partner of Conor McGregor’s.
To prove his point, the internet phenomenon shared a message he sent to his rival, which revealed a fight offer.
It read: “I’m cutting out the middle man because this fight is about me and you. Everyone else can f*** off.
“Basically we’re offering you $500,000 to fight at the end of March. Details can be discussed.

“There is definitely potential to negotiate up to even $1,000,000 and if I have to take some out of my purse to get this done then I wil.
“We have offers out to Bisping, Askren and another big athlete so time is off the essence.”
Paul goes on to say his personal preference would be to fight Danis next, but warns the 2-0 MMA fighter that he had 72 hours to respond.
It has since emerged that Danis is out until June, as he continues to nurse a knee injury.

As a result, Askren, 36, and Bisping, 41, – both retired from the UFC – are frontrunners to face Paul next.
But Askren was the first to publicly accept the challenge as he took to social media to suggest a deal is in place for March 28 in Los Angeles.
He said: “Yes, Mr Jake Paul, I do accept. I know you called me out after your last fight against the bum Nate Robinson.
“And listen, it’s a pretty simple choice. I’m going to make a whole bunch of money to beat up a guy who is pretending to be an athlete.
“Because at the end of the day, that’s what you’re doing.
“And I know you may think I don’t have too many stand-up skills, but also, I don’t really need to. Okay?

Paul knocked out ex-NBA star Nate Robinson Credit: ZUMA

Ben Askren has been sent an offer to fight Paul Credit: Getty – Contributor
“I’m a world-class athlete. I’ve won NCAA titles, I’ve been to the Olympics, won belts in multiple mixed martial arts organisations.
“And quite frankly, I am impressed that you’ve deluded yourself into thinking you’re actually a fighter. That you’re really tough, that you can really box.
“It’s quite impressive that beating up a YouTuber and beating up a boxer who looked like he’d never been in the ring before makes you, somehow, good at boxing. Because it doesn’t.”
“So yes, Jake, I accept.
“I will see you March 28 in Los Angeles. And I will humble you like millions of people want to see happen.”

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JAKE PAUL has continued his quest to fight an MMA star by mocking the likes of Conor McGregor, Michael Bisping and UFC president Dana White.
The 23-year-old YouTuber has been outspoken on social media as he looks to land himself a lucrative boxing bout against a mixed martial artist.

YouTube star Jake Paul mocked Conor McGregor in his latest Instagram post

Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping was also imitated by Paul

Paul – who is 2-0 inside the squared circle as a professional – has been on the attack to find himself a new opponent since destroying former NBA ace Nate Robinson last month.
In a foul-mouthed rant, he claimed to have offered McGregor £37million to fight him in a boxing match.
He then followed this up by making derogatory remarks about the Notorious’ partner Dee Devlin, which later refused to apologise for.
Paul has also been linked with a fight to face former UFC middleweight champion Bisping, with the Brit willing to come out of retirement to challenge him.

And the two competitors were mocked by Paul in his latest Instagram post which he titled ‘MMA chronicles part 1’.
At the time of writing, the clip had been viewed by almost 2.5 million users.
In the footage, Paul – dressed up as McGregor – referenced the offer he sent the Irishman.
He said: “Who the f*** is that guy? I wipe my a** with $50m Dana.”

Paul referenced McGregor’s interest in whiskey in his social media clip

American Paul wore a bald cap to try and poke fun at UFC president Dana White
Before adding: “I’m getting out of the fight business, I’m telling you the whiskey is where it’s at. F*** this little blonde kid.”
Then he alluded to the comments he made about Devlin, where he stated: “He called my wife a four? But he can hold all four of my n*******.”
Paul also pretended to be Bisping where he wore an eye patch in reference to the eye injury he first suffered against Vitor Belfort.
He said: “Michael Bisping here and Jake Paul I’m watching you, you c***.”
The ex-Disney actor then wore a bald cap to imitate White, where he mocked his the UFC’s claim that he will never having a chance to fight McGregor.
And he also spoke of the comments White made in which he stated he is thinking of letting Amanda Nunes fight Paul instead.

Jake Paul also joked about his recent interaction with Dillon Danis

Former welterweight Ben Askren was also in Paul’s firing line
Paul said: “I think he should fight Amanda Nunes.
“I have a small penis and I suck Conor McGregor’s d*** all day long.”
Other fighters were also in Paul’s firing line including McGregor’s former foe Nate Diaz.
Possible opponent Dillon Danis was also made fun of by Paul, as was former welterweight Ben Askren.

McGregor’s former opponent Nate Diaz was also mocked by Paul

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JAKE PAUL has his sights set on facing Conor McGregor – in a fight that could earn the UFC star MORE than the initial $50million offer by 2022.
After the YouTube star left ex-NBA player Nate Robinson knocked out and into a viral meme, he has since put all his efforts into pursuing McGregor.

Jake Paul could be set up to fight Conor McGregor in 2022 Credit: Getty Images – Getty

McGregor has been relentlessly called out by YouTuber Paul Credit: Rex Features

Paul, 23, even claimed to have sent the Irishman a cheque worth $50m in an attempt to prove he is the real deal.
But McGregor, 32, appears more interested in his return to the UFC, which he will mark against Dustin Poirier, 31, on January 23.
And Paul’s assistant trainer J’Leon Love is in no rush to throw the 2-0 upstart straight into the mix with the former two-weight UFC champion.
Instead he is happy to let the fight build and become more lucrative – while also giving Paul the chance to gain further experience in the ring.

Love, 33, told SunSport: “Let’s see how 2021 pans out.
“Maybe we have one or two in the earlier year and then maybe fight again at the end of the year, check out and 2022 have a big year.
“If we can throw Conor McGregor in there? S*** that would be solid, as Jake would be a solid boxer by then.
“Like I said, no rush, it’s good to talk about it, it’s good with the antics, it builds something up.

“If Conor is interested, maybe it’s not $50million later, maybe it’s more, you never know.
“It’s all about making the right moves, but we have something really solid here and people are hating on it. But it’s something new and if you stick to the old it stays old.”
Love is a veteran of Floyd Mayweather’s Las Vegas entourage, and considers the American legend and close friend and mentor.
And he watched as Mayweather, now 43, made north of £300m for beating McGregor in round ten of the southpaw’s boxing debut in 2017.
From what he saw, Love is adamant the skill disparity between Paul and McGregor favours his man when stripped down to only the sweet science.
He said: “I think a fight with Conor McGregor would be a good chess match.

Paul left ex-NBA star Nate Robinson knocked out Credit: USA TODAY Sports

McGregor lost his one and only boxing match to Floyd Mayweather Credit: Getty – Contributor
“It will be a decent chess match and from that on who has the better boxing experience between the two? Jake Paul.
“Conor only has one fight, with the greatest, but one fight.
“I know Conor McGregor’s is more stand up in MMA, he can kick well, he has a really good left hand.
“But I think if we can take that left hand away, which I am really good at breaking down, then we have a one-armed fighter and we’ll kill him any day.”
Paul became public enemy No1 after he called out McGregor by labelling him an ‘Irish c***’ and even went after his fiancee Dee Devlin.
But Love insists fighters should take a leaf out of the internet sensation’s book and risk the wrath of critics by making a name for themselves online.

J’Leon Love is Paul’s assistant trainer

Love considers Mayweather a close friend and mentor
Mayweather sold 29MILLION pay-per-views in his historic 50-0 career – as fans flocked to watch him either win or lose.
And Paul is following the same marmite approach as he banks on his equally loyal army of fans and haters.
Love said: “He’s marketing strategy is 100 per cent ill.
“What he brings, if you take the blueprint of his marketing strategy you can really uplift you’re game, he’s the most talked about fighter with just two fights.
“Whether it’s bad or good everybody’s talking about him, wanting to see him fight.”

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