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      ‘He knows the consequences’ – KSI reveals penalties in Dillon Danis’ contract to stop rival performing MMA moves in ring

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      KSI revealed Dillon Danis risks heavy penalties if he tries any more MMA moves in the boxing ring. The rivals settle their score in the squared circle on March 29 in Manchester – three years after Danis pulled out of their original bout. KSI revealed Dillon Danis risks penalties if he tries anymore MMA moves in the ringCredit: PADillon Danis got disqualified for an MMA move on Logan PaulCredit: GettyDanis did make his boxing debut in October 2023 against Logan Paul but it ended in chaos when the jiu-jitsu champion got himself disqualified. The American attempted an MMA-style submission move in round six – sparking a mass brawl in the ring and his expulsion from the bout. But KSI – who lost to Tommy Fury on the same night – has come prepared to avoid a farcical repeat with the devil in the fine print details. He said: “We’ve put stuff in the contract. So yeah, I don’t think he’s gonna do anything stupid. READ MORE IN BOXING”I think he knows the consequences, I just know he’s screwed. I can’t wait to show what was meant to have happened, compared to what Logan did.”KSI has goaded Danis by claiming he only accepted the fight to afford the lawsuit launched by Paul’s fiancee Nina Agdal for online harassment. But Danis, acknowledging the contract stipulations, told SunSport: “They’re gonna take my check away if I choke him out. “So we’ll see if I need the money or not.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKSI – who trains at MMA gym London Shootfighters – is already anticipating some of Danis’ wild antics in the ring. He said: “I’m just more active. I just do more, I’m not a guy that throws one jab and then just gives him time to breathe.”I’m gonna be on him. I like to close a fight. I like to knock someone out. “I like to finish a fight, so yeah, I’m not gonna just give him time to breathe.”I’m going to be on him smothering him and making his life hell, to the point where he’s gonna be desperate and probably try to do some jiu-jitsu move.”Obviously, you know I’m in an MMA gym so I’m gonna see it coming and then use it to my advantage and knock him out.”KSI, 31, is yet to return since losing a controversial decision to Tommy Fury, 25, his first boxing defeat. He was also forced to pull out of his August comeback bout due to a hand injury – which KSI has since recovered from. And the YouTuber-turned-boxer struggled to find an opponent for this fight claiming FIVE names turned him down. At one point, he even signed to face Wayne Bridge, 44, until the ex-Chelsea star pulled out after KSI referenced his infamous feud with John Terry. KSI – who slapped Danis with a pancake at their heated press conference – has faced criticism for his level of opposition.That is despite his training and managerial team also having a say on who he fights as Danis, 31, was drafted in as an emergency replacement. But KSI said: “It always comes down to me in terms of who I get to fight. Everyone has an opinion.”But I’m able to say the final say and they gave me Dillon Danis as the guy because we went through a load of people and it was getting to a point where it was like maybe there isn’t an event.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So we saw Dillon and I’ve wanted to knock this guy out. We’ve been going back and forth in DMs or publicly and I just I didn’t feel that Logan Paul did enough.”I didn’t think he did enough. He won, easily won the fight but I don’t want to just win the fight, I want to see him knocked out. I need to see him knocked out.”KSI slapped Danis with a pancakeCredit: PA More

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      Anthony Joshua called out by former UFC star and bare-knuckle boxer who went viral for brutal KO after just 36 SECONDS

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has been called out by bare-knuckle boxer Ben Rothwell – following his 36 SECOND knockout. Rothwell had 53 MMA bouts – including an 11 year stint in the UFC. Anthony Joshua has been called out by bare-knuckle boxer Ben RothwellCredit: GettyRothwell is a bare-knuckle championCredit: GettyBut he signed for Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship in 2022 and has won all four of his bouts. Rothwell, 43, became BKFC champion after knocking out Mick Terrill, 41, in 36 seconds and now wants a run at regular boxing. He told Ariel Helwani: “Right now I’m a free agent, I very much love the BKFC, I love David Feldman and I would like to continue, even finish my career here.”How much time have I got? Maybe a year or so, it really depends. But Francis Ngannou, Anthony Joshua, guys who beat them guys. READ MORE IN BOXING”To put the gloves on and prove how good at boxing I am would very much be a bucket list. “I just don’t feel like I’ve ever gotten to show the boxing world how good of a boxer I am.”Ngannou, 38, walked out on the UFC to pursue boxing in 2023. He dropped Tyson Fury, 36, on his debut only to lose a controversial split-decision.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNgannou then faced Joshua, 35, last March but he was brutally knocked out in two rounds. The ex-UFC champ then returned to the MMA cage in October – beating Renan Fereira, 35, in the PFL. Tyson Fury WILL still fight Anthony Joshua and they’ll even be friends after, says British champ in shock predictionJoshua meanwhile was knocked out by Daniel Dubois, 27, in September and has not returned since. And Rothwell wants to showcase his skills in both the boxing and BKFC ring. He said: “Right now the BKFC and UFC fans just say I’m a brawler. “They don’t understand my precision, they don’t understand how capable I truly am but if I got to fight one of them that would be a huge opportunity for me to show the world how good I really am.”Before I am done fighting, I want to bring as much respect to this belt as possible. “If I have to step away for a fight I think the BKFC would back me. I believe we’re going to get something figured out and I will defend this belt.”Rothwell left the UFC for BKFCCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      I have THREE brothers in the Man Utd academy… one will be even better than Wayne Rooney, says MMA star

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have been told they already have the next Wayne Rooney on their hands.Rooney was just 16 when he broke onto the Premier League scene for Everton – scoring a famous goal for Everton. MMA star Ibragim Ibragimov with brother and Man Utd academy star AmirCredit: INSTAGRAM @ibragimWayne Rooney pictured in 2005Credit: AP:Associated PressTwo years later he joined United and an iconic career would follow – leaving as club legend and all-time top scorer. Nowadays though the glory years at Old Trafford are long gone with the Red Devils struggling for form and in desperate need of some inspiration. But MMA star Ibragim Ibragimov – whose three siblings all play for United – reckons his 16-year-old brother Amir as the man for the job.Ibragimov told SunSport: “My brother is the next big thing, I’ve already said that to everybody. READ MORE IN MMA”He’s ready for the first-team, he just needs the chance. Once he gets the chance, Inshallah he will make it, 100 per cent this year.”They are comparing him to Wayne Rooney, so he’s going to be the next Wayne Rooney. A better version than Wayne Rooney.” Amir, 16, Gazik, 15, and Muhammad, 12, are all products of United’s youth team and touted for big futures.Gazik once played with Cristiano Ronaldo’s son while Wayne Rooney’s eldest Kai is an academy team-mate. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd even Old Trafford icon Sir Alex Ferguson has given his endorsement to Amir, who has also scored for England at Under-16 level.Ibragimov said: “They need young fresh blood. They need more academy players.MMA star Ibragim Ibragimov is the eldest brother to three Man Utd players including one England international”They have a lot of academy players at the moment, really good, like dark horses and they’re on the bench.”Some of the guys on the bench already, some of the guys are playing for the academy, they got a good team.”So yeah, hopefully they have youngsters play for the first team and then they’ll show the levels of Manchester.”Ibragimov moved from Dagestan – where UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov hailed – to Manchester aged 13. And the 20-year-old was a talented footballer himself landing trials at Man City and Sheffield United – before focussing on just MMA. He said: “I used to play football. I think if I would have come to the UK a little earlier, I would’ve made it to a football 100 per cent.”I was doing both, doing well, so I could’ve done the football and I obviously I decided to do MMA.Muhammad, far left, next to Amir, middle left with Gazik and Ibragim, far rightAmir has scored for England U16sCredit: GettyAmir Ibragimov with Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Instagram @gazik_ibra4Gazik also plays with Wayne Rooney’s son Kai, rightCredit: Instagram @gazik_ibra4″I don’t know, but sometimes on a deep weight cause I’m thinking, ‘I should have done football!'”Because the way my brother live, all they need is just train, eat, sleep, repeat, all they need, they, they don’t need anything else.”They get good food. They don’t have to go away. They just need to train. “They say concentrate, focus, and then just go out there on the stadium and then play and enjoy this enjoy themselves.”Ibragimov is 8-0 in the cage and returns on Saturday in Dubai against 5-1 Irishman Kenny Mokhonoana. And the avid United fan has vowed to finally give Red Devils fans something to cheer about. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “All the guys from Manchester who supported me, I appreciate everything. “Guys, just keep watching on 25th of January I’ll bring the win for Manchester and Manchester United.”The MMA star once played football himselfCredit: Instagram @pfleuropeIbragimov is 8-0 as an MMA fighterCredit: Instagram @ibragim.60 More

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      UFC boss Dana White breaks silence over talks of huge £400m fight between Conor McGregor and Logan Paul

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      DANA WHITE has broken his silence amid reports of a boxing fight between Conor McGregor and Logan Paul. McGregor was the first to reveal he was in negotiations for an exhibition against the YouTube star in India.Dana White broke his silence amid reports of a boxing fight between Conor McGregor and Logan PaulMcGregor first revealed talks to fight Logan PaulCredit: @TheNotoriousMMALogan Paul ruled himself out of the boutCredit: SplashThe Ambani family – worth £77BILLION ($96bn)- were behind the idea and believed to be paying the pair £200m ($250m) EACH. But now UFC president White has shot down the reports and insisted McGregor’s next bout will be in the UFC octagon. He said on the Pardon My Take podcast: “No. Hopefully Conor McGregor returns in the fall.” The Irishman has not fought since July 2021 – breaking his leg in round one against Dustin Poirier.READ MORE IN BOXINGMcGregor, 36, was set to return in June against Michael Chandler, 38, until a toe injury forced him out. He has since been in a legal fight against Dublin woman Nikita Hand. McGregor was found civilly liable for assaulting Hand at a Dublin Hotel in December 2018.He has also vowed to appeal the decision. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMcGregor sent social media into a frenzy when he posted: “I am in preliminary agreements with the Ambani family to face Logan Paul in a boxing exhibition in India. I have agreed.”I will then seek my return to the Octagon.”Conor McGregor Trains Amid Logan Paul Boxing Match RumoursMukesh Ambani is the richest person in Asia and 9th richest in the world – making his fortune through his Reliance Industries company. The business  interests in petrochemicals, oil and gas, telecom, retail, media and financial services.Paul, 29, also teased a bout with McGregor online before pledging his future to the WWE. It sparked the likes of KSI, 31, and Tommy Fury, 25, to then call out the former UFC champion. KSI and Tommy Fury both called out McGregorCredit: PA More

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      Conor McGregor plays football for his pub’s team and puts in crunching tackles but also nearly scores from 30 yards out

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      CONOR MCGREGOR flew into crunching tackles and came close to scoring a screamer as he swapped the octagon for the football pitch. The UFC legend shocked fans by lining-up for pub team Black Forge FC yesterday.Conor McGregor swapped the octagon for the football pitchCredit: Instagram @thenotoriousmmaHe played on the left-wing for Black Forge FCCredit: Instagram @thenotoriousmmaThe Irishman flew into crunching tacklesCredit: Instagram @thenotoriousmmaMcGregor ended up booting another playerCredit: Instagram @thenotoriousmmaMcGregor donned the No11 shirt for the side named after the pub he owns in Dublin called the Black Forge Inn.The 36-year-old appeared to play on the left-wing as footage of him in action went viral on social media.He used his physical presence and aggression to good use, holding off defenders and putting in flying challenges.In one of the clips, McGregor is beaten to the ball and falls to the floor before bouncing back up and steaming into another tackle with his studs showing.READ MORE IN SPORTAnd after avoiding booking, he later goes for a volley from a set-piece but ends up booting an opposition player’s stomach in true MMA style.The match against Harding FC in the United Churches Football League finished 1-1.But McGregor could have been the hero when he came close to scoring from 30 yards out.The Irishman latched onto a long ball over the top of the defence and he tried an audacious half-volley that cannoned off the top of the bar.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut it was not all good from McGregor, who did trip over the ball after receiving a short pass from a team-mate. Fans loved his performance, with one saying: “The type of tackles I would expect him to make.”Another joked: “Can see why he picked fighting.”A third wrote: “McGregor playing footy is the funniest thing ever.”Inside McGregor’s Notorious lifestyleWith more sides to his personality than an Octagon, Conor McGregor’s rise has been an enthralling watch. More

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      Jake Paul identifies three ‘extremely good’ opponents in the frame for MMA debut amid talks to rematch boxing rivals

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      JAKE PAUL has three names on a list of potential MMA opponents. The YouTuber-turned-boxer is 11-1 in the ring and most recently beat 58-year-old heavyweight great Mike Tyson in November. Jake Paul has three names on a list of potential MMA opponentsAnd already Paul is back in training for his next bout – but behind the scenes talks are ongoing for an MMA switch. The American is signed to the Professional Fighters League – where he and promotional partner Nakisa Bidarian share equity.Bidarian – who once served as Chief Financial Officer for the UFC – is working with Paul to pin down an MMA opponent. PFL founder Donn Davis told SunSport: “Nakisa has three names that he’s focused on. READ MORE ON JAKE PAUL”I don’t want to share those because I don’t think that’ll help, Nakisa and Jake get those done. They’re really good at that. “So I don’t think it’s one name. I think there’s a group of three that would be extremely good and they’re working on this.”Paul, 27, signed for the PFL just one month before losing to Tommy Fury, 25, in February 2023 which is his first and only defeat. He has won five times since, most recently against Tyson which attracted controversy amid their huge age gap. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut over 100 MILLION tuned in live on Netflix – with Paul’s commercial success in the boxing ring so far delaying a switch to MMA. Nate Diaz, 39, who was beaten by Paul in their August 2023 boxing bout was linked with an MMA rematch worth £10million.Francis Ngannou set for boxing return in 2025 with Tyson Fury rematch and Deontay Wilder fight targetedFury was also approached for a two-fight deal that included bouts in both the cage and the ring worth £15m.And while talks with potential opponents continue, Davis expects this year will mark Paul’s debut in the PFL cage. He said: “Jake has been so successful at boxing that that’s delayed his MMA. No question about it. And I think 2025 will be the year.”We thought 2024 would be the year, but it was just so much success forthcoming in boxing.”I don’t think you could have seen the cultural phenomenon of the Tyson fight coming, and that really took over 2024.”So, I’m pretty confident 2025. But it’s also about the right opponent. At one point the Diaz opponent was set up and things didn’t happen.”So it’s opponent-driven, but I think this is the year.”Mike Tyson was beaten on points by Jake PaulCredit: Getty More

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      Francis Ngannou set for boxing return in 2025 with Tyson Fury rematch and Deontay Wilder fight targeted

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU is in line to fight in boxing and MMA in 2025.The heavyweight returned to the cage in October – following a three year absence from MMA. Francis Ngannou could rematch Tyson FuryCredit: ReutersNgannou had walked out on the UFC in 2021 to pursue boxing while also signing with rivals the Professional Fighters League. The PFL permitted their star signing to box – setting up two mega-money bouts in Saudi Arabia against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. And PFL founder Donn Davis revealed Ngannou is expected to fight in the ring and cage this year.Davis told SunSport: “He’s considering two options; one boxing, one MMA.READ MORE IN BOXING”I believe he’ll box once in 2025 and he’ll do MMA once in 2025. What order will be determined really by the opponents and the opportunities. “And we’re thinking about the same way. So I think it’s too early to tell. Is it boxing and then MMA? Or MMA then boxing? “But he’ll do one of each in 2025.”Ngannou, 38, made his boxing debut in October 2023 against Fury, 36, who was the WBC champion and unbeaten at the time. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd Fury was sensationally dropped in the fight before winning a controversial split-decision. Ngannou then faced Joshua, 35, in March 2024 but was brutally knocked out in two rounds. Jake Paul identities three ‘extremely good’ opponents in the frame for MMA debut amid talks to rematch boxing rivalsIt set up his return to MMA which he won against Renan Ferreira, 35, in one dominant round. Ngannou has continued to keep the door open to a boxing return and was recently linked with a fight against Deontay Wilder.Wilder, 39, is coming off two losses but is set to return this year after snubbing retirement. And Davis warned not to rule out Ngannou facing the American or rematching Fury. He said: “I think he’s open to either one. But if I knew, I wouldn’t breach my confidence on his boxing stuff.”What I know about Francis is A, he’s very, very smart, and B, he really doesn’t have any fear, as some other fighters do.”They prefer things over other things, and I know that from when we talked to him about fighters on the MMA side, he’ll say, ‘That guy’s much harder match up for me.’READ MORE SUN STORIES”That guy stylistically could be difficult for me, but he never says, ‘I prefer versus I prefer.'”He just thinks this could be easier or harder or more difficult or you’d have to train differently, but he’s open to everything.”Deontay Wilder is coming off two lossesCredit: Getty More

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      Conor McGregor sends £200million warning to Logan Paul after ‘confirming’ shock boxing match

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      CONOR MCGREGOR has sent a blunt warning Logan Paul’s way amid continued talks over a shock exhibition bout.The former two-weight UFC champion revealed late last year he’d accepted a boxing match against the WWE superstar.Conor McGregor revealed a shock showdown with Logan Paul was in the works late last yearCredit: GETTYThe Irishman claimed he’ll throw down with the YouTuber in IndiaCredit: SPLASHThe UFC superstar has sent a chilling warning the YouTuber’s wayCredit: XSunSport understands negotiations over the bout are in the exploratory phase and neither the UFC nor the WWE are at the table.McGregor, 36, has suggested a whopping deal for the £400million ($500m) showdown – the brainchild of Indian billionaire Anant Ambani – has been finalised.And he’s done so once again with a blunt warning to social media superstar Paul.Along with a photo of Paul in the WWE ring and an India flag emoji, McGregor wrote on X: “$250,000,000. #ImComing.”READ MORE ON MCGREGORScores of McGregor’s followers commented, with one saying: “Easy work.”Another said: “I hope it’s true. I ain’t mad lol.”One remarked: “A quarter of a billion dollars to fight Logan Paul. surely not?”[The] world’s gone absolutely MAD if that turns out to be the reality.Most read in Boxing”Surely this fight won’t make enough to pay both fighters that silly amount.Another chimed in: “Doesn’t matter the fighter, if they’re offered $250M they’ll fight. Logan Paul Teases Conor McGregor Fight Announcement”Can’t blame them either.”A stunning report last December claimed both McGregor and Paul will receive a whopping £200m for their proposed Mumbai melee.Both men added fuel to the raging fire surrounding their proposed crossover clash, with McGregor resharing the report and Paul liking an Instagram post citing it.The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is being lined up to host the crossover clash, which will reportedly be in conjunction with the ‘Visit India’ tourism campaign.Logan Paul hasn’t fought since beating Dillon Danis in October 2023Credit: GettyConor McGregor hasn’t fought since breaking his left leg in July 2021Credit: APYouTube sensation Paul hasn’t fought since winning his Misfits Boxing grudge match Dillon Danis in October 2023.MMA mogul McGregor, meanwhile, has been on the sidelines since breaking his left leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.He was slated to make his UFC return against Michael Chandler last June but was forced out of their Sin City showdown with a broken toe.READ MORE SUN STORIESMcGregor’s next fight, wherever it’ll take place, will be his first since being found civilly liable for assaulting Nikita Hand at a Dublin Hotel in December 2018.The Irishman – who was accused of “raping and battering” Ms Hand – has vowed to appeal the verdict of last month’s civil trial at Dublin’s High Court. More