MMA

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Boxing

      Floyd Mayweather slams Conor McGregor-Manny Pacquiao fight rumours and reveals he’s in talks with UFC chief Dana White

      by

      FLOYD MAYWEATHER has rubbished the potential fight between Conor McGregor and Manny Pacquiao – and revealed he is in talks with UFC chief Dana White.
      The Money – who outclassed BOTH McGregor and Pacquaio in the boxing ring – reckons Notorious will not make anywhere near the money he made from his clash with Mayweather by fighting the 41-year-old Filipino.

      UFC legend Conor McGregor says he will fight Manny Pacquiao in the boxing ring next yearCredit: Instagram / @thenotoriousmma

      Manny Pacquiao will come out of retirement to fight Conor McGregor in the Middle East next year claims the FilipinoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Floyd ‘Pretty Boy’ Mayweather reckons Conor McGregor will make nowhere near the amount of money he paid when he fought him in 2017Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      American legend Mayweather fought UFC star McGregor in 2017 – but the Irishman was eventually stopped in the tenth round of a one-sided contest.
      McGregor reportedly picked up $100million (around £70m) for that fight, with the unbeaten Money – acclaimed as the greatest pound-for-pound boxer of all time – earning $300m (around £210m).
      That has not stopped McGregor looking to make another ring return by taking on PacMan, who fought Mayweather in one of the biggest PPV fights of all time.
      But Mayweather told American daily USA Today: “He’s not going to get the money he got with me if he go with Pacquiaio. It’s not going to be as big.

      “You know, it gets no bigger than Floyd Mayweather.”
      Pretty Boy then revealed he has been messaging UFC president White.
      “Me and Dana talk. I wouldn’t say always, but we’ll text and talk on the phone every once in a while.
      “Dana’s a cool guy, he’s a great guy. And he’s doing a helluva job with the UFC and I’m proud of him.

      “We look forward to working with each other in the future. Are we going to work? Absolutely.”
      Pacquiao confirmed he expects to fight McGregor next under Queensberry rules in the Middle East next year.
      The Irishman, 31, has also said he expects his next fight to be against the Filipino – but not in the octagon.
      McGregor actually landed more punches on Mayweather than Pacquaio managed – but the Filipino was a shadow of his sensational best when he fought the Money in 2015.
      The pair have often talked up a rematch but this has not been able to be fixed up.
      Mayweather has also been linked with another fight with the PacMan.
      McGregor had been linked with a fight with unbeaten UFC fighter Khabib, but this looks to be ditched after the Russian retired after his win over Justin Gaethje last night.
      Pretty Boy, 43, officially retired in 2015 with an unblemished record of 49-0.

      How McGregor and Pacquiao stack up ahead of their proposed fight

      The latest Ring Magazine P4P rankings

      Khabib has calls ‘every month’ from Middle East with $100m offer to face Floyd Mayweather but wants to be ‘loyal’ to UFC More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Floyd Mayweather claims Conor McGregor fight with Pacquiao is NOT as big as their clash and will not make as much money

      by

      FLOYD MAYWEATHER insisted Conor McGregor facing Manny Pacquiao will not make as much money as his fight with the UFC star.
      McGregor – who lost his boxing debut against Mayweather in 2017 – was in talks to box Pacquiao in his next fight.

      Floyd Mayweather beat Conor McGregor in 2017 Credit: Getty – Contributor

      Manny Pacquiao has been in talks to fight McGregor Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Instead, he is close to agreeing a return to the UFC having accepted a headliner with Dustin Poirier for January, but contracts are yet to be signed.
      McGregor, 32, still hopes to fight Pacquiao, 41, after rematching Poirier who he beat at featherweight in 2014.
      But Mayweather, 43, told his former rival not to expect as big a payday as he received for their crossover mega-fight three years ago.
      He told USA Today: “He’s not going to get the money he got with me if he go with Pacquiao.

      “It’s not going to be as big. You know, it gets no bigger than Floyd Mayweather.’’
      Mayweather retired as a professional after beating McGregor in ten rounds.
      But he returned at the end of 2018 to beat featherweight kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa in an exhibition bout in Japan.
      Then, last November Mayweather announced plans to fight again, working with UFC president Dana White on a comeback.

      He is still in talks with White, having revealed he would fight McGregor or Khabib Nurmagomedov but only for £230m.
      Mayweather said: “Me and Dana talk. I wouldn’t say always, but we’ll text and talk on the phone every once in a while.
      “Dana’s a cool guy, he’s a great guy. And he’s doing a helluva job with the UFC and I’m proud of him.
      “And we look forward to working with each other in the future. Are we going to work? Absolutely.”

      Dana White ‘expects’ Conor McGregor to fight Dustin Poirier again in UFC after publicly accepting bout… but at 155lbs More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Boxing

      Khabib Nurmagomedov reveals he wants Tyson Fury to snub Anthony Joshua and fight Oleksandr Usyk instead ahead of UFC 254

      by

      KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV has told Tyson Fury to snub Anthony Joshua and fight Oleksandr Usyk instead.
      The Russian takes on Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 tonight but has been linked with a possible boxing bout with Floyd Mayweather in the future.

      Khabib Nurmagomedov has named Tyson Fury in his top four boxersCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Eagle wants the Gyspy King to fight Oleksandr UsykCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Khabib gave his assessment on his fellow combat sport prior to Vasyl Lomachenko’s recent defeat to Teofimo Lopez.
      The 32-year-old had named the Ukrainian as one of the best around but snubbed Anthony Joshua when picking boxing’s best.
      He told reporters: “Right now, I think three guys. Oleksandr Usyk, Vasyl Lomachenko and Canelo Alvarez.
      “Oh sorry, Tyson Fury too. Four guys. It’s very hard [to decide] who is the best.”

      He is not like other heavyweights, more technique, his footwork is very good, his conditioning is very good, I really wanna watch Usyk against Fury.
      Khabib Nurmagomedov on Oleksandr Usyk

      Fury, 32, recently confirmed he is scrapping his planned trilogy fight against Deontay Wilder and is now free to deliver an all-British heavyweight unification showdown with Joshua next year.
      Yet Khabib has claimed he would much rather see the Gypsy King face Usyk.
      He added: “I really want to see Usyk vs Fury. It’s gonna be a very good fight. He [Usyk] has very good skill and technique, Tyson Fury too.
      “He is not like other heavyweights, more technique, his footwork is very good, his conditioning is very good, I really wanna watch Usyk against Fury.”

      Khabib, meanwhile, is ‘destroying everyone’ in the gym ahead of his own fight against Gaethje according to his coach Javier Mendez.
      The Russian also revealed he wants to head to England after the fight to watch Manchester United and Liverpool.
      SunSport exclusively revealed Tony Ferguson is a potential opponent for Khabib if he decides to fight again.

      Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje look shredded on scales as UFC 254 rivals both weight-in at 155lbs More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Boxing

      Paige VanZant’s bare-knuckle boxing debut delayed until next February as ex-UFC star sizzles in latest bikini shoot

      by

      PAIGE VANZANT is kicking back on the beach after having her bare-knuckle boxing debut delayed until February.
      The 26-year-old signed a multi-fight deal with BKFC after her UFC contract expired.

      VanZant had hoped to make her Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship debut in November.
      But MMA Fighting report that her first fight will not take place until February 2021.
      The 26-year-old has been training hard to get her ‘hands ready’ for her first fight.
      She has been snapped working in the gym with American Top Team boxing coach Gabriel de Oliveira and Brazilian MMA fighter Janaisa Morandin.

      As well as posting workout videos, VanZant has shared some incredible snaps from her latest modelling shoot.
      The former UFC star wore just a skimpy pink bikini as she posed on the beach.
      Alongside one image, she wrote: “Felt cute now, might bare knuckle punch you later.”
      One fan joked: “You can punch me anytime!”

      RING TRAGEDY
      Wrestler dies aged 26 after collapsing in ring with ruptured brain aneurysm

      NEV-ER PAYING FOR THAT
      Neville refused to pay £14.95 to watch Utd’s win on Sky Box Office

      DISASTER
      Bale curse ‘is back’ say fans as Spurs concede three goals to draw with West Ham

      LOU KNOW
      Twerking MMA star Loureda reveals Hollywood is calling despite ‘selling sex’ jibe

      FER PLAY
      Fernandes sends Darlow congratulations after he becomes first to save his pen

      WAYNE’S PAIN
      Wayne Rooney ‘angry’ he has to self-isolate after negative Covid-19 test

      Another added: “Can’t wait to see you bare-knuckle boxing.”
      And one Instagram user commented: “You are graced with so much beauty. Too beautiful for bare knuckle.”
      VanZant, who ended her MMA career with a record of 8-5, is no stranger to posting X-rated snaps.
      The American flashed her bum while doing a handstand next to a swimming pool.
      And she has shared some pictures of herself doing daily activities while naked with her husband Austin Vanderford.

      2

      Paige VanZant has racked up 2.7million followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram

      2

      Paige VanZant is preparing for her bare-knuckle boxing debut Credit: Instagram

      Paige VanZant vows to prove she is not just a pretty face and is happy to be joining Bareknuckle Boxing More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo backs Khabib to beat Justin Gatethje as Juventus star says ‘of course’ UFC champ will retain belt

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO has backed Khabib Nurmagomedov to ‘of course’ beat Justin Gaethje at UFC 254.
      Unbeaten Khabib headlines Fight Island next weekend against interim champion Gaethje in a lightweight unification.

      4

      Cristiano Ronaldo pictured in 2018 with UFC champion Khabib NurmagomedovCredit: Refer to Caption

      4

      Ronaldo backed Nurmagomedov to ‘of course’ beat Justin Gaethje at UFC 254

      Juventus forward Ronaldo, 35, was asked to predict the outcome of the title fight.
      And the Portugal icon – currently self-isolating after testing positive for coronavirus – has tipped Nurmagomedov, 32, to retain his crown.
      Ronaldo answered on an Instagram live stream: “Of course, of course, Khabib is going to win!
      “My brother! Inshallah!”

      The two mega-stars previously met in 2018, where the pair posed together and Nurmagomedov held up a Real Madrid shirt.
      Ronaldo is a UFC fan and previously trained with Russian Khabib’s former opponent and rival Conor McGregor, 32.
      McGregor and the five-time Ballon d’Or winner met up in Las Vegas in 2016.
      Ronaldo then invited the Irishman and his trainer John Kavanagh to Jennifer Lopez’s party.

      4

      McGregor and five-time Ballon d’Or Ronaldo met up in Las Vegas in 2016Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk

      4

      McGregor pictured with Jennifer Lopez at her party Credit: Refer to Caption

      Kavanagh told the Irish Independant: “We’re all there thinking: ‘How can Ronaldo invite us to this gig? Who’s going to be there?’
      “Even in the car as we’re driving in: ‘Wait! This a terrible mistake. We’re going to walk in here and be thrown out by some security guard!’
      “We go in and J-Lo catches his [McGregor’s] eye and comes running over like a schoolgirl: “Oh! Conor McGregor! Thank you for coming. Let’s dance!”

      Cristiano Ronaldo earns more money than FOUR Serie A teams as Juventus squad’s wages revealed More

    • 250 Shares129 Views

      in Boxing

      Errol Spence Jr desperate to face Manny Pacquiao but says ‘living legend’ has earned right to pick Conor McGregor fight

      by

      ERROL SPENCE JR is desperate to face Manny Pacquiao before the ‘living legend’ retires.
      But the unified welterweight champion admits the Filipino icon has ‘earned’ the right to fight UFC star Conor McGregor instead.

      7

      Manny Pacquiao with unbeaten champion Errol Spence Jr Credit: Rex Features

      7

      McGregor is in talks to face Pacquiao Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Spence, who returns to the ring on December 5 against Danny Garcia, is already targeting a unification with Pacquiao.
      He told SunSport: “After this fight, of course I would like to fight Manny Pacquiao. He’s on his way out so I’d love to have that fight. 
      “He’s a living legend, and I’ve never fought someone of that calibre. He’s big and not just a boxing star, he’s an icon, a mega-star. 
      “That would be different and it would send me somewhere else popularity-wise. 

      “Pacquiao has been in the sport 20-something years, he’s an icon even outside the sport. Everybody knows who Manny Pacquiao is.
      “That would be a great fight for me.”
      WBC and IBF title holder Spence, 30, has long called to share the ring with eight-division champion Pacquiao, 41,
      But the unbeaten Texan could be beaten to the punch by McGregor, who lost his boxing debut against Floyd Mayweather, 43, in 2017.

      BIG FIGHT INFO
      Lomachenko vs Lopez: Live stream, UK TV channel, ring walk time and purse

      FAN THE FLAMES
      AJ wants fans in the arena for December 12 showdown with Pulev at The O2

      BOXING DAY
      Tyson Fury, Billy Joe, Campbell and Spence lead boxing bonanza on 5 December

      FISTS OF FURY
      Tommy Fury says dad John scarier than Tyson & warns AJ it will be ‘game over’

      ‘SHAMEFUL’
      Pulev sparks race row after saying ‘Joshua’s tan is better than mine’

      AGE CONCERN
      Tyson vs Jones Jr to be just 2min rounds as WBC fear for veterans’ safety

      With Pacquiao already holding talks to face the Irishman, Spence’s dream fight has been dealt a blow.
      But the American holds no ill-will towards the veteran, as PacMan’s years of taking on all comers at all weights justifies a lucrative payday against McGregor.
      Spence said: “I don’t blame him, Manny Pacquiao earned that right. 
      “He’s earned his right to make his money and fight whoever he wants to fight, because he fought whoever was lined up to fight him.  
      “I’m not mad at it at all, if I was 40-something and was offered that kind of money to fight Conor McGregor, I’d take the fight too, I don’t blame him.”
      McGregor had announced his next fight would be against Pacquiao, but now appears to have committed himself to the UFC.

      7

      UFC star McGregor was beaten on his boxing debut by Floyd Mayweather Credit: Reuters

      7

      McGregor has been training ahead of his UFC comeback
      It comes as the 32-year-old accepted a rematch against Dustin Poirier – who he beat in 2014 – on January 23 and hopes to fight in Spence’s home of Texas.
      But then he will focus his efforts on a return to boxing.
      McGregor tweeted: “I accept, Jan 23rd is on! My goal is to see this fight take place in Cowboy stadium. Proper Style!
      “Jerry Jones is a friend and the stadium can hold our crowd. I will be ready for Texas and Texas will be ready for my fans! Then Manny.”
      The UFC is yet to headline at the Dallas Cowboys 80,000-capacity home.
      But over 47,000 fans filled into the AT&T Stadium in March 2019 to watch Spence dominate 32-year-old Mikey Garcia.

      7

      Over 47,000 fans filled into the NFL stadium in March 2019 to watch Spence dominate Mikey GarciaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      His next fight, which comes a year after the boxer was hospitalised following a horror car crash, has been moved to accommodate a limited crowd.
      Spence will now defend his titles against two-weight champ Garcia, 32, back at the Cowboy’s stadium, and has a point to prove to his home supporters.
      He explained: “I fought at the Cowboys stadium before, but to be fighting again, especially after my accident, this is a great homecoming. 
      “I’m very excited, because I know people are watching me closely thinking I won’t be the same Errol Spence as I have been. 
      “I’m just focussed to prove everybody wrong and go out there and be victorious.”

      7

      Spence pictured after his car crash in 2019

      7

      The wreckage of Spence’s car after the accident in DallasCredit: AP:Associated Press

      CCTV footage of Errol Spence Jr’s high speed Ferrari crash in Dallas More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Boxing

      Conor McGregor’s greatest rivalries and best feuds including Khabib bus attack and Floyd Mayweather public bust-ups

      by

      CONOR McGREGOR has been at the centre of some of the most incredible moments inside – and outside – of the UFC octagon.
      And the Irishman even upset plenty of boxing purists when he swapped fighting codes to face Floyd Mayweather in the ring three years ago.

      6

      Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor endured a bitter feudCredit: Getty – Contributor

      McGregor has four times shattered the UFC’s pay-per-view record thanks to bitter and hyped pre-fight build ups.
      And the former two-weight champion has proven value for money with great highs and devastating lows in the cage.
      Here SunSport takes a look at the Irishman’s greatest rivalries and feuds.
      Khabib Nurmagomedov
      Before Khabib and McGregor sold 2.4m PPV’s – the most in UFC history – the animosity had already reached boiling point.

      McGregor got himself arrested in April 2018, six months before their fight, after attacking a bus which had Nurmagomedov inside.
      When the lightweight title fight was announced, The Notorious wasted no time in attacking his rival, mocking his religion, family and entourage.
      But McGregor was made to pay for his words, after tapping out in round four of their grudge match.
      Soon after, a post-fight brawl between both teams erupted outside and inside the octagon.

      It has fulled demand for a rematch, with McGregor and Khabib still eager to settle the score.

      6

      McGregor attacked a bus that had Khabib inside

      Latest

      Cowboy Conor
      McGregor ACCEPTS Poirier fight on Jan 23 and wants to fight at home of Cowboys

      CALL A KHAB
      Khabib vs Gaethje could have fans as UFC try to get audience onto Fight Island

      DUST WAITING
      Poirier would have a contract to face McGregor if Irishman agreed to 2021 bout

      CHIM-ING IN
      Khamzat Chimaev tells Nate Diaz: ‘Get your soft body to Vegas – I’ll smoke you’

      Pictured

      SEA YOU LATER
      Inside McGregor’s £2.7m luxury Lamborghini yacht dubbed Supercar of the Sea

      Nate Diaz
      McGregor was in line to challenge for the lightweight belt in March 2016, but Rafael dos Anjos pulled out with a foot injury.
      It allowed Diaz to step in on 11 days’ notice with the fight moved to a welterweight headliner – and immediately the pair clashed.
      The pre-fight build up was intense with back and forth verbals, but McGregor was silenced as he gassed out in round two and submitted.
      He remained humble after his first UFC defeat but demanded a rematch, which he received five months later.
      McGregor would enact revenge at UFC 202 in a five round thriller, setting up a trilogy and building silent respect between the two.
      Both stars have since gone their separate ways, but the door is still open for the rubber match.

      6

      McGregor and Nate Diaz built a silent respect after their two fights Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Floyd Mayweather
      McGregor put his UFC career on hold in 2017 to prepare for his lucrative pro boxing debut against Mayweather.
      The UFC superstar was full of brash promises and predictions before the fight, which would see his odds of winning slashed to 4/1.
      McGregor insisted that Mayweather was ‘too small’ and after the gloves were changed from 10oz to 8oz he said the unbeaten legend would only last two rounds.
      In the end, the ring novice chalked up an early lead – as Mayweather toyed with him – but tired as the bout went on and would be stopped in round ten.
      McGregor’s confidence seems not to have taken a dent, having repeatedly called for a rematch.
      Before his last win, against Donald Cerrone in January, the southpaw returned to his first amateur boxing coaches and feels he now has the guidance to beat Mayweather.

      6

      McGregor was full of brash promises and predictions before being beaten by Floyd Mayweather Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Paulie Malignaggi
      Before McGregor’s ‘money-fight’ with Mayweather, a now infamous sparring session with Malignaggi threatened to steal the headlines.
      Malignaggi stormed out of the Dubliner’s camp after pictures and footage leaked – including a disputed knockdown of the retired boxer.
      The pair even came to ahead during a press conference before Mayweather fought McGregor.
      Two-weight world champion Malignaggi has on numerous times challenged McGregor and mocked his boxing ability in constant verbal attacks.
      McGregor revealed in January he wanted to box again and Malignaggi was a potential opponent.
      He told ESPN: “I’d like to box Paulie, why not? That’s a bit of buzz, Paulie in a boxing bout.”

      6

      Paulie Malignaggi and McGregor built a feud after their sparring sessions
      Jose Aldo
      McGregor was first scheduled to fight Aldo in July 2015 and the pair visited eight cities to promote the event.
      Brazilian Aldo – unbeaten for ten years at the time – was subject to constant verbal and mental warfare by his outspoken challenger.
      But the fight was delayed after the champion pulled out injured, with McGregor instead beating Chad Mendes for the interim title.
      The featherweight unification was moved to December, allowing McGregor more time to get under Aldo’s skin.
      It proved vital, as Aldo appeared tense before the bell sounded and was knocked out in 13 seconds having recklessly charged forward.
      McGregor paid his respect to the legendary South American afterwards and even offered him a rematch, but The Notorious would instead go on to bigger and better things.

      6

      McGregor won the mental war against Jose Aldo befor KOing him in 13 secondsCredit: Corbis

      Conor McGregor shares throwback footage landing punches in infamous Khabib brawl at UFC 229 and boasts ‘unlucky lads’ More

    • 300 Shares139 Views

      in Boxing

      Watch Mike Tyson slap UFC boss Dana White, kick him out of seat on private jet and write ‘d***’ on his head in prank

      by

      UFC president Dana White felt the wrath of Mike Tyson when the heavyweight legend pranked the promoter by slapping him and kicking him out of his seat on a private jet.
      In a throwback clip, Tyson – who at 54 is preparing for his comeback fight against Roy Jones Jr – walks up to White and says, ‘hey, come on, move it’ after slapping his pal on the shoulder.

      5

      Mike Tyson slaps UFC president Dana White on the shoulder

      5

      Tyson makes White give up his seat on a private jet

      5

      White looks a little shocked as he shrugs his shoulders

      5

      Heavyweight legend Tyson writes ‘D***’ on White’s forehead

      The UFC boss replies: “I like this seat.”
      But Tyson sharply responds: “I like it better.” He then moves into the seat and adds: “Ah, this is nice.”
      White, looking a little shocked, shrugs his shoulders as he takes up a seat next to the two-time world champion.
      But Tyson – who recently left fans concerned for his health with a bizarre appearance on Good Morning Britain – was not done with having fun at White’s expense.

      The iconic puncher then wrote ‘D***’ in capital letters on the American millionaire’s forehead as he fell asleep on the jet.
      Despite the pranks, Tyson – who once refereed an MMA match in Manchester 14 years ago – has actually formed a close friendship with White.
      White – who grew up in boxing before managing UFC fighters and eventually transitioning into promoting – has invited Tyson octagon side for some of the company’s biggest fights.
      And Iron Mike, who walked away from boxing in 2005,  admitted in 2012 that, had MMA been as prominent then as it is today, then he may have chosen the cage over the ring.

      MIKE DROP
      Slurring Mike Tyson shocks GMB viewers during ‘car crash’ interview with Piers

      ALL IN, TYSON?
      Allen reveals Fury texts over December fight after Wilder trilogy collapsed

      TYME TO DECIDE
      Who Fury could fight in December as AJ tune-up with Wilder trilogy off

      FUR SURE
      Lucas Browne ‘more than willing’ to welcome Tyson Fury back to UK in December

      WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
      Fury confirms Wilder fight is OFF and ‘I’ve moved on’ to face AJ

      Exclusive

      BOUT DOUBT
      Ali secretly revealed he was SCARED to fight Mike Tyson, claims George Foreman

      Pictured

      SPENT OUT
      Spence shows off facial injuries in hospital bed year after high-speed car crash

      SPAR TURN
      Secret texts before Joshua defeat to Ruiz reveal American agreed to sparring role

      RELATIVELY EASY
      Tommy Fury lapping up the pressure of being part of famous fighting family

      RING IT IN
      Tyson confirms Jones Jr fight WILL go ahead on November 28 with epic promo video

      He told ESPN eight years ago: “When I came up, my trainer was a boxing guy. If my guy was in UFC, I’d probably go that way.
      “I love UFC, big time. How could you not? They play UFC so much, you see it year round, and you just have to want to be a fan. If you’re not a fan, you’re not cool.
      “I would love to do that stuff.”

      5

      Mike Tyson with UFC boss Dana White in 2015 watching a Ronda Rousey workoutCredit: Getty

      Mike Tyson in car crash interview with Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid as pair struggle to get coherent answers from ex-champ More