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

    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!”

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    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.

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

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

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

    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.

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

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    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.

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

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    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!”

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

    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.

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

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    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.

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    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.

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

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    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.

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    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.”

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    Spence pictured after his car crash in 2019

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

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

    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.

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    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.

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    McGregor attacked a bus that had Khabib inside

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.”

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    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.

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

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

    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.

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    Mike Tyson slaps UFC president Dana White on the shoulder

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    Tyson makes White give up his seat on a private jet

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    White looks a little shocked as he shrugs his shoulders

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    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.

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    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.”

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

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    Dustin Poirier says Conor McGregor wants to fight Pacquiao and will use their UFC rematch to prepare for southpaw star

    DUSTIN POIRIER believes Conor McGregor still wants to face Manny Pacquiao and could use their rematch to prepare for the fight.
    McGregor, 32, last month announced he would be boxing Pacquiao, only to then accept an offer to fight Poirier in the UFC.

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    Dustin Poirier is in talks to fight Conor McGregor in the UFC

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    McGregor has been training ahead of his UFC comeback

    The UFC want the Irishman to return to the octagon on January 23, but Notorious is adamant he will fight before the year’s end.
    That leaves his proposed mega-fight with Filipino Pacquiao, 41, up in the air.
    But left-hander Poirier, 31, reckons McGregor wants to fight another southpaw before starting the year with a boxing match against PacMan.
    He told THE FIGHT with Teddy Atlas: “He’s angling to fight Pacquiao right? That was in the news.

    “I don’t know if the UFC wants him to fight one more time before they allow him to fight Pacquiao or if he just wants to get one more in this year before starting next year with the Pacquiao fight.
    “But what better way to do it against another southpaw.
    “I think that might be part of his mindset, maybe he wants to fight a southpaw before he fights another southpaw.
    “I don’t know what’s going on but I just feel like that’s what the alignment is.”

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    Pacquiao was in talks to face former UFC champion McGregor Credit: Getty Images – Getty

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    McGregor faces fighting two consecutive southpaws in Poirier and Pacquiao Credit: Twitter / @TheNotoriousMMA

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    McGregor last fought in January, knocking out 37-year-old Donald Cerrone in 40 seconds.
    But his plan for a three-fight ‘season’ was dashed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
    The lack of activity led to McGregor announcing his retirement and later spending the summer holidaying in France and Italy, where he continued to train.
    He does now appear close to confirming his return with the possibility of securing a second fight this year.
    And Pacquiao has kept his hopes of facing the former UFC champion alive after agreeing a new deal with management company Paradigm, who also work with McGregor.

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    Ex-UFC star Paige VanZant flashes her bum as she shows off incredible strength with pool-side handstand on Instagram

    PAIGE VANZANT showed off her incredible strength as she posed for a snap while doing a handstand.
    The former UFC star looks fighting fit ahead of her Bare Knuckle Championship debut.

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    Paige VanZant set pulses racing with this cheeky snapCredit: Instagram / @paigevanzant

    VanZant shared two pictures with her 2.7million followers and asked them which one they preferred.
    The first image from the front showed off her peachy bum and the second snap was from the side.
    One fan joked: “I’ll take both!”
    Another added: “You look amazing in both!”

    And one of her followers commented: “You look in great shape Paige, please come back to the UFC one day.”
    VanZant is now back in training after signing for BKBFC after her UFC deal expired.
    The stunner ended her MMA career with a record of 8-5.
    She recently shared a photograph of herself with American Top Team boxing coach Gabriel de Oliveira and Brazilian MMA fighter Janaisa Morandin.

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    Paige VanZant asked her fans to pick which photograph they preferredCredit: Instagram / @paigevanzant

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    Boxing trainer De Oliveira has the task of moulding VanZant into a fully-fledged puncher.
    When she’s not training hard in the gym, VanZant can be found relaxing in the pool.
    And she likes to bombard her fans with snaps of herself doing daily activities with no clothes on.

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    Paige VanZant is preparing for her bare knuckle boxing debutCredit: Instagram

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    Conor McGregor gifted with ‘speed, agility and power’ says boxing trainer who told UFC star tactics to beat Pacquiao

    CONOR McGREGOR has been told how to beat Manny Pacquaio by an Italian boxing trainer – who hailed the ex-UFC champion for his ‘speed, agility and power’.
    McGregor was holidaying in the Liguria region of Italy when he announced his next fight would be against Pacquiao.

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    Conor McGregor with Round Zero Gym owner and trainer Luca RiccardiCredit: @roundzerogym

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    Manny Pacquiao was in talks to fight UFC star McGregor Credit: Getty Images – Getty

    Afterwards, he sought a place to train, before walking into the Round Zero Gym and met coach and owner Luca Riccardi.
    Riccardi watched on as McGregor sparred his son, later taking the Irishman on the pads, and was impressed with what he saw.
    He even mapped out a game plan on how to fight Pacquaio, 41, despite the Irishman remaining tight lipped on whether the lucrative crossover fight was a done deal.
    Riccardi told SunSport: “I told him that against Pacquiao he has to fight in a particular way, but he never admitted or denied that he’s going to fight with Pacquiao.

    “Conor is not a boxer, but thanks to his speed, agility and power could fight with any European boxer.”
    McGregor put his UFC career on hold in 2017 to make his lucrative boxing debut, losing in ten rounds against Mayweather, 43.
    Before his last win against 37-year-old Donald Cerrone in January The Notorious promised fans he would lace up the gloves again.
    McGregor even insisted he would win a world title in the ring.

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    McGregor sparred with Riccardi’s sonCredit: @roundzerogym

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    But despite his supreme confidence and experience, Riccardi can not guarantee that the Dubliner could reign as a world champion in both sports.
    The trainer said: “It could be possible, depends on how long he is going to train, who is the trainer, again a lot of factors involved.
    “In boxing everything is possible, too many factors involved and it’s very difficult to express a prevision.”
    McGregor, who had announced his retirement in June, appeared set to return to the ring before the UFC.
    But the former featherweight and lightweight king then accepted an offer to rematch Dustin Poirier – who he beat in 2014 – which he hopes to squeeze in before the year’s out.
    It leaves his proposed boxing match with Pacquiao up in the air, but Riccardi is open to lending McGregor a hand again in the future.
    He said: “It has been a great pleasant experience, for sure unexpected but still wonderful.
    “Conor supposed to stay longer, but he had to leave unexpectedly. It would be a wonderful occasion for me to meet and train him again.”

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