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      Ex-UFC star Paige VanZant set to make brutal bare-knuckle fight debut on February 5 before Super Bowl

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      PAIGE VANZANT is set to make her anticipated bare-knuckle debut two days before the Super Bowl.
      Super Bowl LV is currently scheduled for February 7 at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

      Paige VanZant is set to make her anticipated bare-knuckle on February 5 Credit: Sportsfile – Getty

      Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship promoter David Feldman confirmed VanZant will make her debut over that weekend.
      And he hopes to steal some attention from the NFL finale coverage before the fight.
      Feldman told MMAFighting: “We’re going to do the Friday before the Super Bowl, right around the Super Bowl, where it’s going to be.
      “It’s going to be a great event for us. We’re going to do Friday, February 5, Paige VanZant, that will be her debut for us.

      “I think it’s really going to be a really good coming out party for Paige’s debut and for BKFC in general to be around the mainstream sports media.
      “Every sports media in the world will be there, and I think we’re going to get the attention of a lot of them that weekend.
      “It’s going to be a great weekend for us and a great debut for Paige VanZant.”
      An opponent is yet to be secured for 26-year-old VanZant, who will occupy a headline slot on the fight card.

      VanZant joined BKBFC are leaving the UFC

      An opponent is yet to be secured for VanZant

      VanZant left the UFC with a 8-5 MMA record Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Feldman said: “She’ll definitely be in the top two [fights].
      “Either the main event or the co-main event, we’re not 100 percent sure yet. It depends on who takes what fight.
      “We’re going to know that in the next two or three weeks.
      “Once we have that card completely solidified, we’ll make that decision, but she’s got to be near the top of it or at the top because she’s going to be in every combat sports headline around for that one.
      “So we have to give her her due.”
      VanZant signed for BKBFC after her UFC contract expired, as she walked away with an 8-5 MMA record.

      The American star has never boxed professionally before, creating even bigger intrigue ahead of her switch to the brutal side of bare-knuckle.
      Her transition will be documented in a BKBFC series giving fans an inside look at her switch in fighting codes.
      Feldman revealed:  “We’re going to do a special series about her. It’s going to be called Paige VanZant: Ungloved.
      “We’re going to do a behind the scenes of her getting ready for this fight, her home life and everything leading up to this journey and ultimately her first fight with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships on Feb 5.”

      Paige VanZant left shocked as fans pay former UFC star for naked photos and demand she open up OnlyFans account More

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      Conor McGregor says he is now ‘infinite times better’ than he was against Floyd Mayweather and is ‘excited to show’ it

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      CONOR McGREGOR claims he is is now ‘infinite times better’ than he was against Floyd Mayweather and is ‘excited to show’ it on his return.
      The former UFC champion tweeted to praise Gervonta Davis’ stunning uppercut knockout against Leo Santa Cruz.

      Conor McGregor claims he is is now ‘infinite times better’ than he was against Floyd Mayweather and is ‘excited to show’ itCredit: AP:Associated Press

      A fan replied by comparing the shot to one that McGregor landed on Mayweather in the opening stages of their 2017 boxing match.
      According to the man himself, his ability has improved in the three years since, and he is waiting to prove it on his comeback.
      McGregor, 32, posted: “They won’t let me fight again in 2020. But yes, that boxing bout was 3 years ago now.
      “I am infinite times better than I was then. No question! Excited to show! Only got 40 seconds out the last time.”

      They won’t let me fight again in 2020. But yes, that boxing bout was 3 years ago now. I am infinite times better than I was then. No question! Excited to show! Only got 40 seconds out the last time. https://t.co/nBkuCFaSae
      — Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) November 1, 2020

      McGregor has not fought since January as he knocked out 37-year-old Donald Cerrone in the 40 second fight his tweet refers to.
      He even retired in June having grown frustrated after being frozen out of the title picture.
      McGregor did want to come back before the end of the year, but was denied by the UFC, who already had their remaining two pay-per-view headliners confirmed.
      But Dana White has since revealed McGregor’s UFC return to face Dustin Poirier at lightweight is a done deal.

      The pair had both been offered a January 23 headliner but contracts were yet to be signed.
      Now it appears an agreement has now been reached, after White addressed the situation following Anderson Silva’s final UFC fight.
      White said: “The fight’s done, I think so, yeah.
      “As far as I know it’s done.”

      Conor McGregor appears to confirm UFC comeback vs Poirier will be at lightweight after welterweight win over Cerrone More

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      Conor McGregor left ‘praying for the health and safety of Santa Cruz’ as UFC star hails ‘vicious uppercut’ from Davis

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      CONOR McGREGOR was left ‘praying for the health and safety’ of Leo Santa Cruz after a ‘vicious uppercut’ from Gervonta Davis.
      Davis closed the show against Santa Cruz in round six following a stunning left hand.

      Gervonta Davis knocked out Leo Santa Cruz Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

      My lord! What a vicious uppercut that was. Praying for the health and safety of Santa Cruz there. The young man “Tank” Davis has some serious venom in that back hand shot. Incredible!@ProperWhiskey fight night 🥊
      — Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) November 1, 2020

      McGregor – whose Proper 12 whiskey sponsored the fight – hailed the 25-year-old following the showstopping finish.
      But the Irish UFC star also sent his well-wished to Mexican Santa Cruz, who was knocked out cold.
      McGregor, 32, tweeted: “My lord! What a vicious uppercut that was.
      “Praying for the health and safety of Santa Cruz there.

      “The young man “Tank” Davis has some serious venom in that back hand shot. Incredible!”
      Davis, 25, slipped on the outside and bowled in an uppercut that bounced off Santa Cruz’s chin and left the four-weight champion out for the count.
      Afterwards, he said: “He was just right there for it.

      “He’s a guy that he punches but he doesn’t try and get out of the way when he punches.

      “There’s nowhere he could have went as the ropes were there, that’s how a professional fighter knows, they adapt to the fight.
      “He’s a tough warrior a strong Mexican, he came to fight, he came ready but I was just a better person tonight.”
      Davis closed the show in front of his mentor and promoter Floyd Mayweather.

      Floyd Mayweather wants Gervonta Davis to box once more after Leo Santa Cruz before negotiating Teofmio Lopez super-fight More

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      Floyd Mayweather ‘100% sure’ he will never fight as a pro again but is ‘absolutely’ open for exhibitions with UFC stars

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      FLOYD MAYWEATHER is ‘100 per cent sure’ he will NEVER fight as a professional boxer again – but is open for exhibitions with UFC stars.
      The American legend retired in 2017 after beating former UFC champion Conor McGregor.

      Floyd Mayweather is ‘100 per cent sure’ he will never fight as a professional boxer againCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Mayweather retired in 2017 after beating former UFC champion Conor McGregorCredit: USA Today Sports

      He did return a year later for a one round demolition job against featherweight kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa in Japan.
      Now, the 43-year-old stated he could fight once more, but ruled out returning to challenge the best boxing has to offer.
      Instead, Mayweather is ‘absolutely’ willing to get in the ring for another exhibition bout or against an MMA fighter.
      He told CNN: “As of right now, I’m doing exhibitions. I’m 100 per cent sure that I’m not fighting against any boxer anymore.

      “So, that’s out of the question. I mean, just my faculties mean a lot to me.
      “Money don’t make me, I make money and my health is more important than money.
      “As far as me doing exhibitions and me fighting MMA guys, will I do that in a boxing ring? Absolutely.”
      Mayweather last November announced online that he was ‘coming out of retirement’ and would work with UFC boss Dana White on a comeback.

      Mayweather said he would come out of retirement and work with Dana White on a comeback Credit: Splash News

      Khabib revealed he has been approached from the Middle East to fight Mayweather Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      The two are still in talks, and Mayweather has been teasing a return having continued to train in his Las Vegas gym.
      UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov revealed he has been approached to fight the 50-0 icon in the Middle East.
      Mayweather previously talked up a fight with Khabib, 32, or rematching McGregor, also 32, but wanted £230million for each bout.
      The former five-division champion and also promoter, has kept a good relationship with White, opening the door for another crossover event.
      Mayweather said: “I take my hat off to everybody that’s in combat sports, I respect all combat sports, I love the competitors, I love the guys.
      “Dana White is doing a helluva’ job, I want to say tell Dana to keep up the good work.
      “I actually have a guy that’s in combat sports that’s in the UFC. Of course, I’m for it all.
      “In the past, me and Dana have bumped heads but that’s a part of life. You go through ups and downs but we live, we learn and we laugh.”

      Floyd Mayweather shows he’s still in shape by having some fun with a jump rope More

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      Watch Conor McGregor in stunning sparring videos as UFC legend shows off impressive boxing skills

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      STUNNING sparring footage shows UFC star Conor McGregor unleashing his impressive boxing skills.
      The training clips range from before McGregor first won a UFC title in 2015 leading up to his boxing debut in 2017.

      Conor McGregor released unseen sparring footage

      The spars range from before after after he first became UFC champion

      McGregor works on his jujitsu with training partner Dillon Danis

      The footage, released by the Irishman’s media company TheMacLife, show spars in The Notorious’ Straight Blast Gym in Dublin and the UFC’s old Las Vegas Ultimate Fighter gym.
      McGregor works on his jujitsu with training partner Dillon Danis – who is 2-0 in Bellator – as well as six-time national Irish amateur boxing champion Conor Wallace, who in 2016 was brought in to replicate Nate Diaz’s southpaw boxing style.
      In the final spar the ex-featherweight and lightweight champion lands some telling combinations and counters.
      McGregor would go on to lose his ring debut against Floyd Mayweather in August 2017, winning some of the early battles before tiring and being stopped in the 10th round.

      The Irish southpaw would later admit he should have gone back to work with his old coaches at the Crumlin ABC before the money-spinning crossover bout.
      For his UFC return in January, McGregor did spend time at his first gym and even brought head trainer Phil Sutcliffe to Vegas to have him in his corner.

      I learned may things boxing in Crumlin where I grew up, and my deep love is why I do this today. I will be in Octagon again soon and fully expect to box again.
      McGregor on his fighting future

      Earlier this year, McGregor’s head coach John Kavanagh told journalist Gareth A Davies he would be expect the UFC star to box again.

      The trainer said: “I’d honestly be surprised if Conor doesn’t have a boxing match in the next 12-18 months.
      “He loves boxing. He loved the training for the Mayweather fight. It has to be something big, whatever he does seems to always get bigger. He’s always looking for that next step up.”
      McGregor would later tell Bleacher Report that he “fully” expects to box again.

      He said: “I plan on being around for a long time inside the Octagon, boxing ring, and well beyond my fighting career.
      “I love the fight game. I learned may things boxing in Crumlin where I grew up, and my deep love is why I do this today.
      “I will be in Octagon again soon and fully expect to box again.”
      And plans are afoot for the 32-year-old to step back into the ring and face Manny Pacquiao with a fight reportedly pencilled in for the Middle East next year.

      Conor McGregor lost his professional boxing debut to Floyd MayweatherCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Eddie Hearn planning for UFC-style promotion in boxing in 2021 and axing world title belts ‘as there’s too many’

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      EDDIE HEARN wants to follow in the UFC’s footsteps and have a sole champion reign in each boxing division.
      The promoter admitted there too many belts to win, with a champion needing the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO to be deemed undisputed.

      Eddie Hearn wants to follow in the UFC’s footsteps and have a sole champion reign in each boxing divisionCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      UFC president Dana White has one champion in each of his divisions Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hearn revealed he is working on a ‘blueprint’ for each division to have just one champion, like is the case in the UFC.
      He told Sky Sports: “If you look at the UFC model, which we’re all envious of.
      “It’s one promotional company and one belt, and that’s what I want to get to in boxing.
      “And it’s going to take a lot of work, but we’re putting the blueprint in for that.

      “It’s something that we’re going to be pushing hard for in 2020 as we continue to expand.”
      Hearn is currently working on a deal for unified champion Anthony Joshua, 31, to face WBC king Tyson Fury, 32, twice next year.
      It would see the first ever heavyweight to hold all four major belts, and achieving the goal of one champion.

      Boxing champion Teofimo Lopez won four lightweight titles Credit: Handout – Getty

      Khabib Nurmagomedov is the UFC lightweight champion Credit: Getty – Contributor

      But Hearn admits the history each strap provides will make it difficult to convince a boxer to instead merge them all together.

      He said: “What we do have to understand is belts do matter.
      “These governing bodies are steeped in history. These fighters that other fighters look up to and they’re role models and heroes.
      “They see them with the green and gold WBC belts. So we can’t forget that.”

      Derek Chisora takes repeated punches to the stomach to show he’s ready for upcoming fight More

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      Khabib reveals he wants Tyson Fury to snub Anthony Joshua and fight Oleksandr Usyk instead ahead of UFC 25 win

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      KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV has told Tyson Fury to snub Anthony Joshua and fight Oleksandr Usyk instead.
      The Russian beat Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 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.”

      The Russian also revealed he wants to head to England now the fight is won to watch Manchester United and Liverpool.
      And after destroying his opponent by second-round stoppage, Khabib declared that his time in the Octagon was over and retires with a perfect 29-0 record.

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

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

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      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.

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