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      Brock Lesnar slammed as a ‘fraud in MMA’ and called out for BARE-KNUCKLE fight by Vitor Belfort after quitting WWE

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      BROCK LESNAR has been slammed as a “fraud in MMA” and called out to a bare-knuckle fight by Vitor Belfort.
      Lesnar, 43, is a free agent after his WWE contract expired, leading to speculation that he could make a fighting return.

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      Brock Lesnar became a free agent after his WWE contract expired

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      Vitor Belfort called out ex-UFC champion Lesnar
      Former UFC fighter Belfort – now signed to ONE Championship – has thrown his name into that hat to face the crossover star, even with just “bare hands”.
      He told  Submission Radio: “Brock Lesnar, I think you’re a fraud. But I’ll give you a chance.
      “I think you’re a fraud. If you really want to fight with me, let’s go bare hands, me and you.
      “We put the gloves, we go combat, you know? I know you’re a very tough man. I heard you’re a grappler, but I’ll fight you, man.

      “I’ll fight you any day, any time, and I think that’s a legendary fight right there. But I think he’s a fraud in MMA.”
      Lesnar first made the career switch to MMA in 2007 and a year later lost his UFC debut to Frank Mir.
      By 2008 he won the heavyweight title after beating UFC legend Randy Couture and successfully defended it against Mir and Shane Carwin.

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      But in 2011, after losing to Alistair Overeem in the first round, Lesnar announced his UFC retirement – citing health issues.

      He did made a brief return in 2016 to beat Mark Hunt at UFC 200, but his comeback was marred in controversy.
      Lesnar failed pre and post-fight drug tests with the result changing to a no-contest.
      He flirted with another UFC run last year to challenge heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, but eventually re-signed with WWE.
      Dana White is open to welcoming Lesnar back to the octagon, after heavyweight newbie Jon Jones called out the former champion.

      But despite his accolades in the cage and outside, Belfort insisted he “doesn’t deserve” the attention he garners having been fast tracked in his career.
      He said: “I respect fighters that really paid their way. They deserve to be in the spotlight.
      “But, you know, I understand he can be in the spotlight of WWE. So, that’s what I mean.
      “A fraud for MMA is this. He doesn’t deserve it, but he sells, man.
      “Let’s go Brock. I’ll put my hands on you. That would be nice. I’ll make him pink.”

      How Brock Lesnar nearly died when doctors removed part of his intestines but he still became WWE and UFC champion More

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      Paige VanZant will have ‘smooth transition’ into bare-knuckle boxing from UFC as she is ‘thirsty for knowledge’

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      PAIGE VANZANT will have a “smooth transition” into bare-knuckle boxing from the UFC as she is “thirsty for knowledge”.
      That is according to her striking coach Gabriel de Oliveira, who has the task of moulding the 26-year-old into a fully-fledged puncher.

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      Paige VanZant has been tipped to have a ‘smooth transition’ into bare-knuckle boxing from the UFC

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      VanZant signed for Bare Knuckle Boxing Fighting Championship after her UFC contract expired.
      VanZant, who has never boxed before, signed for Bare Knuckle Boxing Fighting Championship after her UFC contract expired.
      Her trainer told MMA Fighting: “We’ll have more time to work with Paige, because she will only fight in November or early next year.
      “We don’t have the date set yet – but we’ve already seen how she moves. She’s not totally raw.
      “We’ll have to work, add some concepts and change a few concepts she’s carrying over, but I think it’s going to be a smooth transition.

      “The most important is that she’s willing to do it.
      “One cool thing about her is that we say something and she does it, she wants to learn, she’s thirsty for knowledge.”
      After announcing the shock switch, VanZant – who has modelled for Sports Illustrated – insisted she does not fear suffering a nasty gash at the hands of an exposed fist.

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      She said:  “I understand people think I’m cute but I’m a fighter and an athlete first and foremost. 

      “A cut on your face always heals. I’ve been cut open before and people still think I’m pretty, and it hasn’t hurt my career yet.
      “I feel like at this point, I’ll be paid well enough I can have plastic surgery.” More

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      Conor McGregor taunts Floyd Mayweather on three-year fight anniversary as UFC legend claims he ‘carried’ boxer

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      CONOR McGREGOR taunted Floyd Mayweather on their three-year fight anniversary after claiming he “carried” the boxer in the bout.
      McGregor lost his boxing debut in ten rounds against Mayweather, who would go on to retire a perfect 50-0.

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      Conor McGregor taunted Floyd Mayweather on their three-year fight anniversary
      The Irishman started well, winning some of the opening rounds, before his legendary opponent upped the pace and controlled the action.
      Many claimed Mayweather surrendered the early session to tire McGregor.
      But the former UFC champion flipped the narrative and goaded it was him who helped Mayweather along the way.
      He wrote online: “3 years ago today I carried Floyd for his final boxing match.

      “Wow time flies when you’re stacking cheddar. Happy retirement champ.”
      Despite Mayweather not fighting professionally since, McGregor has been campaigning for a rematch.

      Before his UFC comeback in January, which he won against Donald Cerrone in 40 seconds, he was adamant about boxing the 43-year-old again.
      McGregor told ESPN: “I know I beat Floyd, I’d beat Floyd if we rematched, when we rematch.

      “He’s not gonna do a mixed martial arts bout like he said. It was supposed to be me boxing, and then we’ll do a mixed martial arts bout.
      “That was what was said. And it came out of his mouth as well, and it was not written, but it was a verbal agreement.
      “And obviously, that’s not gonna happen. I’m not going to push him on that, either.
      “But I would like to box him. I think that would be a good rematch.”

      But McGregor has not fought since the new year and even retired in June, having grown frustrated during coronavirus lockdown having been unable to compete.
      Following his announcement, Mayweather was on hand to offer the Irish southpaw a rematch, should he have a change in heart.
      He said: “If I’m not mistaken, didn’t you tell Mike Tyson you could beat me if we fought a second time.
      “Now you’re quitting! I thought you wanted to beat the best? Well, if you decide to come back, I will be waiting to punish you again.”
      Mayweather last year announced he was “coming out of retirement in 2020” to work with UFC boss Dana White.
      White revealed the American plans to box again, but ruled out a lucrative second fight with McGregor.

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      The promoter told  TMZ Sports: “I know he would rematch Conor McGregor but I don’t know if you heard about this but Conor McGregor’s retired.
      “When I’m doing things right now and running business, I don’t even think about Conor. Conor is retired. 
      “As of right here now today, Conor is retired until Conor tells me differently, I’m not trying to make any fights for Conor.”

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      McGregor lost his boxing debut to Floyd Mayweather in 2017 Credit: Getty – Contributor

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      The pair have fulled speculation over a rematch Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Floyd Mayweather shows off his dazzling skills and speed in impressive training footage at 43 amid return talks More

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      in Boxing

      Katie Taylor eyeing crossover boxing match with MMA stars Amanda Nunes, Cris Cyborg or Holly Holm

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      IRISH superstar Katie Taylor is eyeing a crossover boxing match against an MMA fighter.
      And Amanda Nunes, Cris Cyborg or Holly Holm – all current or former champions – are on the list of potential opponents.

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      Katie Taylor is eyeing a cross over boxing match against an MMA fighter

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      Former UFC rivals Amanda Nunes and Cris Cyborg
      After the undisputed lightweight champion secured a repeat rematch win over Delphine Persoon, the Olympic hero is already seeking a different challenge.
      But having already conquered two divisions, and seen welterweight legend Cecilia Braekhus losing her belts, Taylor could now have to look for challengers from a different sport.
      Taylor’s long term manager Brian Peters told The Telegraph: “What we want is legacy fights now for Katie.
      “And that means getting her in the ring with the biggest names from anywhere in the fight sports industry – Cyborg, Holm, Nunes – an MMA/boxing crossover fight with is now viable because there is a growing interest in women’s fighting.

      “You have to get her respect by standing and fighting, which I did in some parts.”Katie Taylor admits she enjoys the tear-up ‘too much’ after more disciplined Delfine Persoon win 👇
      — Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) August 23, 2020

      “We saw it with Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather and there is no reason why Katie could not do a similar thing. There is mania for her in Ireland.”
      Taylor was touted to potentially step up to welterweight to face Braekhus.
      But her former opponent Jessica McCaskill ripped all the belts away Braekhus, putting her in line for a rematch against Taylor.
      Or the Irishwoman could face seven-weight champion Amanda Serrano in another super-fight, having already beaten her sister Cindy.

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      Whatever Taylor’s next move is, promoter Eddie Hearn promised the 34-year-old will be rewarded, following her thriller against Persoon.
      He said: “Katie wants the biggest fights out there and we will get them all for her.
      “She is a brilliant boxer and showed how great she is in this rematch.”

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      in Boxing

      Oscar De La Hoya comeback mocked by Dana White who says ‘cocaine isn’t cheap’ in wake of boxer’s drug addiction battle

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      OSCAR DE LA HOYA’s fight comeback has been mocked by Dana White.
      The UFC president has enjoyed a frosty relationship over the years with boxer-turned-promoter De La Hoya, who announced his plans to return to the ring last week.

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      De La Hoya announced his comeback plans last week and has struggled with addiction in the years since his retirement
      De La Hoya, 47, has admitted to alcohol and substance abuse since his retirement, and is understood to have received treatment for addiction on multiple occasions.
      When asked about the comeback at last night’s UFC post-fight press conference, White made reference to De La Hoya’s previous drug use.
      He said: “Cocaine isn’t cheap.
      “It’s expensive. You’ve got to make money.”

      De La Hoya retired in April 2009, four months after defeat to Manny Pacquaio marked his fourth loss in seven fights.

      De La Hoya earned the nickname Golden Boy during his 16 years as a professional.
      But his squeaky-clean image was tarnished in 2011 after he was admitted to a rehab clinic in California and confessed to cheating on his wife as well as his struggles with addiction.
      De La Hoya has made it clear he will not be following in the footsteps of Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr by putting on an exhibition match for his comeback, and is looking to add to his 39-6 professional record.

      De La Hoya said: “Any top guy, any top guy out there.
      “All these fighters are not at the level that was 15, 20 years [ago].”

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      De La Hoya, who won Olympic gold at Barcelona 1992, won 11 world titles across six different weight categories in his 16-year professional career.
      He is ranked as the 13th-best pound-for-pound boxer of all time by BoxRec.
      De La Hoya has already been called out by Amir Khan since announcing his comeback plans.

      Dillian Whyte crashes Eddie Hearn interview asking for ‘rematch in December’ after 5th round knock-out by Alexander Povetkin More

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      Dillian Whyte shares throwback clip of brutal MMA KO amid feud with UFC aces Francis Ngannou and Stipe Miocic

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      DILLIAN WHYTE posted a throwback video of his savage MMA knockout as his feud with UFC duo Francis Ngannou and Stipe Miocic heated up.
      The Body Snatcher, 32, may have made a name for himself inside the boxing ring over the last decade with just one defeat from his 28 pro fights.

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      Dillian Whyte shared his brutal punch with earned him victory in his sole pro MMA fightCredit: https://www.instagram.com/dillianwhyte/

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      The Brixton star landed a savage right hook on Mark Stroud inside the first 12 secondsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/dillianwhyte/
      But before that he had a brief stint in kickboxing and mixed martial arts.
      As well as becoming British and European kickboxing champion with a 20-1 record, Whyte also had one pro MMA fight.
      And it lasted just 12 seconds.
      He demolished Mark Stroud with a stunning KO punch at the Ultimate Challenge MMA 1: Bad Breed event in December 2008.

      Sharing the clip on his Instagram page, the Brixton star wrote: “Have been laying em out from an early age across all different style who want it can get it simple.”

      Writing exclusively for SunSport he revealed he has plans to conquer the UFC world – and has already called out Miocic and Ngannou.
      He said: “Reigning WBC and UFC heavyweight champion of the world has a nice ring to it.
      “I have not trained in kickboxing or MMA for a while but, for me, it is like riding a bike.

      “Once I knock off some of the rust, my instincts come rushing back and I am ready to dominate again.
      “The heavyweight guys over there, champion Stipe Miocic and Francis Ngannou, are elite and I would have to work on my grappling and wrestling.
      “But I know, standing up and boxing in 4oz gloves, I could knock ANY of their top-ten heavyweights out.
      “I would need time to get my MMA conditioning back because it is totally different to boxing where, if you are clever, you can take time in the three minute rounds.

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      “In these cages it is five-minute rounds of non-stopmoving, kicking, punching, wrestling — it is no joke.
      “But I have better hand skills than any of them and because they try to cover a lot of aspects, that leaves a lot of holes in their game.
      “The guys at the top, like Miocic and Ngannou, come from boxing but weren’t good enough to make it as pro boxers — as they could have made more money — they would usually want to stand up.”

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      The fight – back in December 2008 – was stopped immediatelyCredit: https://www.instagram.com/dillianwhyte/

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      White then turned his attention to boxing where he has a 27-1 recordCredit: https://www.instagram.com/dillianwhyte/

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      He now has dreams of becoming both boxing and UFC heavyweight world champCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Conor McGregor says ‘I am boxing’ in hint on future as he and Dee Devlin pay tribute to legendary journalist Bert Sugar

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      CONOR McGREGOR said “I am boxing” as he and Dee Devlin paid tribute to legendary journalist Bert Sugar.
      The 32-year-old is still currently retired after announcing the decision in June.

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      Conor McGregor and Dee Devlin paid tribute to legendary journalist Bert Sugar

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      Sugar is regarded as one the greatest boxing reporters of all time Credit: Getty Images
      He has since got engaged to long-time partner Devlin, with UFC president Dana White opening the door for a 2021 comeback for the Irishman.
      But McGregor appears to still be flirting with the possibility of returning to boxing, having lost his ring debut to Floyd Mayweather in 2017.
      He uploaded a picture on Instagram with Devlin and captioned the post: “Bert Sugar, I am boxing.”
      McGregor posed with a fedora and an unlit cigar – two trademarks of Sugar.

      The American writer, who died in 2012, is regarded as one the greatest boxing reporters of all time.

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      The historian edited Boxing Illustrated and wrote more than 80 books, focussing also on baseball.
      McGregor’s tribute could go some way to hinting at his next career move.
      He put his UFC career on hold in 2017 to chase a bout with Mayweather, which he lost in round 10 in what is the second most lucrative fight of all time.

      McGregor made headlines March 2017 when he accompanied Michael Conlan to the ring and announced plans to crossover sports.
      Afterwards he famously roared “I am boxing” in front of ringside media members.

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      The former UFC champion has never closed the door on another boxing match, calling for a rematch with Mayweather, 43.
      But more recently he has been linked with a fight against Manny Pacquiao, 41, which McGregor twice teased online.
      Pacquiao – who has been urged to box the Irish star by Filipino fans – even signed for Paradigm Sports, who represent McGregor.

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      McGregor lost his boxing debut to Floyd Mayweather in 2017

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      Paige VanZant has ‘plastic surgeon on speed dial’ as she opens up on multi-million dollar bare-knuckle boxing deal

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      PAIGE VANZANT has a “plastic surgeon on speed dial” after confirming her multi-million dollar move to the Bare Knuckle Boxing Fighting Championship.
      The 26-year-old made the switch after her UFC contract expired.

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      Paige VanZant has a ‘plastic surgeon on speed dial’ after confirming her move to BKBFC

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      VanZant made the switch after her UFC contract expired.
      VanZant – who modelled for Sports Illustrated – does not fear for her looks as she prepares to cross into the brutal sport.
      But the former flyweight contender will be prepared in case of an emergency.
      VanZant told MMA Fighting: “I understand people think I’m cute but I’m a fighter and an athlete first and foremost.
      “A cut on your face always heals. I’ve been cut open before and people still think I’m pretty, and it hasn’t hurt my career yet.

      “I feel like at this point, I’ll be paid well enough I can have plastic surgery.
      “I have a plastic surgeon on speed dial and I can send him a text and say, ‘Hey, you’ve got to fix me up’.”
      VanZant look bound to sign for Bellator, the promotion her husband Austin Vanderford fights for.
      But after BKBFC proposed a lucrative offer, the American agreed to the surprise move with final terms now being thrashed out.

      View this post on Instagram

      • @mundoboxing Paige VanZant un training at our Camp. To view the full video click on the link on the Bio. #THEFAMILYTEAM #mundoboxing, #BoxingDay, #me, #yosoymundoboxing, #knockout, #traintowin, #boxingcoach, #boxing, #boxe, #mma, #worldchampion, #ufc #motivation, #boxingday, #jiujitsu #boxinglife, #instagood, #happy, #followme, #sport, #sports, #boxeo #boxingnews #pedrodiazboxing #boxinggloves #boxen #boxeoprofessional
      A post shared by Paige VanZant (@paigevanzant) on Aug 3, 2020 at 6:56pm PDT

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      VanZant added: “I had no idea they’d be such a big player in the game.
      “Once I heard, talking with my husband, I was like I think I want to sign with them.
      “We were still in that negotiation process, I really hadn’t heard their final offer.
      “It was more than just what I feel like they were offering me financially.”

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