MMA

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Conor McGregor releases statement teasing ‘big announcement’ alongside Cristiano Ronaldo photo as fans call him ‘King’

      by

      FANS are even more intrigued by Conor McGregor’s Saudi meet-up with Cristiano Ronaldo after the UFC icon teased a “big announcement”.Irishman McGregor shared a picture of himself next to the football legend at the huge boxing event where Anthony Joshua crushed Otto Wallin.
      Conor McGregor and Cristiano Ronaldo had a fascinating exchangeCredit: Getty

      McGregor suggested a big opportunity for himself is coming soonCredit: Getty
      Photos of the former two-weight UFC king, 35, chatting to 38-year-old Ronaldo have already amused fans – with the Al-Nassr striker looking bored at times but also comparing their expensive wristwatches.
      It all left fans wondering: What’s going on with Con ‘n Ron?
      McGregor, however, found a far happier image of their get-together in Riyadh for Instagram – as the pair roared with laughter.
      And he added the words: “Legendary evening of Boxing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia! BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS COMING. @turkialalshik @cristiano.”
      READ MORE TOP STORIES
      Interestingly, the first of those two tags was for Saudi adviser Turki Alalshikh.
      And in an interview at the same “Day of Reckoning” extravaganza, McGregor hinted he may face Manny Pacquiao, 45, in the ring.
      He lost his only previous bout, the 2017 “Money Fight” with Floyd Mayweather.
      McGregor also claimed he was getting frustrated with UFC over talks for a return to Mixed Martial Arts following two years out.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      But he remains under contract to the organisation – a fact that complicates negotiations over boxing again.
      One fan called McGregor the “king” and another suggested his social media snap with Portugal’s ex-Manchester United hero Ronaldo was of “two goats”.
      But other followers insisted McGregor has much to do to earn such a title – making his upcoming announcement even more fascinating.
      McGregor and Ronaldo ‘enjoyed’ a big night of boxing in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Reuters More

    • 250 Shares129 Views

      in Boxing

      Conor McGregor compares watches with Cristiano Ronaldo at Joshua v Wallin but fans say ex-Man Utd ace ‘wants to escape’

      by

      CONOR McGregor and Cristiano Ronaldo could be seen comparing watches as the pair attended “Day of Reckoning” boxing event.The sporting icons were both ringside for the highly anticipated night of bouts in Saudi Arabia.
      Conor McGregor and Cristiano Ronaldo were sat next to each other at the boxing in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
      The pair compared watchesCredit: TNT SPORTS
      Fans thought Ronaldo looked awkward during the encounter

      Ronaldo, who plays his football for Saudi outfit Al-Nassr, was sat ringside when McGregor joined him and began chatting about the boxing.
      But it wasn’t long before the Irish fighter was ready to move on and discuss the bling that they both had dripping from their wrists.
      McGregor grabbed Ronaldo’s arm and put it next to his to show their watches side by side before joking that they should decide whose was better.
      He could be heard saying: “What have you got there? Who’s winning?Who’s winning this one?”
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      Ronaldo laughed off the awkward moment before then seeming to go on to discuss what expensive timepiece he had on his wrist.
      And fans reckoned that the Portuguese football superstar was desperate to get away from the conversation as they reacted to the video on social media.
      One wrote: “Ronaldo is thinking ‘God save me’.”
      While another added: “Ronaldo is wishing his phone will ring to save him!”
      Most read in Boxing
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      A third joked: “Ronaldo thinking how he can escape.”
      The two will have had plenty discuss with both boasting impressive watch collections.
      Ronaldo has previously displayed some of his fancy watches in public and the former Manchester United man even has one watch worth a jaw-dropping £1.6m.
      While McGregor also has a love for expensive watches with his entire collection tallying up to around £3million.
      The pair were eagerly awaiting what is expected to be a huge night of fighting in the Middle East with Anthony Joshua taking on Otto Wallin and Deontay Wilder doing battle with Joseph Parker.
      McGregor travelled to the event in style using a private jet with the UFC star living up to his elaborate reputation.
      But although he is somewhat of a guest of honour it didn’t stop an awkward gaffe being made inside the arena.
      Those in charge of the seating plan had spelt McGregor’s first name wrong by adding an extra “n”.

      🥊ANTHONY JOSHUA VS OTTO WALLIN: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF THRILLING SAUDI CLASH🥊 More

    • 225 Shares129 Views

      in Boxing

      Joshua vs Wallin viewers in hysterics as TNT Sport cameras spot Cristiano Ronaldo looking ‘terrified’ of Conor McGregor

      by

      BOXING fans were in stitches as they saw Cristiano Ronaldo looking “terrified” of Conor McGregor.The global football icon was seated next to the outspoken Irishman to watch Anthony Joshua’s blockbuster bout with Otto Wallin in Saudi Arabia.
      Conor McGregor and Cristiano Ronaldo were seated next to each other in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
      But fans reckon football legend Ronaldo was terrified of the IrishmanCredit: Getty
      Manny Pacquiao was called out by McGregor once againCredit: AFP
      Cameras panned to the pair ringside, just as UFC legend McGregor was aiming a rant at a Saudi boxing boss, about old rival Manny Pacquiao.
      But viewers on TNT Sport were more interested in the incredibly uncomfortable Ronaldo..
      McGregor ranted: “I love Manny, tell Manny to grow a set of balls. Tell Manny to grow a set of balls and fight me at a higher weight.
      “Why not? It’s his sport. If he wants me to come down to a smaller weight he should let me use more of my weapons.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      “I should be able to kick, I should be able to grapple. Shouldn’t that be fair? Say it to him, is he a man or a mouse? Is Manny a man or a mouse?”
      He signed off his demands by sharing a laugh with Ronaldo – but fans were convinced the Manchester United was petrified deep down.
      One said: “Ronaldo is terrified of him.”
      Another added: “Ronaldo looks terrified.”
      Most read in Boxing
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES

      While airline Ryanair chimed in too, joking: “Middle seat vibes.”
      Pacquiao signed with Paradigm Management, who also represent McGregor, in 2020, to set up a potential bout between them.
      But PacMan would later be embroiled in a legal dispute with Paradigm, which he lost in May.
      Pacquiao, 45, was ordered to pay $5.1 million (£4m) after he fought Yordenis Ugas, 36, without Paradigm’s involvement.
      He retired after the loss but the Filipino hero has talked up a comeback ever since.
      McGregor, 35, has not returned to the ring since his 2017 loss to American Floyd Mayweather, 46.
      And he needed special permission from the UFC to cross over to the ring and break out of his contract.
      McGregor has refused to rule out another boxing match in the future having struck up a relationship with the Saudis.
      Read more on The Sun
      He joined Pacquiao in Riyadh in October when ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou, 37, controversially lost to Tyson Fury.
      And McGregor was back out in Saudi with Ronaldo, 38, to watch as Joshua topped the bill against Wallin.
      Roberto Duran, McGregor, Mike Tyson and Manny PacquiaoCredit: @MannyPacquiao More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Jake Paul reveals reason Conor McGregor will ‘never’ fight him as he claims to be ‘bigger in the sport than he is’

      by

      JAKE PAUL has claimed Conor McGregor will NEVER fight him. The YouTuber-turned boxer has continuously called out McGregor since making his professional debut in 2020.
      Jake Paul has claimed Conor McGregor will never fight himCredit: Getty
      McGrego has been continuously called out by Jake PaulCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But he now believes his skills and starpower has surpassed that of the UFC legend.
      Paul told DAZN: “A fight between me and McGregor would be massive, entertaining and fun. I would beat his ass but he wont fight me.
      “At this point you can see how it went from me calling him out and that seeming crazy to me being bigger in the sport than he is and him knowing my skill level is greater than his in such a short amount time. Life is crazy.”
      McGregor, 35, has boxed as a pro just once when he crossed over to the ring in 2017 to lose to American legend Floyd Mayweather, 46.
      READ MORE ON CONOR MCGREGOR
      Meanwhile Paul, 26, is now 7-1 as a boxer and returns this Friday against 10-1-1 Andre August, 35.
      He was beaten for the first time in February by Tommy Fury, 24, losing a split-decision in Saudi Arabia.
      Paul, 26, bounced back in August by beating McGregor’s old UFC rival Nate Diaz, 38, on points.
      But he now returns against little-known August in a non pay-per-view bout as he looks to gain more experience against seasoned pros.
      Most read in Boxing

      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Paul said: “I’m a professional boxer and I want to be world champion, so I need to pursue the path towards greatness against people who have been boxing their whole life.
      “So far, my entire boxing career has been on pay-per-view, but now it’s about more than business.
      “Now I want to build my experience in the ring against seasoned fighters. I’m coming to prove my greatness for the world to see.” More

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Boxing

      Conor McGregor bizarrely faces off with UFC star TWO weight divisions below as boxing match in 2024 is teased

      by

      CONOR McGREGOR bizarrely faced off with Petr Yan as a boxing match between the two was teased. The pair of UFC stars – who are two weight divisions apart – attended an IBA boxing event in Dubai when they went head to head in the ring.
      UFC star Petr Yan and Conor McGregor going face to face
      Umar Kremlev – president of the International Boxing Association – then announced that the pair would meet in the ring next year.
      But the UFC would be sure to disagree.
      UFC fighters are prohibited from competing outside of the promotion unless granted special permission.
      McGregor was given so in 2017 for his crossover bout with boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, which ended in tenth-round defeat.
      READ MORE ON CONOR MCGREGOR
      But heavyweight Francis Ngannou walked out on the UFC last year after being denied the chance to do the same.
      He instead signed for rivals The Professional Fighters League and fought Tyson Fury, controversially losing on points after scoring a knockdown.
      McGregor, 35, is out in Dubai training for his UFC return, which is set for next year against Michael Chandler.
      He is finally on track for a comeback bout, which will be his first since July 2021.
      Most read in Boxing
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      He has suffered a frustrating period on the sidelines since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier, 34.
      But after returning to the UFC’s all-year round random drug testing program, he will be eligible to fight again.
      Chandler, 37, has had frustrations of his own waiting for the bout to materialise but the American is willing to wait it out.
      He said on The MMA Hour: “I’ve fought extremely hard.
      “Some very, very tough fights I’ve had since I came into the UFC, especially [since] I fought everybody inside the top five basically.
      “Fights of the Year, Knockouts of the Year, all of those different things.
      “So any time I find myself being frustrated, I believe I’m always able to go back to my north star that, hey, it’s going to work out the way it’s going to, just like me coming to the UFC.
      “That door stayed closed until it was time for that door to open.
      “The door opening for this fight with Conor, whenever it’s finally supposed to be, it will be, and I’m just being at peace in the midst of the waiting.”
      McGregor is set to fight Michael Chandler in his UFC return More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Boxing

      I was a security guard for Anthony Joshua’s legendary fight with Wladimir Klitschko… it helped inspire my MMA career

      by

      WHEN Simeon Powell rocked up to Anthony Joshua’s fight with Wladimir Klitschko, little did he know the effect it would have on his life. The then-teenager – who had just started training in Muay Thai – arrived at the 90,000-seater to work a security shift.
      Wladimir Klitschko was beaten by Anthony Joshua in 2017Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      MMA star Simeon Powell was inspired by Joshua’s win over KlitschkoCredit: PFL
      What Powell did not know is that he would have a front row seat – for free – to watch one of the most dramatic and thrilling fights of recent years.
      He told SunSport: “It was crazy! Definitely didn’t do my job properly that day.”
      Joshua climbed up from the canvas to sensationally knock Klitschko into retirement after 11 classic rounds.
      Powell – an MMA hopeful at the time – watched in amazement with the inspiration to one day follow in AJ’s heavyweight heroics.
      READ MORE IN MMA
      He said: “It gave me chills, I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.
      “It was crazy, the production, the atmosphere, I was like, ‘This is what I want.’” 
      Light-heavyweight Powell, now 24, made his professional MMA debut in 2021 and has since raced to an unbeaten 9-0 record.
      He was last year signed to the Professional Fighters League, a rivalling promotion to the UFC.
      Most read in Boxing
      And this year, he entered the three-stage knockout PFL Europe tournament and returns in the final this Friday in Dublin.
      A win will bag him $100,000 and a spot in the PFL’s global season next year, where he can times his earnings by TEN in the $1m season.
      Powell takes on Jakob Nedoh at Dublin’s 3Arena and does so with more than just money and a title awaiting him.
      He said: “I feel like this is the fight which is going to elevate me. How I’m gonna get the job done, I feel like it’s my, ‘I’m him moment.’ 
      “This fight will be what gives me that global respect in a sense.”
      Impa Kasanganay, 29, took this year’s PFL light-heavyweight crown by winning his two qualifying bouts and the subseuqent semi and finale fights.
      And Powell was a keen viewer with his eyes on the $1m world championship prize.
      He said: “It was a great performance, Impa is a nice guy, nice story but I’m a competitor at the end of the day and I definitely feel like I can compete with them boys. 
      “I feel like I definitely could have won it this year as well. It’s always been the dream since day one to be world champion.”
      Simeon Powell now has his eyes on the $1m PFL prizeCredit: PFL More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Boxing

      Ebanie Bridges already planning for retirement after going into business with Conor McGregor for ‘rest of her career’

      by

      EBANIE BRIDGES already has a plan in place for retirement after going into business with Conor McGregor. The IBF bantamweight champion returns on Saturday in San Francisco, defending her belt against Miyo Yoshida.
      Conor McGregor pictured with Ebanie BridgesCredit: Instagram @ebaniebridges
      Bridges is sponsored by McGregor’s Forged Irish StoutCredit: Twitter
      The boxing champ is friends with UFC legend McGregorCredit: Twitter
      And she will do so sponsored by McGregor’s Forged Irish Stout.
      Bridges has formed a partnership with the brand and the UFC legend himself.
      She told Lucky Block: “Obviously, mine and his collaboration is a little bit deeper.
      “I’m a face for Forged Stout now. I can learn a lot from him as well for when I finish boxing – and what he’s doing in business, I think is really inspiring.
      READ MORE ON EBANIE BRIDGES
      ‌“It was natural and we’ll be working together for the remainder of my career. We work really well together.
      “I’m great for his brand and he’s great for my brand, and we get along really well.”
      Bridges, 37, was due to face Avril Mathie, 36, in what she dubbed the “Battle of the Boobs” but her Aussie rival pulled out.
      Meanwhile McGregor, 35, has been out since July 2021 when he broke his leg against Dustin Poirier, 34, in the first round.
      Most read in Boxing
      But he is now set to return next year against Michael Chandler, 37, with the Irishman preparing for the bout.
      Bridges revealed: “I don’t know who it will be but I know he’s training. I’ve seen clips of him training and he’s busy in the gym.
      “I don’t know if he puts it on his socials. I don’t really look at his social pages to be fair, but I’ve obviously seen some of his training stuff that he’s done.”
      Bridges is the bantamweight world championCredit: Alamy
      Bridges returns in San FranciscoCredit: PA
      McGregor poses with pal BridgesCredit: Sportsfile More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Boxing

      Ex-UFC champ left with horror facial injuries after losing brutal bare-knuckle fight to ‘king of violence’ Mike Perry

      by

      EX-UFC champion Eddie Alvarez was left with horror facial injuries after brutal bare-knuckle boxing defeat to Mike Perry. The pair of former MMA stars headlined a Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship event in Salt Lake City, Utah.
      Eddie Alvarez was left with horror facial injuries after defeat to Mike Perry
      Alvarez showed off his battle scars post fight
      And the two put on a hellacious show for two rounds until Alvarez’s corner pulled him out of the bout.
      The American’s left eye was so badly swollen he could not continue any longer.
      Alvarez, 39, showed off the extent of his battle scars in the post-fight press conference, sporting a severely swollen and bruised face.
      Perry, 32, was also marked up as he celebrated his vicious victory.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      He roared: “I like to get hit a little bit sometimes. I like that s***. It makes me feel alive.
      “I work on the head movement but the last one ended so easily, I just wanted to have a battle so I let him get some shots off. I had a great time.
      “Eddie Alvarez is a hell of a competitor. Who owns combat sports now? The king of violence! ‘Platinum’ Mike Perry!”
      Perry, who left the UFC in 2021 after four losses in five fights, is now unbeaten in his four BKFC bouts.
      Most read in Boxing
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFER
      And he called out Conor McGregor, 35, and Darren Till, 30, after extending his record to 4-0 with exposed fists.
      Perry said: “Conor McGregor would be a great matchup.
      “I just beat somebody he fought for a world title. Who’s bigger than that? There’s no one bigger than Conor McGregor except me.
      “These boxers don’t want to take the gloves off. Darren Till said he doesn’t want to do it with no gloves.
      “Who wants to fight Platinum Mike Perry with no gloves?”
      Mike Perry beat Eddie Alvarez in two roundsCredit: Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship More