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      Conor McGregor was smart not to fight me… I would have destroyed him and he’s a QUITTER, says bitter sparring rival

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      PAULIE MALIGNAGGI has issued another stinging attack on bitter sparring rival Conor McGregor. The former boxing world champion entered McGregor’s training camp in 2017 before his crossover bout with Floyd Mayweather.
      Paulie Malignaggi infamously sparred Conor McGregorCredit: @TheNotoriousMMA

      They sparred twice in the UFC’s Las Vegas base, over eight and then 12 rounds.
      And it was the second of session that is remembered infamously, as images and footage of the spar leaked.
      It included a disputed knockdown of Malignaggi, which caused the American to storm out the camp.
      The two have continued to feud ever since and now Malignaggi has claimed McGregor was wise not to accept a grudge match with him.
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      He told Action Network: “I’m a better trash talker than McGregor, that’s one of the reasons he did not fight me. I would have trashed him in the press conferences and the fight.
      “It would have ended all of the hysteria around him because I would have destroyed him in the trash talking and in the ring.
      “I would have ruined the whole aura around him. He was smart not to pull the trigger on a fight with me.”
      Malignaggi, 43, always insisted he was pushed to the ground by McGregor, who went on to lose in ten rounds to Mayweather.
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      It has kept the feud alive but a boxing bout slipped away with McGregor remaining in the UFC octagon.
      Although Malignaggi said the 35-year-old is now a “punching bag” and compared his career to heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua.
      He said: “McGregor was lucky to achieve what he achieved in his career, physically and talent wise he’s up there, but just because you can do a bunch of high kicks from a Jean Claude Van Dam movie, doesn’t mean you’re a fighter; you need guts, you need a willingness to succeed, you need a willingness to enter the trenches and if you don’t have that, you’re going to fade.
      ‘We’ve talked about AJ losing that edge, but McGregor is on a different level. McGregor will quit on you, he does quit.
      “AJ does not take as many risks anymore but at least he’s not quitting. McGregor is an outright quitter.
      “He is a fighter that was not as good as advertised, there was great marketing behind him.
      “And the money he’s made now isn’t helping, so you’ve got a problem – all he’s going to do is continue to be a punching bag.
      “If you’re a punching bag in your twenties, you’ll definitely be a punching bag in your thirties.”
      Malignaggi claimed he was pushed down by McGregorCredit: @TheNotoriousMMA More

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      MMA fans in stitches as Jake Paul puts on gloves to watch fights before calling out Nate Diaz to rematch

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      JAKE PAUL had fans in stitches after putting on a pair of MMA gloves while watching and commentating on fights. The YouTuber-turned boxer featured in the live broadcast of the Professional Fighters League final.
      Jake Paul commentating on Larissa Pacheco’s win over Marina Mokhnatkina
      And he was being interviewed while reigning PFL champion Larissa Pacheco beat Marina Mokhnatkina for the featherweight title.
      But out of nowhere Paul – talking from his £13million Puerto Rico mansion – whacked on a pair of gloves to commentate on the bout.
      It left fans hilariously confused as one said: “Why the f*** is Jake Paul wearing his gloves on stream.”
      Another added: “Jake Paul putting on his PFL gloves whilst watching the fight has big shadow boxing in front of the mirror during the ad breaks energy.”
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      One said: “As much as I don’t like Jake Paul he is really smart for putting on the pfl gloves during his interview.”
      Paul this year signed with the PFL, a rival promotion to the UFC.
      The promotion consists of qualification and knockout stages.
      Stars have two regular season bouts where points are earned per method of victory with the top four in each division progressing.
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      From there it is win-or-go-home, culminating in a series of finale fights where a title belt and $1million prize cheque is on the line.
      But the PFL are next year launching a “super-fight” series – away from the season – which will play host to Paul’s MMA debut.
      The American is coming off an August win over ex-UFC star Nate Diaz, 38, and he offered to rematch in MMA.
      But Paul, 26, claims Diaz, 38, has turned down a £10million offer to fight in the cage and took another swipe at his rival.
      He said: “He didn’t want all that smoke. He’s making excuses.”
      Jake Paul wants to rematch Nate Diaz in MMACredit: Reuters More

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      Watch Muhammad Ali’s MMA star grandson Biaggio score brutal KO to leave opponent face down

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      MUHAMMAD ALI’S grandson scored a brutal knockout which left his opponent face down. Amateur MMA prospect Biaggio Ali Walsh faced Joel Lopez on the undercard of the Professional Fighters League 2024 final.
      Muhammad Ali’ grandson Biaggio knocked out Joel LopezCredit: Scott Taetsch / PFL

      And in what could be his last bout before turning pro, the American closed out the show in stunning style.
      A big looping right hook in the second round dropped Lopez and sparked a follow up in strikes from Biaggio.
      The referee was rightfully quick to step in and intervene as Biaggio recorded his sixth knockout in as many fights.
      Prior to the bout in Washington, DC, he hinted that it could be his final as an amateur.
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      And after the fight, 25-year-old Biaggio said: “There’s so much going on in my mind right now.
      “I’m still an amateur so I’m still getting used to just everything. To get this kind of experience as an amateur is insane.
      “I’m super blessed and grateful. I don’t know, I’ll sit down with my coach and see what happens.
      “But I’ll definitely announce soon, so everybody will know.”
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      The PFL in which Biaggio is signed to is made up of qualification and knockout stages.
      Stars have two regular season bouts where points are earned per method of victory with the top four in each division progressing.
      From there it is win-or-go-home, culminating in a series of finale fights where a title belt and $1million prize cheque is on the line.
      Biaggio went 6-1 in the 2024 final and it could pave the way for the former football prospect to enter the lightweight season next year.
      Biaggio Ali Walsh celebrating his winCredit: Scott Taetsch / PFL More

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      Deontay Wilder in ‘ongoing’ talks with MMA superstar Francis Ngannou with never-before-seen fight teased

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      DEONTAY WILDER is in “ongoing” talks to fight Francis Ngannou – and the pair could collide in a never-seen-before set of rules. Ngannou walked out on the UFC to sign with rivals the Professional Fighters League, who gave him the green light to also pursue boxing.
      Deontay Wilder is in ‘ongoing’ talks to fight Francis NgannouCredit: Getty
      Ngannou held talks with Wilder before fighting Tyson FuryCredit: PA
      The Cameroonian was in negotiations to fight Wilder but he instead agreed a deal with Tyson Fury for a crossover clash in Saudi Arabia.
      Ngannou, 37, amazingly dropped Fury, 35, but was controversially beaten by split-decision on the scorecards.
      The ex-UFC champion now wants to wait for a rematch after Fury’s undisputed showdown with Oleksandr Usyk, 36, on February 17.
      So it paves the way for Ngannou to make a return to MMA in his next fight, also marking his debut in the PFL.
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      PFL CEO Peter Murray has named Wilder as a potential opponent and confirmed talks will continue with the American boxer.
      Murray said: “Absolutely, ongoing. I’m going to see Deontay next week and we want the four-ounce gloves on him with Francis in the cage.”
      Wilder has in the past called for a two-fight deal with Ngannou, to meet in the ring and cage.
      But Murray has teased that a mixed-rules bout could be agreed in a bid to level up the playing field, a hybrid never before seen.
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      He said: “We’re working through those details.
      “I mean it’s a fight that Francis wants, it’s a fight we believe Deontay wants and we’re focussed on putting it together.”
      Wilder, 38, first returns on December 23 in Saudi Arabia against New Zealander Joseph Parker, 31.
      Anthony Joshua, 34, is also in action that night against Otto Wallin, 32, in the hopes of building towards a blockbuster with Wilder next year.
      But Murray still believes Ngannou could face Wilder in his next bout despite the mega-money boxing moves.
      He said: “I think as relates to the next fight, yeah a Wilder is much more likely. That is our goal.”
      Anthony Joshua could fight Wilder next yearCredit: Reuters More

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      Muhammad Ali’s MMA star grandson to have one final amateur fight before turning pro with the PFL

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      MUHAMMAD ALI’S grandson is set for one final amateur MMA bout before turning professional. Biaggio Ali Walsh is currently 5-1 in the unpaid ranks and signed to the Professional Fighters League.
      Muhammad Ali’s MMA star grandson Biaggio
      The American has five knockout wins in the PFL and returns this Friday in Washington, DC against Joel Lopez.
      And he will enter the cage for the last time as an amateur as he hopes to turn pro next year.
      Biaggio, 25, told SunSport: “The ideal 2024 would be finish this fight with a win and get my pro career started.
      “I don’t expect to jump into the tournament, that would be foolish I think.
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      “As soon as I turn pro I need to build some resume, build some stability, maybe still be showcase bouts on the card. 
      “Regardless of where I am on the card I’m still fighting, still getting that experience so the ideal 2024 would be to get three or four fights as a pro and build my record.” 
      Biaggio has never gone past the second round due to his impressive display of striking.
      So he actually hopes Lopez can see the third and final round as he looks to gain as much experience as possible before entering the pros.
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      He said: “To be completely honest, I hope this next fight is a three-round back and forth war. 
      “That’s what I’m hoping for in this next fight because it will prepare me for my pro career and it will only help me. 
      “I’m hoping it’s a back-and-forth war and it’s an amateur fight but I hope it’s a fun fight to watch. That’s what I want to give the fans. 
      “I think having that kind of back-and-forth brawl, that will help me so much in my career and it will prepare me and also give the fans what they want to see.” 
      Muhammad Ali with grandson Biaggio More

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      Muhammad Ali’s MMA star grandson opens door to boxing switch after Francis Ngannou’s performance against Tyson Fury

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      MUHAMMAD ALI’S grandson Biaggio has opened the door to a boxing switch following Francis Ngannou’s performance against Tyson Fury. The Ali family is rich in boxing history, with Biaggio’s grandfather considered The Greatest.
      Biaggio Ali Walsh is Muhammad Ali’s MMA star grandson
      Francis Ngannou dropped Tyson Fury during his loss to the boxing champCredit: Getty
      Meanwhile his auntie Laila was an undefeated two-weight world champion and brother Nico is a current middleweight contender.
      But Biaggio gave up his dreams of the NFL to instead pursue MMA, training alongside Ngannou at the Xtreme Couture gym in Las Vegas.
      And he watched as Ngannou, 37, dropped Fury, 35, in their crossover clash and was deemed mighty unlucky to lose a split-decision.
      The bravery shown by the ex-UFC star has Biaggio refusing to rule out following in his iconic family’s footsteps one day.
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      He told SunSport: “I’m definitely open to the possibility. Who would have ever thought Francis would fight Tyson Fury? 
      “That was a completely unexpected thing that happened and it happened. So, I think in the future anything can happen. 
      “Maybe I have a successful MMA run and then I say, ‘Hey, let me go box and boxer.’ Then I could go to boxing. 
      “But, right now I’m focussed on MMA, I’m an MMA fighter right now and I’m only at the beginning of the beginning of my career. 
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      “The beginning would be right when I turn pro and I haven’t turned pro yet.
      “I’d like to turn pro next year, God willing I come out victorious in the next fight. But yeah, I’m open to anything.”
      Biaggio, still an amateur in MMA, had fierce debates with 8-1-1 boxing brother Nico on who would come out on top between Fury and Ngannou.
      He said: “Nico had Fury, I had Fury-ish, but I was thinking Francis had the power so I was unsure. 
      “But the way Francis looked, it surprised me and I think it surprised a lot of people as well. 
      “If you watched Francis’ fights in the UFC, he swings wild, when he knocked out Alistair Overeem the striking wasn’t as sharp. 
      “But Francis knew and his team knew as well that going into boxing was a whole different sport, this was his first boxing fight. 
      “It’s a lot more technical, the sweet science right? That’s what he was stepping into. 
      I’m definitely open to the possibility. Who would have ever thought Francis would fight Tyson Fury? Muhammad Ali’s grandson Biaggio on boxing switch
      “But seeing Francis come out and be calm and use his jab and use it to set up other things, he really shocked the boxing world and really represented the MMA guys super well.” 
      Nico, 23, is coming off his first defeat as a boxer, losing a majority-decision to Sona Akale, 35, in August.
      Meanwhile Biaggio, 25, is 5-1 and signed to the Professional Fighters League.
      He has won all five of his PFL bouts by knockout and returns this Friday in Washington, DC against Joel Lopez.
      Biaggio hopes it will be his final amateur bout before turning pro next year.
      He said: “The ideal 2024 would be finish this fight with a win and get my pro career started.
      “I don’t expect to jump into the tournament, that would be foolish I think.
      “As soon as I turn pro I need to build some resume, build some stability, maybe still be showcase bouts on the card. 
      “Regardless of where I am on the card I’m still fighting, still getting that experience so the ideal 2024 would be to get three or four fights as a pro and build my record.” 
      Boxer Nico Ali Walsh, middle left, next to brother BiaggioCredit: rashedaali1/instagram More

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      Jake Paul called out to two-fight MMA and boxing deal by Derek Brunson after leaving UFC for PFL

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      JAKE PAUL has been called out to a two-fight MMA and boxing deal by Derek Brunson. Paul is set to make his debut in the cage next year after signing with the Professional Fighters League, a rival to the UFC.
      Derek Brunson has left the UFC for the PFLCredit: @DerekBrunson
      Jake Paul is set to make his MMA debut with the PFL
      And Brunson also left the UFC after over a decade of service to sign with the PFL, which operates in a win-or-go-home seasonal format.
      When Paul announced his boxing return for December 15 Brunson was an early bookies’ favourite to be the opponent.
      Instead, little-known 10-1-1 pro boxer Andre August, 35, was confirmed as the YouTuber-turned boxer’s shock next fight.
      But Brunson is leaving the door open to settling the score with Paul now the pair are both under the PFL banner.
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      He told SunSport: “Jake Paul is now with the PFL, we’ve got a bit of history. 
      “He asked Dana to fight me a couple years ago, so that’s a possibility. People saw me going over to the PFL and thought the timetable was there and it was perfect. 
      “Like I say, in the past me and Jake had discussions for a boxing match but I was under contract with the UFC. But things may align now.” 
      Paul, 26, was beaten for the first time in February, losing a split-decision to Tommy Fury, 24, in Saudi Arabia.
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      But he bounced back in August with a ten-round points win over ex-UFC star Nate Diaz, 38.
      Paul proposed a double header with the return bout in MMA and offered Diaz over £10million to do so.
      And despite the deal being rejected, Brunson, 39, is ready for a similar two-bout deal.
      He said: “Yeah, I’d be open to that. I love challenging myself, so definitely I’d be up for that.” 
      Brunson makes his PFL debut on Friday in Washington DC against former PFL champion Ray Cooper, 30.
      It could set him up to enter the PFL’s season next year, where stars compete in a four-stage knockout format where $1m is up for grabs.
      Brunson said: “I wanted something new, something to excite me, something to make me want to train really hard.
      “I’d been in the UFC for so long and I felt it was the time to change and the PFL came about and now here we are. 
      “You’re not going to go out there and just lay down, that’s just silly but just being able to have a fresh start, new fighters, the $1million tournament, I can just start over.
      “I can control my own destiny and that was a really big thing for me.” 
      Derek Brunson, right, was in the UFC for over a decadeCredit: Getty More

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      Jake Paul reveals when he will make anticipated MMA debut and slams Nate Diaz for rejecting $10m rematch

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      JAKE PAUL is closing in on his anticipated MMA debut – but he slammed Nate Diaz for turning down a $10million rematch. The YouTuber-turned boxer this year signed for the Professional Fighters League, a competing promotion to the UFC.
      Jake Paul is set to debut in MMA with the PFLCredit: PFL
      Nate Diaz has been called out for a rematch in MMA by Jake PaulCredit: Getty
      Paul, 26, is coming off the back of a ten-round points win over ex-UFC star Nate Diaz, 38, in August.
      And both the American and the PFL have proposed a rematch in the cage.
      But Diaz has so far seemed uninterested and instead wants a return in the boxing ring – claiming a deal was even agreed.
      Paul has spoken out to deny this and insisted the rematch must take place in MMA – where he is set to debut in late 2024.
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      He told MMA Junkie: “I don’t know, I think they’re just begging. Pretty desperate, I guess.
      “Wanting to make money but not actually wanting to make things happen.
      “We’re ready, MMA, end of 2024, $10million (£8m), which is more than he’s ever made for an MMA fight – ever.
      “He’s sitting there asking for more money basically drunk tweeting random s*** and random fight posters, making himself look like a fool.
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      “I just can’t comprehend what they’re trying to do or what they’re saying, but this is the fight game.
      “Everyone says they want to do things, everyone calls people out, everyone blah, blah, blah, but no one actually makes s*** happen.
      “And that’s what I’ve looked to change in this sport and to just provide transparency to my audience about what’s actually going on with these negotiations and not being afraid to fight anyone anywhere, anytime, any place.”
      Paul returns on Friday, December 15 against 10-1-1 pro boxer Andre August, 35, but his PFL debut remains in the pipeline.
      He said: “Yeah, 100 per cent.
      “I’m going to start throwing knees and kicks and getting back to my Ohio Wrestling roots, shooting takedowns.
      “I truly believe that he knows it would be a really tough fight for him, and I think that’s the thing for him where he’s like, ‘Damn, do I risk my whole MMA reputation by giving this kid a chance here?’”
      Jake Paul beat Nate Diaz over ten roundsCredit: Reuters More