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    Nate Diaz offered stunning £12.3MILLION for Jake Paul rematch in MMA but UFC legend ‘hiding behind a rock’

    NATE DIAZ has been offered £12.3MILLION to rematch Jake Paul in MMA – but he is “hiding behind a rock”. Paul, 26, beat the ex-UFC star in his boxing return over ten rounds in August and immediately called out Diaz, 38, to fight in the cage.
    Jake Paul has offered Nate Diaz a rematch in MMACredit: Getty
    The YouTuber-turned prizefighter signed with the Professional Fighters League this year with his MMA debut set for 2024.
    And PFL owner Donn Davis laid out a challenge to Diaz as Paul searches for his first opponent in the cage.
    Davis said on The MMA Hour: “If we could ever put together Jake versus Nate, if Nate would stop weaseling out and complaining about that MMA fight with Jake.
    “I respect Nate, he’s the people’s champ, he’s a man’s man, he’s stand up as all stand up.
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    “But, he said, ‘I’ll do it in the PFL SmartCage two minutes after the [Paul boxing fight], he’s got a standing offer of between $10 and $15 million (£8.2m and £12.5m), and he’s hiding behind a rock.
    “Ten-15 million, biggest payday of his life. He gets beat by Jake and he’s hiding behind a rock.”
    Diaz is yet to confirm his fighting future having walked out on the UFC to pursue his boxing bout with Paul.
    Paul meanwhile returns to the ring on December 15 and teased that it would be against a professional boxer.
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    And his business partner Nikisa Bidarian revealed Paul was due to face a 7-1 opponent until the visa issue struck.
    Bidarian said: “Just regarding Friday, December 15, there was a plan to announce Jake Paul’s opponent for that evening. 
    “Unfortunately, the opponent, which was a 7-1 boxer, has not been able to obtain a visa to come to the US.
    “So we’re currently reviewing alternative options for his opponent, but the plan is to try to announce it within the next two weeks.”
    Jake Paul is set to return on December 15Credit: Reuters More

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    Tyson Fury will rematch Francis Ngannou or RETIRE claims George Groves – who predicts he will never fight Usyk

    GEORGE GROVES has predicted Tyson Fury will either rematch Francis Ngannou or RETIRE without ever fighting Oleksandr Usyk. Fury faced ex-UFC champion Ngannou knowing he had already signed to face Usyk in a title unification eight weeks later.
    Tyson Fury beat Francis Ngannou by split-decisionCredit: Getty
    George Groves predicted Fury will rematch Ngannou or retireCredit: Getty
    But the Gypsy King’s expected routine return against boxing debutant Ngannou, 37, in Saudi Arabia turned into a horror show.
    He was dropped in round three and fortunate in the eyes of many to walk away with a split-decision win.
    Having been left battered, bruised and his ego dented, the December 23 Christmas cracker with Usyk faces the KO.
    And former super-middleweight champion Groves fears the heavyweight super-fight may never happen after all.
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    He said on Sky Sports:”There is not a chance the Usyk fight is happening on that date.
    “It is not Usyk on December 23, I don’t think it’s Usyk next. I think it’s either Ngannou or that’s the last of Fury.
    “He tells everyone he is the Gypsy King, that he is the man, no fighter can ever beat him.
    “There is someone right now who can beat him and it’s Usyk. A lot of people will think the same.
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    “He doesn’t need to roll the dice and get beat off the little gap-toothed Ukrainian guy. He’d rather just sail off into the sunset.
    “He is an interesting character and there are lots of avenues he can explore after boxing. Doors that might be shut on him or not the same if he loses to Usyk.
    “I think he is going to either rectify the last fight against Ngannou, which he will get paid a lot of money for and a lot of people would be interested in.
    “He will train better and show up and perform. Or he might retire.”
    Fury, 35, has refused to confirm the date of his undisputed title decider against Usyk, 36.
    But his promoter Frank Warren has insisted it must be backdated until the new year in order to allow the WBC champ to rest.
    Usyk on the other hand is adamant it must go ahead on December 23 or never as he pours the pressure on Fury before the first bell has even sounded.
    Fury and Usyk face off in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty More

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    Francis Ngannou reveals what he said to Tyson Fury in X-rated blast after knocking Gypsy King down

    FRANCIS NGANNOU revealed he was involved in a cheeky X-rated blast after knocking Tyson Fury down. The ex-UFC champion astonishingly dropped Fury in round three with a counter left hook.
    Francis Ngannou knocked down Tyson Fury in round threeCredit: Getty
    Ngannou proceeded to stand over the Gypsy King and goad him with a little dance.
    Now, the Cameroonian has opened up on what he said to Fury and how a pre-fight exchanged sparked the boasting.
    He told his YouTube channel: “When we touched gloves, he was like, ‘Let me take you to school”. I’m like “you motherf*****, you’re not taking me to school!’
    “That’s why when I knocked him down I was dancing in front like, ‘You’re a bad professor, motherf****r! You’re a bad professor. How is that school going? Who is taking who to school?” Because for me, it looks like I’m the one taking you to school.'”
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    Fury, 35, picked himself up from the floor and was given the fright of his life as he laboured the ten-round distance.
    And he was deemed fortunate to escape with a split-decision win and his undisputed title fight with Oleksandr Usyk, 36, still intact.
    Ngannou, 37, meanwhile became a sensation overnight having stunned the world’s best heavyweight boxer.
    He said: “I’m confident that I won that fight. I wasn’t surprised for what happened.
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    “I’m alone in this game. I just came from another sport and there’s a structure, a solid business and then you just come to rob that.
    “Imagine if I’d have walked out of there with that belt or with him being defeated for the first time.
    “I knew it wasn’t going to happen. I think it’s a shame for boxing, though, and those judges they should be sanctioned.
    “I want to understand why those judges judge like that, because for me, to be honest, I don’t care that much about that decision, but I think those kind of decisions mess up a lot of people’s careers.”
    Ngannou believes he should have beaten FuryCredit: Reuters More

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    Francis Ngannou talks up super-fight with Deontay Wilder after Tyson Fury battle but hints it could have a huge twist

    FRANCIS NGANNOU has talked up a super-fight with Deontay Wilder – but there could be a twist. Ngannou swapped the MMA cage for the boxing ring for his crossover clash in Saudi Arabia against Tyson Fury.
    Francis Ngannou has talked up a super-fight with Deontay WilderCredit: YouTube
    Francis Ngannou floored Tyson FuryCredit: GETTY
    And he astonishingly dropped Fury and was desperately unfortunate to walk away on the losing end of a split-decision.
    Ngannou’s heroic performance has seen him leave the door open to more boxing bouts.
    He previously held talks to face Wilder before finalising a deal with Fury.
    The fight could now be re-visited but according to Ngannou, possibly in the cage.
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    He said on The MMA Hour: “I think that is a good idea.
    “In fact, we have spoken about that. In fact, that has been in the discussions. So that’s something that can potentially happen.
    “Deontay Wilder for a couple of months, for a little while now, has been training MMA. Because there is an option here.
    “Nothing is set, but it’s been something been coming to my ear, to my attention, so that’s something that makes sense.
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    “He’s really serious about MMA. I know a lot of people talk, ‘I’m going to do this in boxing and do that in MMA.’
    “But Deontay Wilder is very interested in MMA and even to step in the octagon for MMA and MMA only.”
    Wilder, 38, has previously called for a two-bout deal with Ngannou, 37, to fight in both boxing and MMA.
    Ngannou walked out on the UFC to pursue boxing while also signing for the Professional Fighters League.
    PFL owner Donn Davis – who gave his blessing to the heavyweight to box – has welcomed Wilder over to the cage.
    Davis said: “What would I think would be fascinating? Deontay Wilder in a mixed rules fight. I always say, what do I want to see?
    “I know a lot about boxing and a lot about MMA, but I’m not a savant. I’m not a deep, deep, deep insider.
    “So I like to test, what do I think millions of people would love to see? I think that’s the most interesting thing we could all see.”
    Deontay Wilder has been called out by Francis NgannouCredit: Getty More

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    Emotional Conor McGregor fights back tears recalling leg break as he reveals return timeline amid UFC 300 rumours

    CONOR MCGREGOR fought back a wave of emotions as he reflected on his hiatus from the octagon.The Irishman, 35, hasn’t set foot inside the cage since breaking his leg in his Las Vegas trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier two-and-a-half years ago.
    Conor McGregor hasn’t fought since breaking his left leg two-and-a-half years agoCredit: AP
    The former two-division champion is fighting fit and ready to return to the cageCredit: INSTAGRAM@THENOTORIOUSMMA
    The Notorious was overcome with emotion when asked about his journey back to full healthCredit: MMA JUNKIE
    McGregor is fighting fit and ready to return to action next year after a long and arduous recovery, although he still bears the psychological scars of that fateful night in Sin City.
    The Notorious said this past weekend: “I’ve been kept from my living for almost three years now.
    “Understand that. I came through what I came through. I’m sitting on an injury and a loss.
    “You hear what Alexander Volkanovski said? I relate. I must return to my way of living.
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    “This is my job. It’s beyond frustrating. … I just want the date. Give me the date, please. That’s it.”
    McGregor put the wheels in motion for his long-awaited comeback fight with Michael Chandler by re-entering the USADA drug testing pool.
    Although the UFC’s partnership with the anti-doping agency ends on December 31, they plan to keep McGregor on ice for the six months he would’ve required to be in the pool had a new deal been reached.
    That lines up perfectly for a blockbuster return in April, the month UFC 300 is expected to take place.
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    And that timeline works perfectly for the Dubliner, who said: “I’m happy with April.
    “I would’ve loved it earlier, but if I’m to be honest and be realistic, for my fans, I want to put in a good run, build myself back, and that’s it.
    “It’s looking like April, mixed martial arts.”
    Former three-time Bellator lightweight champion Chandler was announced as the opposite half of McGregor’s comeback fight back in February.
    McGregor has flirted with several other bouts on social media in recent months but believes Chandler is still his most likely opponent.
    The UFC’s first simultaneous two-weight world champion said: “It’s whoever they want.
    “I won’t ever say no. I just want a date. I won’t ever say no to no one, yeah?
    “Chandler is what it seems to be. It does not matter to me as long as I get back in there.”
    Conor McGregor will be welcomed back to the octagon by Michael ChandlerCredit: TWITTER@THENOTORIOUSMMA More

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    Fuming fans claim Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou is ‘RIGGED’ as Gypsy King secures hugely controversial points win

    BOXING fans including Gary Lineker slammed Tyson Fury’s controversial points win over Francis Ngannou. Fury walked away with a split-decision over ex-UFC champion-turned boxing debutant Ngannou.
    Francis Ngannou knocked down Tyson FuryCredit: Getty
    Within the first three rounds, he was cut and dropped as the stunning upset appeared to be on the cards.
    Ngannou put on the performance of his life as he took Fury the ten-round distance and had him hurt and in trouble on several occasions.
    One judge scored the bout 95-94 in his favour but the deciding two officials had it 96-93 and 95-94 for Fury, 35.
    Fans were left outraged online and claimed Ngannou, 37, was “ROBBED” of a shock victory.
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    One said: “Boxing has just ROBBED Francis Ngannou in front of our faces. The Baddest man on the planet, I don’t care what anyone says.”
    One agreed: “FRANCIS NGANNOU GOT ROBBED!!! TYSON FURY LOST. ROBBERY, RIGGED.”
    Another fumed: “Francis was ROBBED.”
    One slammed: “FRANCIS NGANNOU WAS ROBBED. This fight was rigged.”
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    England football legend Gary Lineker posted: “We’ve just seen a robbery.”
    Boxer Chris Eubank Jr added: “Watching from ringside I thought Ngannou won the fight.
    “It was close but he was the aggressor, landed heavier shots & scored a knockdown.
    “Fury deserved to lose after having so much trouble against a man who has never boxed before… too much time filming Netflix specials not enough time in the gym I’m guessing. Unlucky Francis.”
    Fury controversially walked away with a points winCredit: Getty More

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    Laura Woods forced to apologise as TNT Sports Box Office stream goes DOWN ahead of Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou

    THE pay-per-view broadcast for Tyson Fury’s fight with Francis Ngannou suffered an unexpected crash. Viewers of TNT Box Office were given an apology for the break in transmission midway through the card.
    The PPV broadcast for Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou suffered an unexpected crash
    One fan fumed: “Well that’s not good is it. – come on sort this out.”
    Another raged: “£22 and it doesn’t even work, shambles.”
    One demanded: “Absolute joke. I want a refund.”
    Another hit out: “SORT IT OUT NOW.”
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    The TV broadcast was down for 25 MINUTES before an advert for the night’s main-event played.
    TNT Sports confirmed to SunSport that the issue was caused by a power outage on site in Saudi Arabia.
    Laura Woods was joined by ex-boxing champion Carl Frampton and former UFC star Dan Hardy as she apologised for technical difficulties.
    Presenter Woods said: “A big apology from us guys out here in Riyadh. We had technical issues so you lost pictures for a little while.
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    “That must have been frustrating but the goods news is we are back, we think we know what it was all about so it won’t happen again.
    “And even better news is you haven’t missed a minute of boxing so don’t worry about that.”
    The stream returned in time for heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma’s first-round stoppage over Istvan Bernath.
    Moses Itauma’s beat Istvan Bernath in one roundCredit: Getty More

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    Wayne Rooney backed by UFC legend Michael Bisping to incredibly ‘BEAT UP’ Jake Paul after boxing fight is teased

    WAYNE ROONEY has been backed by UFC legend Michael Bisping to incredibly “BEAT UP” Jake Paul in a boxing match. Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed Manchester United legend Rooney often messages him about getting in the ring.
    Michael Bisping has backed Wayne Rooney to beat Jake Paul in a fightCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Rooney fancies getting in the ringCredit: Rex
    Jake Paul is 7-1 as a boxerCredit: Getty
    And Hearn has teased an Old Trafford showdown with YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul.
    Rooney, now 38, boxed during his childhood and amazingly has the support of an ex-UFC champ in beating Paul, 26.
    Bisping, 44, told SunSport on behalf of Betway: “Wayne Rooney is nowhere near the size of Jake Paul.
    “But one thing we know, he’ll have tremendous footwork. This is a man that’s competed at the highest level of sport.
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    “He’s got the dedication and the discipline. He’s a tough person.
    “Rooney is used to having a row, he grew up in a tough part of Liverpool and he’s had many street fights and if he had a really good coach to take him under his wing, he can beat up that YouTuber all day long.”
    Rooney is now back in England after taking over at Birmingham.
    But the ex-England striker has not played since 2021 when he finished his career with Derby.
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    Paul on the other hand is three years into his professional boxing career and has a record of seven wins and one loss.
    That defeat came in February against rival Tommy Fury, 24, but the American bounced back in August by beating ex-UFC star Nate Diaz, 38.
    Now Paul is set to return again on Friday December 15 with an opponent – who is expected to be another pro boxer – yet to be confirmed.
    If Hearn – who has promoted and worked alongside the American before – had it his wa,y a fight with Rooney would be in the pipeline.
    He said on The Overlap: “Wayne Rooney had a very limited amateur pedigree but could still fight.
    “Wayne Rooney training, and I said to him, ‘Imagine the shape you could get in as well. You’ll get right back into shape.’
    “(Rooney) against Jake Paul at Old Trafford.”
    Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn with Jake Paul More