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      Jake Paul welcomes ‘baddest man in the planet’ Francis Ngannou to PFL after MMA star leaves UFC

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      JAKE PAUL welcomed the “baddest man in the planet” Francis Ngannou to the Professional Fighters League. Ngannou has signed for the MMA promotion after walking out of the UFC as heavyweight champion following a breakdown in contract talks.
      Jake Paul welcomed the ‘baddest man in the planet’ Francis Ngannou to the PFLCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Francis Ngannou has signed for the PFLCredit:
      @francis_ngannou

      Paul this year signed with the PFL to head up a “super-fight” series on pay-per-view, which also looks set to host his MMA debut.
      And the YouTuber-turned prizefighter was quick to welcome Ngannou as the newest addition to the PFL’s roster.
      He tweeted: “The baddest man in the planet has officially joined.”
      Paul, 26, followed it up by saying: “Francis, welcome to the PFL. Everybody, it is official.
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      “This is massive, massive, massive, massive news in MMA. We have some huge fights on the horizon.
      “Congratulations, Francis, you deserve this. The best heavyweight in the f*****g world to the PFL, and PFL Africa is going to be massive.
      “So excited. Let’s go.”
      PFL’s format consists of qualification and knockout stages, acting as MMA’s only seasonal league.
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      Points are earned according to the method of victory in the opening two bouts, with the top four in each weight progressing to the playoffs.
      From there it is win-or-go-home culminating in a semis and finals where a title belt and $1million prize cheque lays in wait.
      But the PFL have now launched a breakaway super-fight series, separate from their usual season, where Ngannou, 36, is set to debut in 2024.
      He said: “I am very excited for this game changing partnership with the Professional Fighters League to continue my MMA fighting career in the PFL’s PPV Super Fight Division.
      “I believe in the PFL’s “fighter first” culture and global vision including developing the sport in Africa.
      “With that, I am also proud to announce that I will serve as Chairman of PFL Africa which will be the leading MMA organisation on the continent providing great African fighters the opportunity to compete on a global platform.”
      It has also been revealed DAZN is a partner of PFL’s super-fight division and will distribute events on its PPV platform in Europe and internationally with ESPN to carry US rights.
      PFL CEO Peter Murray with Francis Ngannou More

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      Conor McGregor confirms he will be at Katie Taylor’s homecoming fight in Ireland and teases ‘mega announcements’

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      CONOR McGREGOR confirmed he will be in Ireland to watch Katie Taylor’s homecoming fight. Taylor attempts to become a two-weight undisputed champion when she steps up to challenge Chantelle Cameron on Saturday.
      Conor McGregor with Katie Taylor in 2018Credit: Sportsfile – Subscription
      And it will be Ireland’s first boxing event since 2014 and the only time Taylor has fought at home as a professional.
      So UFC superstar McGregor would not miss the occasion for the world as he spoke out on Twitter to say he will be there.
      He tweeted: “What’s the story folks I’ve a couple of mega Katie Taylor announcements coming all this week, for our Katies fight!
      “Multiple days back to back! But first I want to announce that I have 22 tickets to the fight itself, in the exclusive “G Cash” seats.
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      “I only need one seat myself.…”
      McGregor, 34, has been a huge supporter of Taylor’s career and has watched her fight from ringside before.
      The women’s lightweight queen was due to rematch Amanda Serrano, 34, following their fight of the year contender last year.
      But Serrano pulled out injured and instead returns on August 5 in Texas in a rematch with Heather Hardy, 41, who she beat in 2019.
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      So Taylor, 36, instead turned her attention to Cameron, 31, and the super-lightweight titles.
      And the historic fight will be sponsored by McGregor’s Forged Irish Stout.
      He said: “I’m incredibly proud and honoured to support Ireland’s own, the pound for pound GOAT, Katie Taylor!
      “Katie’s fight this weekend in Ireland is going to be one for the books and I’ll be cheering her on.
      “Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing have done a fantastic job putting together an unforgettable event and Irish Forged Stout is ready to take over fight week!”
      Conor McGregor with promoter Eddie HearnCredit: @MatchroomBoxing More

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      Conor McGregor impressed with KSI’s controversial win over Joe Fournier despite calling YouTuber ‘friendly little nerd’

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      CONOR MCGREGOR was impressed with KSI’s controversial win over Joe Fournier – despite calling the YouTuber a “friendly little nerd” previously.The social media sensation remained unbeaten with a second-round knockout of the self-proclaimed billionaire at Wembley Arena on Saturday night.
      KSI secured a controversial win over Joe Fournier at Wembley Arena on SaturdayCredit: Getty
      Conor McGregor sung the YouTuber’s praises afterwardsCredit: AFP
      But it was a right elbow from The Nightmare that flattened the 40-year-old and handed him his latest victory.
      The YouTuber turned boxer initially denied cracking Fournier with the illegal strike but has since changed his tune as boxing authorities weigh up OVERTURNING his victory.
      However, UFC legend McGregor remained unmoved by the controversial finish and instead praised KSI.
      The 34-year-old tweeted: “I seen it, I liked it. He goin’, fair play, KSI.”
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      McGregor previously slotted the British star as he prepared for a “nothing burger” boxing match with his former training partner Dillon Danis – which was eventually cancelled.
      The former two division UFC champion was in no mood to entertain the fight and slammed KSI as a “friendly little nerd”, while telling Danis to get back into MMA.
      KSI responded to McGregor’s tweet talking about why he hasn’t spoken to Danis in a while, saying: “I’m sorry but I’m about do some serious damage to your boy.”
      McGregor replied: “Brother you’re a friendly little nerd I don’t care.
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      “He should be back doing MMA if he is doing this little nothing burger match with you.
      “I couldn’t care less about this genre of boxing, I am sorry. Have a good one.”
      McGRegor has not fought since suffering a horrific broken leg in his defeat to Dustin Poirier in 2021 at UFC 264.
      He appears to be closing in on a return to the octagon with a potential bout against Michael Chandler.
      A date for McGregor’s eagerly-anticipated clash with Chandler has yet to be announced.
      But footage of Notorious SHOVING the American has been released ahead of the return of The Ultimate Fighter.
      The lightweight standouts coached opposite one another on season 31 of the long-running reality TV show – which was filmed in Las Vegas earlier this year. More

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      Watch as woman in just lingerie squats light heavyweight ex-UFC star in bar in bizarre video

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      INCREDIBLE footage shows former UFC light heavyweight Luke Rockhold being squatted by a woman in her underwear.The 38-year-old last night posted a video taken in a California bar.
      Luke Rockhold clambered on to a woman’s backCredit: Instagram @lukerockhold
      The former UFC champion was amazingly squat liftedCredit: Instagram @lukerockhold
      Rockhold, 38, competed in the light heavyweight division in one of his final UFC fightsCredit: Instagram @lukerockhold
      In the clip, Rockhold can be seen draped over a woman’s back.
      The lingerie-clad woman then squat-lifts the former UFC champion, to the amazement of those watching on.
      A member of bar staff, also in wearing just her underwear, watched the squat lifts open-mouthed.
      Rockhold also appeared to enjoy himself.
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      When posting the video, he wrote: “Orange County is a gem.”
      Fans were also left amazed by the clip.
      One commented: “I like her. Hope you gave her a big tip.”
      While a second wrote: “You’re kidding.”
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      Rockhold fought Paulo Costa at UFC 278 last yearCredit: Getty
      Another added: “You go girl!”
      The ex-middleweight champion fought for a final time in the UFC last year.
      Three years on from his light-heavyweight debut against Jan Blachowicz, Rockhold returned to middleweight to face Paulo Costa at UFC 278 in Utah.
      He produced a spirited performance, with the bout winning fight of the night.
      But Costa won comfortably via decision to bring Rockhold’s amazing UFC tenure to a close.
      He recently returned to fight action by making his BKFC debut.
      Rockhold lost to Mike Perry via second round TKO in Colorado – with Conor McGregor subsequently squaring up to the victor.
      The former champion brought the curtain down on his UFC career with a fight of the nightCredit: Getty More

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      I was drinking and doing drugs before boxing showed up out of nowhere and saved me, says Jake Paul

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      JAKE PAUL has opened up on how boxing prevented him from his life spiralling out of control on drink and drugs. The American shot to fame on social media app Vine and later YouTube along with his brother Logan.
      Jake Paul formerly lived a life of partyingCredit: @jakepaul
      And in pursuit of fame and fortune, both moved to Los Angeles where their life moved in the fast lane.
      But it almost became too much for Paul until thankfully a shock career in boxing helped turn his life around.
      He bravely told DAZN: “I was drinking, doing drugs, doing all sorts of crazy s*** in Los Angeles, not being myself. 
      “Because that’s what happens when you’re drinking like that and doing those things like that.
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      “I needed something to save me and boxing showed up out of nowhere. 
      “I definitely worry – that side of me is the Problem Child side of me – that can get involved in those of things. 
      “But everybody has a story and I’m just now comfortable telling that story because I was kind of embarrassed by it. 
      “I didn’t know if I could talk about those things, I didn’t want to say that I had those problems or was doing those things. 
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      “But I was like, if I can share my story about that and finding boxing and saving me then maybe someone else will be able to relate.” 
      Paul, 26, made his professional boxing debut in 2020, beating online rival AnEsonGib.
      It kickstarted a polarising prizefighting career which has seen the social media sensation headline around the world.
      He even moved out of LA in late 2020 to rid of any distractions, since building an isolated base in Puerto Rico.
      Paul has wins over ex-MMA champions Ben Askren, 38, Tyron Woodley, 41, and Anderson Silva, 48.
      But he was beaten in his last bout in February by boxer Tommy Fury, 23, losing a split-decision in Saudi Arabia.
      Paul now returns on August 5 in Texas against ex-UFC star Nate Diaz, 38, in a bid to prove he can bounce back from defeat.
      And having seen boxing change his life, the Most Valuable Promotions boss insisted he will be a mainstay in the sport.
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      Paul said: “One hundred per cent, always. Promoting fights, helping fighters, using my platform. 
      “I’ve even thought about getting my referee’s licence. Wouldn’t that be funny? Wouldn’t that be funny, if I’m like in the ring, refitting a match?” 
      Jake Paul in training for his next fight More

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      Journalist fired on the spot for asking ‘stupid’ question at Jake Paul’s press conference with Nate Diaz

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      JAKE PAUL fired one of his own media team after they asked to fight Nate Diaz’s brother during the duo’s pre-fight press conference.Paul and Diaz fielded questions from the media in Dallas on Tuesday night ahead of a heated face-off to promote their August showdown.
      Jake Paul and Nate Diaz went face-to-face for the first time on TuesdayCredit: DAZN
      A reporter asked Diaz if he could fight his elder brother Nick and vowed to beat his ‘ass’Credit: DAZN
      Paul ‘fired’ the reporter on the spot for his audacious questionCredit: DAZN
      But one of the main talking points ended up being a challenge issued to Nick Diaz by a member of Paul’s media team.
      The journalist said: “Nate, I’m actually a boxer myself and I have been trying to get on this undercard.
      “I’m just wondering if you think I could fight your brother, Nick?
      “If he’s anything like you, I think I’d beat his f*ing a.”
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      Nate, 38, was far from impressed by the callout, firing back: “”You know my homeboys see you right now?
      “That was stupid, huh? That was stupid.”
      The Stockton slugger then asked the reporter “What’s your name?”
      After learning the reporter’s name, an annoyed Diaz replied: “Hey, Derek from Betr Media, you’re a stupid a** motherf****r.
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      “The f**k? You deserve to have your a** whipped.”
      Problem Child Paul was quick to jump in after Diaz issued his threat, saying: “He works for my company.
      “I’ll handle that later. I’ll fire him later. I’m sorry about that, Nate.
      “Derek, shut up, shut up.”
      As he was told to be quiet, Derek said: “All right, sorry.”

      Fight fans were quick to comment on the bizarre incident, with one saying: “This dude Derek going to get his ass chipped up.”
      Another said: “RIP Derek LOL.”
      And another said: “About to get slapped when he walk outside talking crazy.”
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      One remarked: “Was a Paul script, Nate wasn’t in the mood for that.”
      Another chimed in: “That guy’s confidence went out of the window the moment Diaz told him that his boys might check him out on the streets.” More

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      Jake Paul claims next fight will be with Conor McGregor as YouTuber describes bout with UFC legend as ‘inevitable’

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      JAKE PAUL reckons he’ll trade blows with Conor McGregor after he knocks out the UFC star’s bitter rival Nate Diaz.Social media sensation Paul will welcome mixed martial arts fan favourite Diaz to the boxing world in a Dallas dust-up on August 5.
      Jake Paul will throw down with UFC legend Nate Diaz on August 5Credit: DAZN
      The Problem Child plans to get back into the win column in emphatic fashionCredit: SHOWTIME
      Paul reckons an emphatic KO of Diaz will bag him a showdown with Conor McGregorCredit: SPORTSFILE
      The YouTuber-turned-boxer plans to get back in the win column with an emphatic KO of the 38-year-old, which he hopes will entice UFC superstar McGregor to share the ring with him.
      The Problem Child roared: “I want Conor next after that. It’s inevitable.”
      McGregor, 34, has remained quiet on Paul’s frequent call-outs in recent years but didn’t shy away from tipping old rival Diaz to get the better of the former Disney star.
      Paul said of McGregor’s pre-fight prediction: “I think he’s got trauma from when Nate slapped his head off.”
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      Diaz’s multi-million-pound showdown with Paul will take place just under a year after his final UFC outing.
      Paul said of the fight: “This fight made the most sense and the opportunity was there, he was a free agent.
      “[Nate is] someone I’ve always wanted to fight and someone that’s always been on my list.”
      Paul, 26, isn’t taking Diaz lightly by any means, although he firmly believes adding the MMA legend to his highlight reel will pave the way for a clash with The Notorious.
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      He told ESPN: “I see a roadmap where I knock out Nate and go to Conor McGregor.
      “Do what Conor couldn’t do, knock out Nate, then that would be the biggest fight in combat sports that could possibly be made, me vs Conor.”
      During the presser, he said: “This is a big fight, this is a fight that I wanted for a long time.
      “He got out of his UFC contract and this is probably the biggest fight of the year only topping me versus Tommy [Fury].

      “So I want to make big events, big fights happen and strike while the iron’s hot.
      “He was a free agent, let’s run it, make it happen, settle the s*** talk and I’m ready for war.
      “I’m excited to be here, thank you for having me out.
      “Dallas, I love y’all and I’ma do what Conor McGregor couldn’t do and I’ma knock this man out.” More

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      Jake Paul says ‘I’ve never seen anything like it’ as he is told why Nate Diaz suddenly walked out of press conference

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      JAKE PAUL was left stunned when Nate Diaz went AWOL during their pre-fight press conference.The duo went face-to-face on Tuesday night for the first time since the announcement of their Dallas dust-up in August.
      Jake Paul and Nate Diaz went face-to-face for the first time on Tuesday nightCredit: DAZN
      Former UFC star Nate Diaz twice left the presser – once in order to go to the toiletCredit: TWITTER
      Paul couldn’t believe his eyes after seeing Diaz go for a loo break mid presserCredit: TWITTER
      Former UFC star Diaz, 37, was far from impressed by the presser – which he branded a “sketch-ass and f****** rookie” gathering – and left the stage as the media fielded questions.
      Host Ariel Helwani had to encourage the Stockton Slugger to return to his seat – but it wasn’t long before he was off again.
      Diaz left the stage for a second time to nip off to the toilet and eventually returned to take part in a face-off.
      Paul, 26, was left baffled by Diaz’s second departure, asking: “Is this man leaving?”
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      The YouTuber-turned-boxer then put his head in his hands as he said: “Jesus Christ. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
      Boxing and MMA fans were quick to comment, with one saying: “Hahaha. ‘He’ll be right back’, he said.”
      Another said: “‘He’ll be right back.’ That boy garn, you won’t see him until weigh-in.”
      And another said: “I think Nate likes to let his fists and feet do the talking.”
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      One remarked: “He focused on his bag not sum BS talk.”
      Another chimed in: “Jake is disappointed because Nate isn’t sticking to the script!”
      Diaz’s clash with Paul will mark his professional boxing debut, which comes nearly a year after his UFC departure.
      But social media sensation Paul plans to give the fan favourite a rude welcome to the sweet science.
      He said: “This is a big fight, this is a fight that I wanted for a long time.

      “He got out of his UFC contract and this is probably the biggest fight of the year only topping me versus Tommy [Fury].
      “So I want to make big events, big fights happen and strike while the iron’s hot.
      “He was a free agent, let’s run it, make it happen, settle the s*** talk and I’m ready for war.
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      “I’m excited to be here, thank you for having me out.
      “Dallas, I love y’all and I’ma do what Conor McGregor couldn’t do and I’ma knock this man out.” More