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      Jake Paul offers ex-UFC star Nate Diaz two-fight deal including boxing and MMA bouts after signing for promotion PFL

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      JAKE PAUL has offered to fight Nate Diaz in both boxing and MMA after signing for the Professional Fighters League. The YouTuber-turned prizefighter announced he has penned a deal with MMA promotion PFL and plans to debut in the cage.
      Jake Paul has offered to fight Nate Diaz in both boxing and MMA
      Nate Diaz was at Jake Paul’s last fightCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      So he is willing to face Diaz, who last year left the UFC, as part of a two-bout deal in both sports.
      Paul said on his YouTube channel: “I’ve already disrupted boxing and now it’s time to disrupt MMA.
      “I know this is such a tough sport and it’s not going to be easy but if I can do it in boxing, I can do it in MMA.
      “I’m so dedicated to this I offered Nate Diaz a two-fight deal; first we box, then six months later we fight MMA in the PFL SmartCage and lay it all on the line.
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      “If that’s not balls then I don’t know what is. Nate Diaz, I’m down to fight you in your own damn sport. It’s a two-fight, let’s make it happen.”
      The PFL is MMA’s only league format and consists of a Regular Season and Playoff.
      Stars in each weight have two qualifying bouts with the top four progressing to the knockout stages.
      It culminates in a championship finale where a $1million cheque and title belt is on the line.
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      Paul, 25, has signed to fight in MMA and also founded the PFL’s “super-fight pay-per-view division” in which he will also compete in.
      Diaz, 37, meanwhile is a free agent having ran out his contract with the UFC, last beating Tony Ferguson, 38, in September.
      He was ringside in October at Paul’s last fight, to watch the American beat UFC legend Anderson Silva, 47, on points.
      The social media sensation is set to return in February but is still without a named opponent for his seventh boxing bout.
      Jake Paul beat UFC legend Anderson SilvaCredit: REX More

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      Jake Paul signs contract to fight in MMA with PFL with debut this year – but plans to continue boxing career

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      JAKE PAUL has followed through on his vow to compete in MMA – by signing with the Professional Fighters League.The YouTuber turned boxer has flirted with the prospect of competing in mixed martial arts for the last two years – although his numerous hints weren’t taken seriously.
      Jake Paul has long teased a move to the mixed martial arts worldCredit: Reuters
      The Problem Child has inked a multi-year deal with the Professional Fighters LeagueCredit: EPA
      Paul has acquired equity in the PFL and will compete in their “super fight” divisonCredit: GETTY
      But he appears to be on course to make good on his promise by inking a multi-year deal with the PFL – which is rapidly on course to becoming MMA’s second major promotion.
      Paul – who has bought equity in the company along with business partner Nakisa Baridian – plans to compete in the promotion’s newly-formed “Super Fight” division.
      According to the promotion, the division will see combatants earn a whopping 50 per cent of the revenue generated by pay-per-view sales.
      Paul’s official role with the promotion will be “head of fighter advocacy.”
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      In an interview with The New York Times, he said: “This is about changing MMA, disrupting, innovating, and creating the next big league.”
      The Super Fight division will feature on two fight cards this year, although no bouts have been finalised.
      Paul, 25, plans to compete twice this year – once in boxing and once in MMA.
      The PFL are excited to have the social media sensation on board, with CEO Peter Murray saying: “He’s got a growing boxing career.
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      “But it doesn’t prevent him from entering into the sport of MMA, and we’re excited about that.”
      In less than four years, the PFL is on the precipice of becoming the second-biggest mixed martial arts promotion in the world.
      Co-founder Donn Davis told fighters: “You’re not a prisoner anymore to [the] UFC.
      “You can now choose UFC or PFL., but what makes PFL different is we’re coming out with a true economic partnership for fighters.”
      Despite having very little MMA experience, Paul is looking forward to the challenge of fighting in the cage.
      Jake Paul admits he’ll have to get his kicking down before competing in MMACredit: Instagram @jakepaul
      He said: “The biggest thing for me would be getting the kicks down.
      “But I’m going to start now, moving forward with some extra time I have within this camp.
      “I’m going to put in some extra time, rolling around doing some jujitsu and learning some kicks.”
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      Paul hasn’t fought since his showdown with former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, whom he defeated via unanimous decision.
      Prior to that, the former Disney star brutally knocked out former welterweight champ Tyron Woodley to stretch his record to 5-0. More

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      Manny Pacquiao, 44, announces boxing return with MMA promotion Rizin and teases next fight against ex-UFC star

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      MANNY PACQUIAO announced he will return to boxing with MMA promotion Rizin and teased his next fight against an ex-UFC star. The Filipino icon officially retired after defeat to Cuban Yordenis Ugas in August 2021.
      Manny Pacquiao announced he will return to boxing with RizinCredit: AFP
      But following a failed presidential election in the Philippines, Pacquaio talked up a boxing comeback and fought again in December.
      He beat South Korean YouTuber DK Yoo in an exhibition bout and has now signed up to fight again with Japanese MMA promotion Rizin.
      Pacquiao, 43, said: “There’s great action, there’s great fights in Rizin, and the atmosphere of the crowd is amazing.”
      The eight-division champion also confirmed that his contract is for a boxing bout and not kickboxing or MMA.
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      Floyd Mayweather, 45, has twice fought under Rizin, knocking out Tenshin Nasukawa, 24, and Mikuru Asakura, 30.
      Pacquiao was ringside in September to watch as Mayweather beat Asakura in two rounds, which sparked talk of a rematch.
      But Mayweather ruled out a second fight with his great rival, who he initially beat on points in 2015.
      The American legend has had five exhibition bouts himself since retiring as a professional in 2017 after beating ex-UFC champ Conor McGregor, 34.
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      Mayweather has faced kickboxers, MMA stars, YouTubers and even an ex-sparring partner.
      And after Pacquaio eased past DK Yoo, he looks set to also take on competition from the world of MMA in the boxing ring.
      Pacquiao added: “It’s good to have an exhibition fight last December 11, and I’m excited and so happy.
      “My opponent is martial art, who doesn’t know about boxing, so that’s why he experienced a hard time in the ring.
      “But this next exhibition match here in Japan, this is different because I think probably my opponent is a professional UFC, MMA fighter, so he knows how to punch and of course to cover.”
      DK Yoo after his exhibition with Manny PacquiaoCredit: AP More

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      Jake Paul called out by Mike Perry as ex-UFC star signs fight contract but says YouTuber ‘changed his mind’

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      BARE-KNUCKLE boxer Mike Perry has revealed he signed a contract to fight Jake Paul until the YouTube star “changed his mind”. Paul is set to return in February and announced he sent offers out to three different opponents.
      Jake Paul is set to make his boxing return in FebruaryCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Mike Perry claimed he signed a contract to fight Jake PaulCredit: Rex

      It appears ex-UFC welterweight and current Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship boxer Perry was one of them.
      He tweeted: “I signed a contract to fight @jakepaul but he changed his mind.”
      Perry, 31, then posted what he claimed was a contract to fight Paul, 25, and featured his signature.
      Paul most recently beat UFC legend Anderson Silva, 47, in October, the biggest win in his 6-0 career.
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      And he is already back in training for his seventh professional bout as talks with celebrity boxing rival Tommy Fury, 23, continue.
      The two have twice signed to fight but Fury pulled out both times, firstly after a rib injury last December and then amid a US visa issue in August.
      His travel woes still persist today but promoter Frank Warren revealed negotiations between the two camps are ongoing.
      Warren told iFL TV: “Both sides are really eager to making it happen and I don’t think we’re far off getting it on.
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      “I think we’re quite close to making it happen.”
      Paul was ringside in November to watch Fury’s last bout, an exhibition against Rolly Lambert.
      It went the six round distance and afterwards the pair clashed at ringside as tempers threatened to boil over.
      Tommy Fury and Jake Paul are still in talks to fightCredit: BT Sport More

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      Floyd Mayweather, 45, called out to $200m exhibition fight by former protege-turned rival Adrien Broner

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      FLOYD MAYWEATHER has been called out to a $200million exhibition fight by his former protege-turned rival Adrien Broner. The boxing legend has returned for five spectacle bouts since officially retiring in 2017 after beating UFC star Conor McGregor.
      Floyd Mayweather has been called out by Adrien BronerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Adrien Broner is set to return on February 25 against Ivan RedkachCredit: Tom Hogan / BLK Prime
      His most recent was in November against YouTuber Deji, 25, in Dubai, which he won in round six.
      Now Broner, who was once mentored by Mayweather, wants to cash in with an exhibition against his old idol.
      He said on Round Da Way podcast: “These last couple of exhibitions that Floyd has been doing, he’s been getting threes, fours, fives, eights.
      “He say, ‘I got 10 million, 20 million.’ OK, cool. If that’s what he say, cool.
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      “But if me and him do an exhibition, automatically off the top, you got to give him 100million, and you’ve got to give me 100million.”
      Broner, a former four-division champion, was taken under Mayweather’s wing and was once primed to inherit the American legend’s throne.
      But inactivity and ill discipline out of the ring cost the current welterweight star throughout his prime.
      The pair subsequently became distanced over the years amid rumours of a rift between them.
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      Broner, 33, is now set to return on February 25 against Ivan Redkach, 36, having not fought since February 2021.
      Meanwhile, Mayweather, 45, has teased a return next month while eyeing a UK boxing debut.
      He told The Telegraph: “A bout is planned in the UK for 2023.
      “In February we’re looking forward to coming here and putting on an exhibition for the fans in the UK.
      “I’ve never had a chance to come over here and fight when I was actively boxing as a professional.
      “So hopefully in February I’ll come over and do an exhibition if it’s possible.”
      Floyd Mayweather and Deji boxed in DubaiCredit: Lee Hamilton-Cooper More

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      Jake Paul admits he is ‘tired of beating these old dudes’ after being called out by Conor McGregor’s ex-opponent

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      JAKE PAUL admitted he is “tired of beating these old dudes” after being called out by Donald Cerrone. The YouTuber-turned prizefighter is 6-0 in his boxing career, most recently beating UFC legend Anderson Silva, 47.
      Jake Paul after beating Anderson SilvaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Conor McGregor fought Donald Cerrone in 2020Credit: Reuters
      That came after a pair of wins over former UFC champion Tyron Woodley, 40, and retired welterweight Ben Askren, 38.
      So Paul, 25, has no interest in facing “Cowboy” Cerrone, 39, who retired from the UFC last year.
      He told The Schmo: “I mean I don’t know, I’m kind of tired of beating these old dudes up like that.
      “You know what I’m saying? So, I’m just trying to get someone in there who is younger.
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      “But they’re all scared, honestly. They’re just trying to protect their records.”
      Paul has already confirmed he is set to return in February, following his points win over eight rounds against Silva.
      And 8-0 Tommy Fury, 23, remains a possible opponent with the pair of celebrity boxing rivals still in talks to fight.
      Twice Fury has been forced to pull out of the grudge match before, due to a rib injury and US visa issue, but negotiations to once again reschedule are ongoing.
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      Meanwhile Cerrone, who lost to Conor McGregor, 34, in 2020, has thrown his name into the hat to fight Paul.
      He said on the Thiccc Boy Studios: “Would I like to fight him? How could I say no to millions of dollars?
      “I would definitely go out there and do it, but I’m not sitting here saying, ‘Jake you’re a YouTuber, you’re not worth a f***, blah blah blah.’ No, man.
      “You’re making money and if you want to throw some money my way, I’m with you. The Jake Paul phenomenon is kind of crazy, it’s got everyone calling him out.
      “It’s kind of like the big Conor push. I feel like that’s happening with Jake Paul. Everyone wants in, and I don’t see why they wouldn’t, that’s a big money fight.
      “You can’t take it away from him. Everyone is saying those are rigged fights, and I think he’s hitting hard.
      “I really do think those are legitimate shots and strikes, and he’s been practicing boxing, and he’s whipping their asses.
      “I don’t think there’s any missed hype, I think he’s got something going.”
      Conor McGregor knocked out Donald Cerrone in 40 secondsCredit: Reuters More

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      Conor McGregor’s old foe Donald Cerrone reveals he’d ‘like to fight’ Jake Paul and compares YouTuber to UFC star

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      UFC legend Donald Cerrone has revealed he’d “like to” box Jake Paul.YouTuber turned boxer Paul has made quite the splash in the combat sports world since making his professional debut in January 2020.
      Jake Paul has made quite the splash in the boxing worldCredit: AFP
      Paul has fought three former UFC champions in his pro careerCredit: SHOWTIME
      UFC great Donald Cerrone has revealed he’d like to face The Problem ChildCredit: Getty
      Paul, 25, has picked up wins over former UFC champs Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva during his 6-0 career.
      And former lightweight title challenger Cerrone would be open to being the fourth MMA fighter to take on The Problem Child.
      During an appearance on the Thicc Boy FightClub Podcast, the retired Cowboy said: “Would I like to fight him? F***, of course.
      “How could I say no to f***ing millions of dollars. So I would definitely go out there and do it.”
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      Cerrone, however, won’t verbally bash Paul to try to land a multi-million-pound showdown.
      He continued: “But I’m not sitting over here and saying, ‘Jake, you’re a f***ing YouTuber, ain’t worth a f**k.’
      “Nah, man. You’re making money. Make the f***ing money. And if you want to throw some of that money my way, I’m with you.”
      Paul’s rise to prominence in the combat world has been rapid, to say the least.
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      And fan favourite Cerrone has likened it to that of his former foe Conor McGregor.
      He said: “The Jake Paul phenomenon is kind of crazy, it’s gotten everybody calling him out and it’s kind of like the big Conor [McGregor] push [from early in McGregor’s career].
      “That’s what I feel like is happening with Jake Paul.
      “Everyone is wanting to fight him, and I don’t see why they wouldn’t because that’s a big money fight.
      “But you can’t take away [his wins].
      “Like everyone is saying those are like rigged fights — I think he’s hitting hard. You know what I mean?
      “I really do think those are legitimate shots and strikes, and he’s been practicing boxing and [the results] are showing he’s whooping their asses.
      “So I don’t think there’s any mis-hype. I think he’s got something going on there.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Paul hasn’t set foot inside the ring since his decision victory over Silva in October but is eyeing a return to the ring early next year.
      The former Disney star hopes to fight three times next year, in which he hopes to face rival Tommy Fury.
      Jake Paul is planning to return to the ring early next yearCredit: REUTERS More

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      Paige VanZant sends fans into meltdown by posting racy brown bikini pics as she gives her New Year’s resolution

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      PAIGE VANZANT has revealed her New Year’s resolution with a sultry Instagram post.Like millions of people around the world, the former UFC straw and flyweight is looking forward to the New Year and setting goals for 2023.
      Paige VanZant has been thinking of her resolutions for 2023Credit: INSTAGRAM@PAIGEVANZANT
      The former UFC star plans to stay true to herself next yearCredit: INSTAGRAM@PAIGEVANZANT
      VanZant made the admission in yet another racy Instagram postCredit: INSTAGRAM@PAIGEVANZANT
      But the MMA star turned bare-knuckle boxer doesn’t plan to make any serious personality changes next year – promising to continue being herself.
      VanZant vowed to remain true to herself with several saucy snaps showcasing her figure.
      Along with photos highlighting her backside in a barely-there bikini thong, PVZ wrote: “New Year’s resolution……. be more me.”
      VanZant’s legion of followers were quick to comment, with one saying: “Dammit Paige! It’s my anniversary.”
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      Another said: “Sweet Jesus.”
      And another said: “Perfection at its best.”
      One remarked: “Good for you Paige. Embrace your beauty!!”
      And another chimed in: “Oh my lord.”
      Most read in Boxing
      VanZant is set to make her return to the bare-knuckle ring on February 27 for what will be her third fight in the promotion.
      BKFC president Dave Feldman told Curran Bhatia: “She’ll fight on February 27 on our KnuckleMania 3 card and that will take place in New Mexico.
      “We’ve got some sensational bouts for that card.
      “It will be our biggest event, by far, and the most talked about, I believe.
      “We have some really, really big names that are going to be on the top three of that card.”
      AEW wrestler VanZant has yet to have her hand raised since joining BKFC, suffering defeats to Britain Hart and Rachael Ostovich.
      Paige VanZant has yet to taste victory in the BKFC ringCredit: GETTY
      And defeat in her next outing could bring about the end of her time in the promotion.
      Feldman told GiveMeSport: “If Paige loses, her bare-knuckle career is definitely at an end.
      “I mean, she did an interview and said there was no pressure on this fight.
      “So, you know, if she feels there’s no pressure, then maybe, you know, maybe she’s very confident.
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      “But, you know, I can’t keep saying after every fight, we’ll see how she does.
      “And that’s why if she doesn’t do well in this fight, f she doesn’t come out victorious, or at least look very, very good, then she’s probably at the end of her bare-knuckle career.” More