MMA

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Boxing

      KSI reveals three opponents he could fight next after boxing return including Tommy Fury but says it WON’T be Jake Paul

      by

      KSI has three opponents lined up to fight after his ring return – but admitted it will not be against Jake Paul. The YouTube, rap and crossover boxing star faces Dillon Danis on January 14 at Wembley Arena.
      KSI makes his boxing return against Dillon Danis on January 14Credit: Getty
      Tommy Fury has been called out by KSICredit: Jamie McPhilimey
      It will be KSI’s third bout since returning and already he is looking ahead to future fights with the likes of Tommy Fury.
      But an anticipated grudge match with fierce rival Paul, 25, will not come next as he eyes an end of the year showdown.
      KSI, 29, told Twitch streamer, Kai Cenat: “Who’s next? It could be [Tyron] Woodley, it could be Joe Fournier.
      “Jake Paul’s at the end of the year, we’re working on it. The contract, we’re going back and forth already.
      READ MORE IN boxing
      “He’s already putting in crazy demands and I’m like, ‘Nah nah nah, who do you think you are?’
      “So, we’ve got to go back and forth so it’s going to take some time. In the meantime, I want to fight some people.
      “It could be Tommy Fury. Bro, I’ve got to show everyone why I’m the GOAT.
      “Bro, I’ve got to show everyone why I came back to the YouTube boxing scene.
      Most read in Boxing
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      “To show everyone why I am the ultimate man in this scene, it’s as simple as that.”
      KSI’s rivalry with Paul dates back to his pair of bouts with the American’s brother Logan, 27, which ended in a draw and points win.
      But the online enemies are yet to settle their score in the ring once and for all.
      Paul in October beat UFC legend Anderson Silva, 47, in the biggest victory of his 6-0 career.
      Meanwhile, KSI returned after three years out in August beating rapper Swarmz, 25, and boxer Luis Alcaraz Pineda, 23, on the same night.
      He considered fighting millionaire businessman-turned 9-0 boxer Fournier, 39 and ex-UFC champion Woodley, 40.
      But he settled on 2-0 MMA fighter Danis, 29, most commonly known as Conor McGregor’s training partner.
      Dillon Danis pictured in training with Conor McGregorCredit: Instagram @dillondanis More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      ‘It is not cheating’ – Manny Pacquiao responds to referee who claims he helped boxing legend avoid KO loss

      by

      MANNY PACQUIAO has responded to a referee who claimed he helped the boxing legend avoid a knockout loss. Official Carlos Padilla, from the Philippines like Pacquiao, officiated a bout between the future eight-division champion and Nedal Hussein.
      Manny Pacquiao responded to a ref who claimed he helped the boxing legend avoid a KO lossCredit: AP
      Carlos Padilla laughed as he admitted to giving Manny Pacquio an 18-second countCredit: WBC
      In round four, Hussein scored a knockdown and the ref admitted to giving PacMan almost DOUBLE the amount of time to beat the ten-count. 
      But Pacquiao, 43, hit back: “It is not cheating. We just got favoured because we were on our home court.
      “As a boxer I just did the right thing. For me, I’m only just a boxer. I just did my job in the ring.”
      It comes after told the WBC in a now-scrubbed interview: “Manny was not a world champion yet, he was only good in the Philippines.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      “That fight, I’m about to go and leave the following day and they told me, ‘Carlos, please – this is an important fight for Pacquiao, because the winner will have the chance to fight for the world championship’.
      “So, you know the opponent, Hussein, or whatever his name was. He is taller, younger, stronger, and a dirty fighter, managed by Jeff Fenech.
      “So in the seventh round, I think [it was the fourth], Manny got knocked down, I thought he was going to get up, but his eyes were cross-eyed.
      “I am Filipino, and everybody watching the fight is Filipino, so I prolonged the count. I know how to do it. 
      Most read in Boxing
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “When he got up, I told him, ‘Hey, are you okay?’ Still prolonging the fight. ‘Are you okay?’ ‘Okay, fight!’ 
      “And then Hussein – because Manny was not like Manny is now, he wasn’t trained by Freddie Roach yet, he holds on for his dear life, and the guy throws him, and he went down again. 
      “I said to the opponent, ‘Hey, you don’t do this.’ You know, I was prolonging the fight. ‘You don’t do that. Okay, judges, [point] deduction’.”
      Padilla then admitted he scored an accidental headbutt that cut Hussein as a punch. 
      If an accidental blow – such as a headbutt – causes a cut and the fight to be halted it will go to the judges scorecards and the time of the stoppage. 
      It is not cheating. We just got favoured because we were on our home court.Manny Pacquiao responds to cheating claims
      But if the ref deems it a legal blow, the cut boxer loses by technical knockout. 
      Padilla said: “Manny is still groaning and then [I said to Pacquiao] ‘Get up, are you OK?’ 
      “And then because he is shorter he headbutted the other guy and there is a cut but I declared it a punch. 
      “If there is a headbutt you have to stop the fight and declare to the judges a point deduction, but I didn’t do that, meaning the fight could continue.
      “The cut] is not really big – but I never got the doctor to check it [because] I want to see it serious.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Aussie boxer Hussein, who last fought in 2007, slammed Padilla on Instagram. 
      He fumed: “This putrid dog admitted to cheating me.”
      Manny Pacquiao was knocked down by Nedal Hussein
      Manny Pacquiao was given 18 seconds to beat the count More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Boxing

      Jake Paul will be an ‘easy fight’ for Tommy Fury if Love Island star builds that ‘stamina up’, says Ricky Hatton

      by

      TOMMY FURY will have a walk in the park against Jake Paul, but only if he gets his stamina up.A grudge match between the two social media stars is seemingly on course to take place early next year, with negotiations currently ongoing.
      Tommy Fury and Jake Paul are on course to have a grudge match early next yearCredit: BT SPORT
      Fury has less rounds in the bank than Paul – despite being immersed in the sport from childhoodCredit: GETTY
      Ricky Hatton reckons the fight will be a walk in the park for Fury if he gets his cardio upCredit: REX
      Bur boxing fans’ opinions about who will win the fight are divided – despite Fury being immersed in boxing since childhood.
      That of former two-division champion Ricky Hatton, however, isn’t and he firmly believes Fury will teach The Problem Child a lesson once he gets his cardio up.
      He told Fair Betting Sites: “I think Tommy Fury beats Jake all day long, as long as he gets a few more rounds in the bank.
      “Jake Paul has done more rounds than Tommy Fury. Once Tommy has banged out a few six-rounders and got a few eight-rounders under his belt, then I think it’s a no-contest.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      “As he hasn’t done too many rounds himself, he probably hasn’t got that natural stamina.
      “It’s not just for Tommy, it’s for [Floyd] Mayweather, for me – you need those rounds under your belt and so far Tommy’s not done that yet and that’s the only thing that gives Jake Paul half a chance.
      “If Tommy got a few rounds under his belt and built that stamina up then I think it’s an easy fight for Tommy.”
      YouTuber turned boxer Paul, 25, recently accused Fury – the brother of WBC heavyweight champ Tyson – of ducking him.
      Most read in Boxing
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      He said: “Tommy Fury…the contract is with your team.
      “7 figures. 6x what you made in your last fight. You signing right?”
      He later added: “Tommy Fury ducking. Tyson Fury now trying to get me to fight his dad instead?
      “Nate Diaz ducking. I heard he’s boxing a novice YouTuber?
      “Paddy [Pimblett] ducking a spar. Knows I can’t go to UFC HQ. Offered him Jan 5 but happy to fly him out any day he wants that works for us both?”
      YouTuber turned boxer Paul has made waves in the boxing world in only six fightsCredit: EPA
      Fury, 23, hasn’t set foot in the ring since his decision victory over Daniel Bocianski on the undercard of brother Tyson’s Wembley clash with Dillian Whyte in April.
      Paul, meanwhile, was last in action in October – defeating former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva via unanimous decision. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Jake Paul says Tommy Fury is ‘ducking’ him after sending out ‘seven-figure’ fight offer to reschedule grudge match

      by

      JAKE PAUL has accused Tommy Fury of “ducking” him after sending out a “seven-figure” fight offer to reschedule their grudge match.The YouTuber-turned boxer confirmed he will return to the ring in February and Fury is one of the three names in talks.
      Jake Paul has accused Tommy Fury of ‘ducking’ himCredit: Getty
      Tommy Fury has been sent an offer to fight Jake Paul
      But Paul, who also called out Nate Diaz and offered UFC star Paddy Pimblett a $1million sparring session, claimed he has heard nothing back.
      He tweeted: “Tommy Fury ducking. Tyson Fury now trying to get me to fight his dad instead?
      “Nate Diaz ducking. I heard he’s boxing a novice YouTuber?
      “Paddy ducking a spar. Knows I can’t go to UFC HQ. Offered him Jan 5 but happy to fly him out any day he wants that works for us both?”
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      Paul, 25, in October beat UFC legend Anderson Silva, 47, the biggest win in his 6-0 career.
      A month later he travelled to Dubai to watch Fury, 23, box in a late-notice exhibition and the two camps agreed to fight in 2023.
      Now Paul has claimed a deal worth over $1million has been put forward.
      He posted online: “Tommy Fury…the contract is with your team. 7 figures. 6x what you made in your last fight. You signing right?”
      Twice the celebrity boxing rivals have put pen to paper on a fight but both times Fury has been forced to withdraw.
      Last December he suffered a rib injury and in their rehashed date of August, the Brit was hit with US visa issues which still persist today.
      It leaves the UK or Middle East as frontrunners to host the long-anticipated bout.
      Tommy Fury and Jake Paul are still linked with a grudge matchCredit: BT Sport More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Boxing

      Nate Diaz officially leaves the UFC but still open to Conor McGregor trilogy as lucrative Jake Paul showdown looms

      by

      NATE DIAZ’s run with the UFC is officially OVER following the end of an exclusive negotiating period.The former lightweight title challenger fought out his contract with mixed martial arts’ premier promotion in September.
      Nate Diaz is a free agent after fighting out his UFC contract and the end of an exclusive negotiation periodCredit: GETTY
      Diaz closed out his UFC career with a victory over fellow vet Tony FergusonCredit: GETTY
      But the fan favourite hasn’t shut the door on a trilogy fight with rival Conor McGregorCredit: GETTY
      But the youngest Diaz brother was unable to field offers from potential suitors due to an exclusive three-month negotiation period.
      That has now come to an end.
      Diaz’s manager Zach Rosenfield told MMA Junkie: “Nate is going to be looking at the biggest fights possible.”
      A blockbuster trilogy with rival Conor McGregor is, however, still something Diaz wants to complete before hanging up his gloves.
      READ MORE IN UFC
      Rosenfield continued: “He has stated that completing the trilogy with Conor McGregor is something that interests him, and that has not changed.”
      Diaz is expected to enter the boxing world following his 15-year stint in the UFC – with a showdown against YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul a real possibility.
      But the fan favourite won’t solely compete in the squared circle next year.
      Rosenfield said: “You will see Nate competing multiple times in 2023, and that will include boxing.”
      Most read in Boxing
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      Paul wasted no time in calling out Diaz, who was involved in a skirmish at the YouTuber’s clash with Anderson Silva last month.
      He tweeted: “Hi Nate. Finally out of your UFC contract?
      “Let’s see how tough you are in the boxing ring instead of hallway slap contests. @NateDiaz209.
      A lucrative boxing match with Jake Paul could be on the cards for Nate DiazCredit: REX
      “I have a venue booked. Offer is ready when you are. Just need you to sign.”
      Diaz, 37, closed out his UFC career with fourth-round submission victory over fellow MMA vet Tony Ferguson in the main event of UFC 279 in September. More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Canelo Alvarez called out by Argentine UFC star after threatening Lionel Messi following Mexico World Cup controversy

      by

      ARGENTINA UFC star Santiago Ponzinibbio offered to fight Canelo Alvarez as he jumped to the defence of compatriot Lionel Messi.Argentina beat Mexico 2-0 in their World Cup Group C match with seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi getting a goal and an assist.
      Argentina UFC star Santiago Ponzinibbio has offered to fight Canelo in defence of Lionel MessiCredit: Getty
      Canelo (left) threatened the Argentina footy icon for ‘disrespecting’ MexicoCredit: EPA
      Wild scenes in the Argentine dressing room followed after they kept their qualification hopes alive after they lost their first group match 2-1 to Saudi Arabia.
      A clip was shared of the joyous scenes, but it showed a Mexico shirt on the floor near Messi, and as the Paris Saint-Germain man took his boot off, his foot brushed the jersey – which boxer Canelo found disrespectful.
      And that led to the Mexican boxing legend saying Messi “better pray to God that I don’t find him”.
      Canelo tweeted: “Did you guys see Messi cleaning the floor with our jersey and flag. He better pray to God that I don’t find him.
      READ MORE ON MESSI
      “Just like I respect Argentina, he has to respect Mexico! I’m not talking about the country as a whole, just about the bulls**t that Messi did.”
      However, welterweight Ponzinibbio, who has won 28 of his 34 MMA fights, has now joined the likes of Sergio Aguero by wading into the row and having Messi’s back.
      The grappler, who faces Robbie Lawler at UFC 282 on December 10, told MMA Fighting: “No point threatening Messi. Everybody knows Messi’s career. If [Canelo] doesn’t know he shouldn’t say a thing.
      “It’s normal for players to throw jerseys on the ground, they are all sweaty, but he didn’t do anything disrespectful.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP

      “Everybody that knows Messi knows he’s an impeccable athlete and a very respectful person.”
      Ponzinibbio added: “[Messi] had an excellent match. I was upset. Brother, if you want to fight, I’m ready, but leave Messi be,
      “You mess with Messi, you mess with the entire Argentina. Don’t bother the kid.”
      Argentina face off with Poland in the third group game of the World Cup, with the two sides occupying the top two slots in Group C.
      A draw will send Argentina through to the knockouts if Saudi Arabia and Mexico also draw, or if the Mexicans win by up to a two-goal margin.
      Lionel Messi will be hoping to fire Argentina into the knockouts later todayCredit: Getty More

    • 275 Shares139 Views

      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury wants Jake Paul to fight his dad John, 58, and warns he’d have heart ‘ripped out and fed to him’

      by

      TYSON FURY wants Jake Paul to fight his dad John and warned the 58-year-old would “rip his heart out and feed it to him”. Paul has long feuded with the boxing family as a celebrity grudge match with Tyson’s brother Tommy remains in talks.
      John Fury offering to fight Jake Paul
      But the WBC champion has called on his former bare-knuckle boxer dad to settle the family feud – and would pay top dollar to see it.
      Tyson, 34, said on The MMA Hour: “I think my dad would rip his heart out and feed it to him and the man is nearly 60 years old.
      “I think my dad and Jake Paul should have a bare-knuckle fight to the end. That would be a spectacle and I would give $100 to see it, pay-per-view.”
      Paul, 25, was a special guest ringside commentator in Dubai this month as John’s youngest Tommy, 23, boxed in a last-minute exhibition bout.
      READ MORE ON BOXING
      And after Tommy went six rounds with Rolly Lambert, 33, he clashed with his famous boxing foe amid rumours of another rescheduled fight.
      Amongst the chaos, his dad John then ripped off his top and threatened Paul, starting a war of words.
      John said: “You, now, I want to fight you! I’m the king of the bare knuckle man, I can fight Mike Tyson to the death.”
      Paul hit back: “You’re embarrassing.”
      Most read in Boxing
      Fury has twice pulled out of fighting Paul, after suffering a rib injury last December and US visa issues in August.
      His Stateside travel restriction still persists today, leaving Paul having to go abroad to revive the bout.
      The American revealed he will return in February and had three potential opponents eyed.
      Most Valuable Promotions banner confirmed: “Offers have been sent out.”
      Tommy Fury and Jake Paul are still linked with a grudge matchCredit: BT SPORT More

    • 263 Shares129 Views

      in Boxing

      Jake Paul hailed by Terence Crawford but pound-for-pound ace wants YouTuber to fight a ‘real boxer’ and NOT an MMA star

      by

      JAKE PAUL received praise by Terence Crawford but was urged to fight a “real boxer” next and NOT another MMA star. The YouTuber-turned prizefighter has slowly began winning the backing of those in the boxing business.
      Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum with Terence CrawfordCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Jake Paul after beating UFC legend Anderson SilvaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But he is yet to face a seasoned boxer in his 6-0 career despite beating UFC legend Anderson Silva in October.
      Silva, 47, did have a 4-1 record in the ring but it marked another former MMA champion that Paul, 25, had the beating of.
      Now pound-for-pound star Crawford, 35, wants to see the American step up his competition and face a professional boxer.
      He said on The MMA Hour: “When you look at Jake Paul, he’s been training for years.
      READ MORE IN boxing
      “He’s been fighting without head gear and fighting in the back of his yard. Jake Paul definitely became a professional in this sport.
      “I just want to see him actually fight a real fighter, At this point in time.
      “Any real boxer. Not an MMA fighter that you’re bigger than. Somebody your weight. Get him a real fight. Test him out.
      “Not somebody in the top-10, just a real fighter that we can say, ‘OK, Jake, you fought such and such, he was ranked 15,’ or something, and we can gauge from there.”
      Most read in Boxing
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      Paul has signed to fight 8-0 Tommy Fury, 23, TWICE and 13-2 heavyweight Hasim Rahman Jr, 31.
      Fury was withdrawn amid a rib injury and US visa issue while Rahman pulled out due to a weight disagreement.
      Paul confirmed he will return in February and was sending out offers to three different opponents.
      Fury’s side had revealed talks were ongoing to reschedule the celebrity grudge match in 2023.
      Tommy Fury and Jake Paul are still linked with a grudge matchCredit: BT SPORT More