MMA

JAKE PAUL reckons a showdown with Nate Diaz would be one of the easiest fights of his career.The YouTuber turned boxer called for a blockbuster clash with the UFC legend moments after his unanimous decision victory over Anderson Silva last weekend.
Jake Paul is on a collision course with UFC superstar Nate DiazCredit: EPA
MMA legend Diaz is contemplating a switch to boxing after leaving the UFCCredit: GETTY
Paul reckons the a showdown with the MMA great would be “easy great”Credit: REUTERS
Diaz, 37, expressed an interest in boxing after seeing out his contract with MMA’s top promotion in September but has yet to respond to the Paul callout.
And Paul has no doubt in his mind that he’d make light work of the Stockton slugger.
When asked about the fight during an appearance on The MMA Hour, The Problem Child said: “I’ll be down. I just beat one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time.
“Nate Diaz is easy work. Anderson Silva is way more difficult than Nate Diaz.”
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Diaz was in attendance for Paul’s clash with Silva at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona to support his team-mate Chris Avila.
The former UFC lightweight title challenger found himself embroiled in a mass brawl shortly before the main event and was caught on camera slapping a member of Paul’s team.
Paul soon got wind of Diaz’s backstage antics, saying: “Nate Diaz was here acting like a b***h.
“Everyone wants that fight. He tried to fight people in the hallway. Nate, stop fighting people for free.
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“Let’s do it in the ring, okay? I know you’re a little slow, buddy. But we can make that fight happen.
He said: “It’s typical of him. That’s what he likes to do. He’s a street gangster.
“He likes to act tough and he’s really not. Why are you trying to beat someone up in the hallway?”
Victory over Silva saw former Disney star Paul stretch his undefeated record to a perfect 6-0.
Jake Paul scored a unanimous decision victory over MMA great Anderson Silva last weekendCredit: REX
In his post-fight interview, he said: “It’s a surreal moment. Hard work pays off.
“First and foremost, I want to say thank you to Anderson. He was my idol growing up. He inspired me to be great.
“He was the first celebrity I ever met. Without him, we wouldn’t have had a fight this year. He’s a tough mofo. A legend.
“I have nothing but respect for him. This just goes to show that anyone watching at home, chase your dreams. It’s never too late.
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“I started boxing two-and-a-half years ago as a pro and just beat one of the greatest ever because I’m obsessed with this.
“I go so hard every single day. Nothing can get in my way. No distractions.” More

CONOR McGregor has landed the first blow in his battle against knotweed — after planning bosses accepted his scheme to KO the dreaded weed.Last month, we revealed how Dublin City Council had hammered the UFC star with additional planning requirements for his luxury property development after the dreaded invasive species was found growing on his land.
Council bosses accepted McGregor’s waste management plan for the siteCredit: Getty Images – Getty
McGregor’s plot along Davitt Road in DrimnaghCredit: Paul Sharp – Commissioned by The Sun Dublin
Mac plans to construct hundreds of build-to-rent apartments after splashing out €19million on the plot along Davitt Road in Drimnagh.
But the 34-year-old’s project was slowed as developers wrestled with preparing a management plan for the pesky plant, which can grow through tarmac but is not harmful to humans.
It is one of the most damaging invasive species, is extremely difficult to control and can ­undermine the structural integrity of roads and buildings.
In August, officials in DCC wrote to the developers, Corcom, explaining that before any work takes place they would have to agree “a ­comprehensive Invasive Species Management Plan” with the planning authority.
And the plans would have to “include detailed measures for the elimination of Japanese knotweed.”
Corcom subsequently lodged a detailed 18-page document on how they will destroy the vicious vine.
In correspondence seen by The Irish Sun, the Planning Authority has since informed the developer the details submitted are “satisfactory”, “in compliance” and “acceptable”.
Council bosses also accepted McGregor’s waste management plan for the site.
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It is an offence to allow or cause to disperse Japanese knotweed.
And An Bord Pleanala can reject a development application on the grounds it’s not properly dealt with.
McGregor’s developers told the council how they will undertake a “controlled excavation” of the material within the area, followed by removal to “a licensed landfill”.
It said all excavated material will be disposed of at a specialist ­facility.
The wagons used to cart off the plant will be cleaned from “a bio security perspective” before leaving the landfill to ensure the wicked weed doesn’t spread.
And after it is removed, developers will keep tabs on the site for four years to ensure it doesn’t return.
‘SHOWPLACE’
‘The Notorious’ bought the former Heidelberg-Miller building and SCR Garage sites along the Grand Canal for about €15million.
Planning permission for 188 build-to-rent flats and two commercial units had already been secured.
The fighter also purchased an adjacent site that formerly housed a paint shop for ­several million euro — where he plans building a further 100-plus apartments.
He is hoping to develop part of this second site as social and affordable housing — but roughly 250 abodes will be rental only.
Local Sinn Fein Councillor Maire Devine has blasted the brawler’s venture, saying build-to-rent pads are solely “profit-driven” and won’t help solve the housing crisis.
But Dubliner McGregor hit back at the criticism and said the property development would be “a showplace when it is finished”.
It is an offence to allow or cause to disperse Japanese knotweedCredit: Getty Images – Getty More