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      I’m a UFC icon who went on a four-week bender before losing to Jake Paul, that’s why he beat me, says Nate Diaz

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      NATE DIAZ has claimed he was on the razz for a full MONTH before he threw down with Jake Paul.The former UFC superstar entered the professional boxing world last August to take on the YouTube and social media sensation.Nate entered the boxing world last August to take on Jake PaulCredit: REUTERSThe former UFC star was dropped by the YouTuber in the fifth round of their Texas tussleCredit: REUTERSDiaz claims to have gone on a “four-week bender” before the fightCredit: GETTYAnd like fellow MMA fighters, Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva before him, Diaz fell at the hands of The Problem Child.Diaz, 39, was dropped in the fifth round on his way to suffering a lacklustre decision defeat, which he claims was the result of him living his best life a month before fight night.He recently told ESPN: “I went on a four-week bender before the fight.“We trained hard for months on months and we were over it, me and my whole team.READ MORE ON NATE DIAZ”So I sat back and started kicking it. I was over training.”He added: “If it was a scary opponent, you wouldn’t allow yourself to do that.”But it was just easy to go to sleep at night fighting that guy.”But it was good that it happened like that because now it’s necessary to work out, get disciplined, and go back and whip his a**.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNate Diaz rematches former UFC rival Jorge Masvidal this weekendCredit: GETTY“I’m the weakest puncher, and you’re the one that wanted to fight 30lb over my original weight division?”You think I was just trying to sit there and just knock you out? Like throw as hard of punches as I can?Leaving my kids for training camp is tearing me apart but Nate Diaz will pay for it, says Jorge Masvidal ahead of fight”I was just getting through that fight because I was halfway to my potential that day.”Diaz also claims his performance was hindered by a niggling injury, saying: “I couldn’t even really throw a punch.”I was f***ed up. And for two, he was the easiest fight I ever had.”That was the longest fight at the heaviest weight class I ever had. Never got tired. Never got hurt. Nothing.“Even when I got knocked down, I think it was timing because it didn’t hurt, I got up like ‘You good?’ ‘Oh, I’m fine.’ I thought he was pretty weak himself.”Fan favourite Diaz returns to the ring early on Sunday morning for a rematch with rival Jorge Masvidal.Diaz suffered a third-round TKO defeat to ‘Gamebred’ in the inaugural BMF title fight at UFC 244 in November 2019.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd preparations for the rematch have gone swimmingly in comparison to his last fight.When asked how his training camp has been, Diaz said: “A lot better than the last fight, that’s for damn sure!” More

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      Conor McGregor is a diva and a coward – he knows fighting me would be playing with his life, claims Jorge Masvidal

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      JORGE Masvidal claimed “diva” and “coward” Conor McGregor would be “playing with his life” by accepting a fight against him. The two were once linked with what had the potential to be a blockbuster UFC pay-per-view grudge match.Jorge Masvidal fired a dig at Conor McGregorCredit: FanmioMcGregor pictured at Bellator DublinCredit: BellatorBut Masvidal, 39, insists McGregor, 35, would not take the fight back then and will not do so now. He told SunSport: “This fight has the potential to break all types of pay-per-view records and be massive. “But Conor wouldn’t accept this fight before he got extra bitch mode and extra diva mode.” McGregor was due to return in a 170-pound welterweight bout against Michael Chandler, 38, at UFC 303.It would have been his first bout for three years, last fighting in 2021 against Masvidal’s training partner Dustin Poirier, 35. But McGregor – for the first time in his UFC career – was forced to withdraw after suffering a toe injury.”He’s pulled out how many times out of his fight?” Masvidal asked. “How many times has this fight been rescheduled for one reason or another?Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“This is not the first time that this fight falls apart, I think it’s the second or third time.”So that’s the guy that he’s convinced that he could beat. You can’t get him the ring.Jorge Masvidal eyeing ‘insane’ fight which will ‘break all PPV records’ as UFC star draws up huge six-man boxing hitlist-“For a guy like me that he actually has legitimate fear deep down inside for, for my style, for the way that I fight, what I’ve done to Nate (Diaz), what I’ve done to opponents that he has fought as well but it didn’t go exactly his way.“He knows that I’ve got something special and that’s that f**king power and he knows that I’m gonna beat the f**k out of him standing up.“It’s gonna destroy his brand. I’m not gonna take him down and hold him down and he’s gonna be able to be like, ‘Oh if it would have been a stand up match….’“No, no, no, I’m gonna come right, get right in your face, put the pressure on you and break you and make you quit, similar how DP did your ass and he doesn’t need that for his ass again and his brand.“That’s why you’ll see he never mentions my name or anything like that though. “We’re the biggest fight they could possibly made because he knows it’s just a bad day for him in the office.”Masvidal now returns on Saturday to rematch Diaz, 39, in the boxing ring, five years on from his stoppage win in the UFC.Meanwhile, McGregor looks to reschedule his anticipated return as Masvidal fired one more brutal dig.He said: “Would I want that fight? Yeah, I wouldn’t mind, I just wouldn’t hold my breath on it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Because this coward, if they can’t even get him to fight Chandler with a f**king fractured pinky nail you think he’s gonna f**king fight me? Not a chance.“And he’s convinced he could beat Chandler, he knows, he knows if he gets in there with me, man, he’s playing with his fucking life, you know.”Nate Diaz and Masvidal ahead of their boxing rematchCredit: Ed Diller/Fanmio More

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      Conor McGregor places enormous £365,000 bet as he backs Lionel Messi to ‘follow in my footsteps’ at Copa America

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      CONOR MCGREGOR has played an enormous £350,000 bet on Lionel Messi to win the Copa America.Argentina finished top of Group A at the tournament in the United States.Conor McGregor has made a huge bet on ArgentinaCredit: GettyThe UFC star is backing the team to win Copa AmericaCredit: ReutersHe has staked £350k on them to win the tournamentCredit: Instagram / thenotoriousmmaLionel Scaloni’s side won all three of their matches without conceding a single goal.Argentina headed into the tournament among the favourites, having won the World Cup in 2022.Messi, 37, has only featured in two games so far and has provided one assist.The Notorious is confident that Argentina can go all the way to retain their title.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe UFC fighter has made a bet on the team to win their 16th Copa America worth a staggering £350k.He shared the bet slip on Instagram, which showed that he could be set to win a payout worth £1,003,750.He captioned the post: “The World Cup Champs, Argentina, aim to follow in The Mac’s footsteps by becoming The Champ Champs by lifting The Copa América trophy.”The OG Champ Champ is behind you!”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMcGregor became the first fighter to hold UFC titles in multiple divisions after he beat Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205.Fans reacted to the Irishman’s post as they wished him luck with his eye-watering stake.Sickening moment Uruguay star carried off in neck brace after suffering alarming injury in Copa America clashOne posted: “Best of luck.”A second wrote: “I love you, Notorious. Thanks for trusting us.”A third commented: “Bro bet 1/3 million dollars like nothing.”A fourth said: “Bros onto side missions.”Another added: “You have too much faith bro.”There has already been plenty of drama at the tournament this year.READ MORE SUN STORIESFormer Chelsea star Christian Pulisic was snubbed by referees after he tried to shake their hands after the USA were beaten by Uruguay.West Ham star Lucas Paqueta suffered the misfortune of horror penalty as he blazed his effort over the bar against Paraguay.Inside McGregor’s Notorious lifestyleWith more sides to his personality than an Octagon, Conor McGregor’s rise has been an enthralling watch. More

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      Ex-UFC star Paige VanZant signs up to controversial new sport after making boxing debut against Elle Brooke

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      PAIGE VANZANT has announced her controversial new career step.VanZant stunned fans in 2020 when she signed for Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship after leaving the UFC.Paige VanZant announced the controversial new career stepCredit: Instagram @paigevanzantVanZant recently made her boxing debut against Elle BrookeCredit: Misfits BoxingThe ex-UFC star also had bare-knuckle boxing boutsCredit: GettyShe left the UFC in 2020Credit: Getty – ContributorShe had two brutal bare-knuckle bouts – losing them both – before taking three years out. But VanZant returned in May to make her boxing debut with Misfits, home to celebrity-style crossover bouts. She was dropped by OnlyFans star Elle Brooke before clawing back a draw. It set up a rematch teased for August but VanZant will be back in action before then. READ MORE IN mmaBecause it was announced during the UFC’s event in Saudi Arabia that the American will compete in Dana White’s Power Slap league. VanZant will take on Christine Wolmarans, a former MMA fighter-turned power slaper on June 28. Power Slap was launched by UFC boss White in 2022 and debuted a year later. Opponents take turns in slapping each other until one is knocked out with a maximum of three rounds where it will instead go to judges’ points.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe concept has been slammed with competitors unable to defend themselves from oncoming blows. Watch 33-stone Power Slap star brutally KO’d… and UFC legend Michael Bisping shockingly predicted itNeurologist Chris Nowinski once reacted to a viral KO: “This is so sad. Note the fencing posture with the first brain injury. “He may never be the same. @danawhite & @TBSNetwork should be ashamed. Pure exploitation. What’s next, “Who can survive a stabbing”?” More

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      Jake Paul aims dig at Conor McGregor by branding UFC rival Nate Diaz ‘WEAKEST puncher ever’ and reveals £15m fight offer

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      JAKE PAUL aimed a dig at Conor McGregor by branding Nate Diaz the “weakest puncher” he has faced. Diaz famously became the first to beat McGregor in the UFC in March 2016 before losing the rematch five months later. Jake Paul called Nate Diaz the ‘weakest’ puncher he has ever facedCredit: Most Valuable Promotions/Ester LinDiaz and Conor McGregor are 1-1 in the cageCredit: Getty – ContributorYouTuber-turned-boxer Paul then defeated Diaz himself in their boxing bout in August 2023. And he slammed the MMA veteran’s power and questioned how McGregor, 35, was beaten all those years ago. Paul said on his podcast: “He’s the weakest puncher I’ve ever fought.“When he was hitting me, I almost started laughing. I’m not even saying this to talk s***.READ MORE IN BOXING“Out of everyone I’ve sparred in my whole entire life and everyone I’ve fought, his punches are the weakest.”I’m literally not even talking s*** which is why I think it’s funny that he dropped Conor. He is the weakest puncher I’ve ever fought.” Paul, 27, has continued to challenge Diaz, 39, to a rematch in MMA and claimed there is an offer of $15million to do it. He said: “He’s actually ducking it which is why it’s crazy because he’s not in the UFC. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We upped it to $15million. But he actually doesn’t want to do it.” Diaz returns to the ring on July 1 against Jorge Masvidal, 39, who he lost to in their 2019 UFC fight. Meanwhile Paul faces ex-UFC star-turned-bare-knuckle boxer Mike Perry, 32, on July 20. He was due to fight Mike Tyson, 57, but the bout has been postponed to November 15 after the boxing legend suffered an ulcer flare up on a flight. Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul has been postponed till November 15Credit: Getty More

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      Jake Paul opens door to brutal BARE-KNUCKLE boxing debut ahead of fight with the ‘king of violence’

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      JAKE PAUL has opened the door to a brutal BARE-KNUCKLE boxing debut against the “King of Violence”. The YouTuber-turned-boxer returns on July 20 against former UFC star-turned-bare-knuckle champion Mike Perry. Jake Paul is open to a bare-knuckle boxing switchCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunMike Perry is a bare-knuckle boxing championCredit: RexAnd he refused to rule out a rematch in the cage or even in the brutal bare-knuckle ring afterwards. Paul said on The MMA Hour: “I think me and Perry in MMA or bare-knuckle is very interesting. Let’s see what happens July 20th and I’m down.”I want to do an MMA fight and I think Perry is actually a good opponent for MMA and maybe bare-knuckle.”I haven’t thought about it but I’m down, that’s the thing about me is people don’t realise I’m a crazy motherf***er.READ MORE IN BOXING”I love to brawl, I love this whole entire sport, I love to put it on the line and I’m down to do some crazy s*** like bare-knuckle.”Paul was preparing to fight Mike Tyson until the 57-year-old legend was forced out after suffering an ulcer flare up while on a flight. But the controversial clash – scrutinised for the 30-year age gap – has since been rescheduled to November 15. So Paul decided to take a keep-busy bout against Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship’s Perry in Florida. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe outspoken American, 32, left the UFC in 2021 with a 14–8 MMA record to instead sign with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.He has since become the face of BKFC with five straight wins but crosses over to the boxing ring for only the second time.UFC star Mike Perry leaks Jake Paul sparring footage and slams ‘spoiled brat’ YouTuber in astonishing rantPerry lost his professional boxing debut in 2015 but it has not stopped from becoming the self-acquainted King of Violence.Paul, 27, has a record of 9-1 in the ring with his only loss coming to Tyson Fury’s brother Tommy, 25, in March 2023. And Perry said: “You’ve been fighting these cab drivers and these f***ing fat pieces of shit. “You think that you’re going to do anything to a real f***ing man like me, you lost your mind. “If you punch me in my face, I will smile and hit you back multiple times. He’s tricked the world into thinking he’s fantastic. “I’ve been doing this shit a long time and I took the hard long road. I’m looking to show everybody what a real fighter is.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Paul hit back: “Everyone clip that once I beat his ass and then take this edit and then go to the clip of me knocking him the f*** out.” More

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      Jake Paul hits out at ‘maniac’ Conor McGregor and warns ‘there are new sheriffs in town’ in swipe at UFC legend

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      JAKE PAUL hit out at “maniac” Conor McGregor and warned: “There are new sheriffs in town.” YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul has long chased a fight with UFC legend McGregor amid a war-of-words between them. Jake Paul hit out at ‘maniac’ Conor McGregorCredit: GettyMcGregor has long been called out by Jake PaulCredit: APBut for now the social media sensation marks his return on July 20 against former UFC star-turned-bare-knuckle boxer Mike Perry. Perry is signed to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship – which McGregor recently became part-owner of. Paul goaded that he would give McGregor a “fourth or fifth row ticket” with his star power no longer warranting anything better. And he argued that the Irishman – who has just one win in EIGHT YEARS – is no longer the biggest draw in combat sports. READ MORE IN BOXINGPaul said on The MMA Hour: “I would disagree. There’s new sheriffs in town. “He hasn’t fought, he hasn’t won a fight in what six or seven years? I don’t even know how long it’s been. “He’s embarrassing himself, he’s ruining his legacy.” Paul, 27, was set to return against Mike Tyson, 57, on July 20 but the boxing icon pulled out after suffering an ulcer flare up from a flight.Most read in BoxingInside McGregor’s Notorious lifestyleWith more sides to his personality than an Octagon, Conor McGregor’s rise has been an enthralling watch.
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe controversial clash – scrutinised for the age gap – has since been rescheduled to November 15. So Paul has kept his July 20 date to face BKFC champ Perry, 32, in Florida. Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler off as UFC 303 main event axed as Notorious suffers injury days before Vegas Meanwhile McGregor, 35, was due to make his comeback on June 29 after three years out against Michael Chandler, 38. But for the first time in his UFC career, the southpaw was forced out of the fight after suffering injury. It drags McGregor’s wait to return on as Paul once again took a swipe at the UFC great. Paul said: “He’s lost his mind, he’s a maniac. At one point Conor was great, everyone loved Conor but man, I feel bad for the guy now. “You can say all these things you want about him but he hasn’t proven it, he hasn’t backed it up and that’s the way I look at it.” More

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      Conor McGregor ‘puts on astonishing £51k Cristiano Ronaldo Euro 2024 bet’… and it doesn’t start well

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      CONOR McGREGOR might already be worried after sharing his astonishing Euro 2024 bet on Cristiano Ronaldo.The UFC icon could be sharing his tears too next month unless the Portugal record-beaker improves on his start in Germany!Conor McGregor reveals just how big he has gone on Cristiano RonaldoMcGregor and Ronaldo watched boxing together in Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyRonaldo shows his frustration as he failed to score vs the Czech RepublicCredit: Getty”Notorious” posted on social media his $60,000 (£50,745) wager backing Ronaldo to win the Golden Boot, with £761,310 winnings at stake.So the Irishman must have been punching the air in frustration when the 39-year-old hit the bar but failed to net against the Czech Republic.Portugal, however, roared back to triumph 2-1 in their group opener.That means Roberto Martinez’s men are looking good to justify their status as one of the pre-tournament favourites.READ MORE ON CONOR MCGREGORAn extended run should mean more game-time for Ronaldo – and more hope for McGregor, who sat ringside with the ex-Manchester United hero at boxing in Saudi Arabia last December.The former UFC featherweight and lightweight king shared his bet with fans and added the words: “60 G’s on @Cristiano to retain his Euro Golden Boot. Siuuu!””Great start,” posted one fan ruefully after Ronaldo’s goalless first match.”Game recognises game,” said another – but other viewers teased Notorious over his faltering flutter.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe fight legend will be hoping for a fistful of cash at the end of the EurosCredit: GettyEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYMcGregor’s frustration at Ron’s blank night won’t compare to the 35-year-old’s annoyance at injury halting his octagon return.The MMA star was due to tackle Michael Chandler in the main event of UFC 303 in Las Vegas on June 29 McGregor might now have to wait until September to fight once more.How Portugal have performed at the Euros with Cristiano Ronaldo
      CRISTIANO RONALDO has been a model of longevity for more than two decades in an outstanding international career.
      Euro 2004
      After making his international debut in 2003, Ronaldo’s first Euros came in 2004.
      Ronaldo marked his Euro debut with a goal in a 2-1 defeat to Greece – his first for Portugal.
      He scored his second in the semi-final win over the Netherlands, but Portugal met Greece again in the final, losing 1-0 in shock result.
      Euro 2008
      Ronaldo was Portugal captain four years later but Euro 2008 was the least impactful tournament he’s had.
      There was still time for a standout performance, though, as Ronaldo scored once and set up two more in a group-stage win over the Czech Republic.
      Euro 2012
      Playing at Real Madrid at the time, Ronaldo was the top goalscorer at Euro 2012, with three goals, including a brace in the group stage against the Netherlands.
      Portugal’s quarter-final against Czech Republic was heading towards a stalemate with 10 minutes to go and they needed a special moment from him.
      His powerful header in the dying minutes took Portugal to the semi-finals where they lost on penalties to Spain.
      Euro 2016
      Ronaldo scored three goals in Euro 2016, with Portugal crowned CHAMPIONS after defeating France 1-0 in extra time in the final.
      After suffering an injury inside the opening 16 minutes against France, he was forced to watch from the sidelines.
      Yet the Portugal captain became a cheerleader, and helped coach his team-mates to the historic victory.
      He matched Michel Platini’s record of nine goals by the end of Euro 2016.
      Euro 2020
      Ronaldo made history again with FIVE goals at Euro 2020, the most of any player at a Euros.
      Yet it was arguably Portugal’s least exciting affair, as they exited in the Round of 16 following a 1-0 defeat to Belgium.
      With his goals in this tournament, Ronaldo became the top goalscorer at the European Championship with 14 goals.

      Cristiano Ronaldo’s love affair with the EurosMcGregor and Ronaldo went viral last year after their ringside Riyadh encounter.Their chat, comparing watches, captivated viewers.Now Notorious must hope time is not up for Ron when it comes to goalscoring feats.The former Real Madrid and Juventus frontman already has a Euros record haul of 14 goals and is now in his sixth such finals.Inside McGregor’s Notorious lifestyleWith more sides to his personality than an Octagon, Conor McGregor’s rise has been an enthralling watch. More