MMA

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk kicks-off incredible night of combat sports including UFC and bare knuckle

      by

      FIGHT fans are in for a feast on August 20 as a night packed full of combat sports awaits.A host of boxing and MMA events take place across Britain and America.
      Anthony Joshua was beaten by Oleksandr Usyk last SeptemberCredit: GETTY
      But with so much on offer, fans may be forced to pick and choose what they watch live.
      With the help of SunSport, we break down the blockbuster night of bouts.
      Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua 2, Saudi Arabia
      Joshua, 32, rematches the Ukrainian pound-for-pound great, 35, in Jeddah, following his loss last September.
      For most, this is the pick of the night, with AJ potentially fighting to save his career and regain the heavyweight belts.
      On the undercard, ex-world champion Badou Jack features, as does Callum Smith and even YouTuber Money Kicks – real name Rashed Belhasa.

      Oleksander Usyk and Anthony Joshua rematch in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Mark Robinson
      READ MORE in BOXING
      BKFC 27: Michael Venom Page vs Mike Perry, London
      Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship make their UK debut at Wembley Arena.
      Headlining is Bellator MMA star Venom Page, 35, against ex-UFC welterweight Mike Perry, 30.
      Former UFC contender-turned pro wrestler Paige VanZant, 28, also returns in her third BKFC fight, looking for a first win,when she takes on Charisa Sigala.
      Michael Venom Page and Mike Perry ahead of their BKFC clashCredit: Jamie McPhillimy / BKFC
      Most read in Boxing
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Professional Fighters League semi-finals, London
      Also making their first trip across the pond is the PFL, MMA’s only league which consists of qualification and knockout rounds.
      London hosts the third and final semis of the year where the men’s featherweights and women’s lightweights are in action.
      Manchester’s Brendan Loughnane faces bitter American rival Chris Wade while double Olympic gold medallist Kayla Harrison tops the Copper Box bill.
      Brendan Loughnane fights Chris Wade in his PFL semi-finalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      UFC 278: Usman vs Edwards 2, Salt Lake City
      A potentially historic night for British MMA awaits as Leon Edwards, 30, rematches welterweight title holder Kamaru Usman, 35, in Utah.
      Not since Michael Bisping, 44, has a UFC fighter from these shores held the gold.
      Usman beat Edwards in 2015 but a lot has changed since then, meanwhile Paulo Costa and Luke Rockhold co-headlining with Jose Aldo also returning.
      Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards rematch at UFC 278Credit: Getty
      Adrien Broner vs Omar Figueroa Jr, Florida
      Broner – nicknamed The Problem – is back after over a year out of the ring and fights Figueroa.
      The four-division champ beat Jovanie Santiago in February 2021 but troubles outside the ring left him sidelined.
      Broner, 33, is looking for one more crack at the big time and his personality and flashy style is still a big hit with fans.
      Adrien Broner makes his return against Omar Figueroa Jr More

    • 250 Shares189 Views

      in Boxing

      ‘I don’t like it’ – Mike Tyson’s ex-manager admits fear over Jake Paul fight and reveals Evander Holyfield trilogy talks

      by

      MIKE TYSON has been warned by his ex-manager against a fight with Jake Paul after talks for a trilogy with Evander Holyfield collapsed. The youngest heavyweight champion of all time in November 2020 made a shock boxing comeback.
      Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield were in talks for a trilogy fightCredit: Rex Features
      Jake Paul was linked with a fight against Mike TysonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      He drew over eight exhibition rounds with fellow legend Roy Jones Jr, 53, and was soon being called out for more cash-grab spectacle bouts.
      Tyson, now 56, is yet to fight again and appeared ready to leave his surprise return as a one-off ring cameo.
      Although that was until YouTuber-turned boxer Paul campaigned to face the American idol, who is over 30 years older.
      Both boxing stars have opened the door to what would surely be a pay-per-view blockbuster, despite the age gap.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      But Hall of Fame manager Shelly Finkel, who worked with Tyson up until his retirement in 2005, is among those dead against it.
      Finkel told SunSport: “I don’t like it. But, Mike has his own mind, if he asked me, I’d tell him my opinion.” 
      Paul has made a name for himself in the fight game since winning his professional debut against online rival “AnEsonGib” in January 2020.
      He followed that up 11 months later by brutally knocking out ex-NBA player Nate Robinson, 38, on Tyson’s undercard.
      Most read in Boxing
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Paul progressed with wins over former UFC pair Ben Askren, 38, and Tyron Woodley, 40, first on points and then KO.
      But he is yet to face an opponent with a recognised boxing record following cancelled bouts with Tommy Fury, 23, and Hasim Rahman Jr, 31.
      Tyson meanwhile has continued to tease another fight with training pictures and videos.
      He was in talks for another rematch with Holyfield, 59, who made a return of his own last September.
      But after being shamefully bashed around the ring by ex-UFC champ Vitor Belfort, 45, talk of the already unwanted trilogy faded away.
      Finkel revealed: “He actually reached out for me and then I spoke after that fight about trying to put the Holyfield fight together. 
      “It never happened, and after the way Holyfield looked with the MMA guy, that was over.” 
      Jake Paul and Mike Tyson have agreed to fight each otherCredit: Twitter @jakepaul More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Boxing

      Floyd Mayweather, 45, ‘gearing up to start camp’ for next exhibition fight on September 25 against ‘dangerous’ MMA star

      by

      FLOYD MAYWEATHER is “gearing up to start camp” for his next exhibition fight. The boxing legend announced he will face Japanese MMA star Mikuru Asakura on September 25 in Tokyo.
      Floyd Mayweather training for his next exhibition
      Floyd Mayweather is set to face Mikuru Asakura on September 25 in JapanCredit: Getty
      And Mayweather appears ready to start preparations after his coach Gerald Tucker uploaded a video of the American doing sit ups.
      Tucker posted: “Working out is a lifestyle for us; so we don’t have to be around each other in order to get it in. We’re both there spiritually!!
      “@floydmayweather is gearing up to start camp in a couple weeks to get ready for an exciting exhibition on Sept. 25TH in Japan vs their biggest and most popular MMA fighter who’s a very sharp and dangerous striker.”
      Asakura, 30, has 16 wins and just three losses in his MMA career, with eight knockouts.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      His background is in karate and he most recently beat Yutaka Saito, 34, on points in December.
      Whereas Mayweather, 45, has boxed in three exhibitions since retiring in 2017 after beating UFC superstar Conor McGregor, 34.
      They came against featherweight kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa, 23, YouTuber Logan Paul, 27, and ex-sparring partner Don Moore.
      And the newly-inducted Hall of Famer recently opened the door to coming back and putting his illustrious 50-0 record on the line.
      Most read in Boxing
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      He told FightHype: “I got three more exhibitions this year, could be one fight and two exhibitions.
      “But guess what, you better know it’s at least and this is the lowest I’m talking about $200million.”
      It comes amid rumours Mayweather is currently negotiating a rematch with McGregor.
      Floyd Mayweather is in rumoured talks to rematch Conor McGregorCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Boxing

      UFC champ Kamaru Usman prefers to ‘gamble’ with £83m boxing switch against Canelo Alvarez instead of Jake Paul

      by

      UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman admits he’d prefer to “gamble” in the boxing ring with Canelo Alvarez than Jake Paul.The UFC’s pound-for-pound king has been calling for a clash with undisputed super-middleweight king Canelo for close to a year but has yet to seriously get the Mexican’s attention.
      UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman wants to test himself in the boxing ringCredit: GETTY
      Usman is eager to test himself against former pound-for-pound king CaneloCredit: GETTY
      The prospect of facing YouTuber Jake Paul doesn’t interest The Nigerian NightmareCredit: AFP
      Usman, however, has also been subjected to multiple taunts from YouTuber turned boxer Paul during that time – although the social media star has done little to entice The Nigerian Nightmare to fight him.
      During an appearance on The Athlete Podcast, Usman said: “Me fighting Jake Paul, I’m helping him.
      “I beat Jake Paul, nobody cares. You’re supposed to beat him. I still get a bank account now, I still get that.
      “I beat Canelo, biggest athlete in the world, not even close, 100 million in the bank. If I’m gonna gamble, I’m gonna gamble well.”
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      Former Disney star Paul has made serious waves in the boxing world since making his pro debut in January 2020.
      The Problem Child brutally knocked out former UFC 170lb champ Tyron Woodley – who Usman dethroned in March 2019 – in the sixth round of their rematch last December.
      Usman said of the YouTuber: “Absolutely [fighting Jake Paul is a risk]. Listen, me and him get in a scrap right now, he could touch me.
      “I’m not naive or ignorant enough to think – let them put it on the news. I’m a realist.
      SUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY
      Most read in MMA
      “I know I’m gonna dog walk him, but at the same time, everyone has a puncher’s chance.”
      Usman’s eagerness to test himself against Canelo stems from his desire to become “the face of fight game”.
      The UFC star recently told SunSport said: “Obviously, the bigger the dream, the bigger the manifestation.
      “And the more it scares me, the more I’m willing to prepare and go through [hell] to achieve it.
      “It’s no surprise. Canelo is a tall glass for anybody – a tall pint.
      Fighting Canelo scares and excites Kamaru UsmanCredit: AFP
      “And it scares me, it scares me to death. But the real reason [I want the fight] is: I wanted to be welterweight champion, I got it.
      “I wanted to be pound-for-pound, I got it.
      “I always thought this phrase was special, and the phrase that I’m after now is: ‘The Face of the Fight Game’.
      “And Canelo, right now, can’t say [he’s the face of the fight game].
      “Yeah, he’s the face of boxing, but he can’t say he’s the face of the fight game.
      Read More on The Sun
      “And I can’t claim to that as well. So, there’s only one way for me to stake claim to that.
      “And that’s taking on something that seems astronomically impossible to everyone, except myself.”
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Boxing

      Logan Paul says Tommy Fury ‘made the right decision’ to pull out against brother Jake and avoid embarrassing KO loss

      by

      LOGAN PAUL said Tommy Fury “made the right decision” not to fight his brother Jake and avoid a potentially embarrassing knockout loss.Fury has twice withdrawn from facing Jake, firstly after suffering a broken rib in training and most recently amid a US visa issue.
      Jake Paul pictured with older brother LoganCredit: Amanda Westcott
      Tommy Fury has twice pulled out of fighting Jake PaulCredit: PA
      But the Paul brothers cast doubt over the fight cancellations while discussing it on the Impaulsive podcast.
      Logan, 27, said: “I told you, and I told you so, before you took the fight with Tommy, I recognise flake behaviour.
      “And the first time he pulled out from your guys’ fight, that to me smelt like flake behaviour, not like on some serious s***.
      “And the second time when you said you wanted to fight him, I like it, I like the fight, but the man just doesn’t have it in him.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      “He doesn’t have that fire that his older brother has.”
      Jake, 25, responded: “I think it hits him when the pressure starts to build and the fight’s actually confirmed, then he’s like, ‘Wow, I have to go up against this kid’.
      “And he’s fought all easy people that are put in there to lose. So when there’s a real killer against you, I think that pressure sets in.”
      Logan said: “Regardless of whether or not it’s an excuse, and the fact that it did happen and it’s extremely embarrassing and he is kind of tainting the Fury name, I think he made the right decision.
      Most read in Boxing
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

      “Because, he can pull out and everyone can tell him he’s scared and, ‘You’re a p****, you’re living in your brother’s shadow’. Whatever.
      “But that’s not as bad as being cold-clocked, knocked out on the canvas by you. Think about that.
      “That lasts forever, dude. This is just going to be a window of time, for like a year people are going to be like, ‘Tommy, you backed out’ or whatever.”
      Jake added: “It’s bad for him, man. He’s a clown, but it is smart, if we would fight, he’d be knocked out.”
      Fury’s first withdrawal came last December, leaving Paul to KO Tyron Woodley, 40, in a rematch having beaten him on points four months prior.
      It added to wins over YouTuber “AnEsonGib”, ex-NBA star Nate Robinson, 38, and retired UFC welterweight Ben Askren, 38.
      Fury, 23, was due to be Paul’s first opponent with a recognised boxing record until their latest grudge match axe.
      Hasim Rahman Jr, 31, was drafted in as a replacement to fight on August 6 at New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden.
      Read More on The Sun
      But a weight disagreement between the two forced the event to be scrapped on just one week notice.
      As revealed by SunSport, Paul is now eyeing a boxing return in October.
      Jake Paul and Hasim Rahman Jr before their fight cancelationCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

    • 300 Shares159 Views

      in Boxing

      ‘I would love to’ – Jake Paul called out to fight by Tito Ortiz but UFC legend admits he is an ‘AMATEUR’ in boxing

      by

      TITO ORTIZ is open to a fight against Jake Paul – but the UFC legend admitted he is an “AMATEUR” when it comes to boxing. Ortiz held the UFC light-heavyweight title from 2000-2003 and most recently fought in MMA against ex-WWE star Alberto Del Rio in 2019.
      Tito Ortiz was beaten by Anderson Silva in September 2021Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Jake Paul was called out by Tito OrtizCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But the American, 47, made a shock switch to the ring last September, losing to MMA great Anderson Silva, also 47.
      It leaves Ortiz winless in the ring but still refusing to rule out a bout with YouTuber-turned prizefighter Paul, 25.
      He said on Chris Van Villet’s podcast: “I would love to. That’d be amazing.
      “That would be fun. Once again, I have an 0-1 record, he has a [5-0] record. I still feel like I’m an amateur in boxing.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      “I do a lot in mixed martial arts, but I still feel myself as an amateur but I’m competitive. I’m very competitive.”
      Ortiz is yet to return since his first-round knockout loss to Silva.
      Whereas Paul most recently knocked out Tyron Woodley, 40, last December, four months after beating the ex-UFC champ on points.
      He also has KOs over online rival “AnEsonGib”, ex-NBA player Nate Robinson, 38, and retired UFC welterweight Ben Askren, 38.
      Most read in Boxing
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Paul was set to face Hasim Rahman Jr, 31, in his comeback fight on August 6 at New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden.
      But a weight disagreement between the two forced the entire MSG event to be cancelled only a week out.
      As revealed by SunSport, Paul is now eyeing a return in October for his sixth professional bout.
      Rahman was due to be his first opponent with a recognised boxing record after Tommy Fury, 23, twice pulled out, with injury and a visa issue.
      Jake Paul and Hasim Rahman Jr before their fight cancelationCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Boxing

      ‘He would never have to fight again’ – Floyd Mayweather slammed by Adrien Broner for not agreeing $200m exhibition

      by

      ADRIEN BRONER has hit out at his former mentor Floyd Mayweather for failing to agree a $200million exhibition bout with him. Mayweather has boxed in three exhibitions since retiring in 2017 after beating UFC superstar Conor McGregor.
      Adrien Broner hit out at Floyd Mayweather for failing to agree an exhibitionCredit: Amanda Westcott
      Floyd Mayweather has had three exhibitions since retiringCredit: Reuters
      They came against featherweight kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa, YouTuber Logan Paul and ex-sparring partner Don Moore.
      But Broner – who once looked up to Mayweather – slammed the boxing legend for not picking him to fight.
      He said on Cigar Talk: “If I was Floyd and he was me, he would never have to fight again.
      “That exhibition s***, as me being his lil brother, ‘Hey lil bro, we fixing to do ten rounds, and we both going to get 100+ million for it, and we ain’t never got to box again’.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      “Well I already been getting these bags, but now it’s time for you to get your just due.
      “That would have been done. That would have been done.”
      Broner, 33, has been out of the ring for over a year but returns on August 27 against Omar Figueroa Jr, 32.
      Mayweather, 45, also recently announced that he will return in September back in Japan, against MMA star Mikuru Asakura, 29.
      Most read in Boxing
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      He first faced Japan’s Nasukawa, 23, in Tokyo 2018 before a return against YouTuber Logan Paul, 27, in June 2021.
      Mayweather was in May then due to box Moore in Dubai until the death of 73-year-old UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan.
      It delayed the fight by a week, later taking place in Abu Dhabi in May, where Moore was dominated over eight rounds.
      Floyd Mayweather is set to face MMA star Mikuru Asakura in SeptemberCredit: Getty More

    • 275 Shares159 Views

      in Boxing

      ‘He got his ass kicked ‘ – Floyd Mayweather got ‘BEAT UP’ by Conor McGregor, says ex-UFC star amid talk of rematch

      by

      FLOYD MAYWEATHER “got his ass kicked” and was “BEAT UP” by Conor McGregor, claimed the outspoken Chael Sonnen. McGregor was beaten by the American boxing legend in 2017 after ten rounds in Las Vegas.
      Floyd Mayweather beat Conor McGregor in 2017Credit: USA Today Sports
      Chael Sonnen said Floyd Mayweather got ‘BEAT UP’ by Conor McGregor
      But the Irish UFC superstar did win some of the early stages, before tiring down the stretch and being stopped on his feet.
      Sonnen, an ex-UFC title challenger-turned analyst, was referencing Nate Diaz’s odd on beating rising contender Khamzat Chimaev.
      And in doing so he made an outlandish claim about McGregor’s performance in his boxing debut against Mayweather.
      Sonnen said on his YouTube channel: “12-to-1 underdog.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      “That line is not going to hold, I’m telling you right now, but [Diaz] is a 12-to-1 underdog.
      “Diaz was an 8-1 underdog. Now 11-to-1 is what Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather was.
      “It closed to 8.5, but Conor was an 11-to-1 dog, went out, and beat up a guy for 30 minutes. [Mayweather] lost four of nine completed rounds.
      “He got his ass kicked regardless of what the crooks in the Nevada State Athletic Commission told you that night.”
      Most read in Boxing
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Mayweather, 45, announced his official retirement after beating McGregor, 34, but he has boxed in three exhibition bouts since.
      The first was against featherweight kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa, 23, in 2018 before a return against YouTuber Logan Paul, 27, in June 2021.
      Mayweather was in May then due to box Don Moore in Dubai until the death of 73-year-old UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan.
      It delayed the fight by a week, later taking place in Abu Dhabi, where Moore was dominated over eight rounds.
      The unbeaten Hall of Famer has since announced he will return in September back in Japan, against MMA star Mikuru Asakura, 29.
      But FightHype, a media company Mayweather famously favours, reported a rematch with McGregor was in the negotiation stage.
      Floyd Mayweather is set to face MMA star Mikuru Asakura in SeptemberCredit: Getty More