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      in Boxing

      Ex-UFC star Paige VanZant says she earns TEN TIMES more from BKFC than UFC as she breaks down pay row with Dana White

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      PAIGE VANZANT has claimed Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship pays her TEN times more than what she earned in the UFC.The former UFC strawweight shocked the combat sports world last in 2020 by penning a multi-fight, multi-million-pound contract with BKFC.
      Paige VanZant says her contract with BKFC earns her ten times what she made in the UFCCredit: GETTY
      VanZant has lost her first two fights – first against Britain Hart in 2021 and then against Rachael Ostovich months later – both by unanimous decision.
      Speaking after the fiery weigh-ins for Bare Knuckle FC’s KnuckleMania before that Hart fight, the American Top Team star: “I’m here for a reason.
      “I was in the UFC for six years getting paid $40,000 (to show) and $40,000 (to win), and now I’m getting ten times that doing what I love.
      “So obviously, I’m not going anywhere. I’m very happy fighting here and I’m excited to fight.”
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      Before her final UFC fight with Amanda Ribas, which she lost via first-round submission, VanZant claimed she made more money on Instagram than she did fighting in the octagon.
      That drew the ire of UFC chief Dana White, who fired a parting shot at her during the UFC 251 post-fight press conference.
      He said: “When you talk all that stuff, ‘I’m not being paid enough,’ and you’re fighting inconsistently, one time in the last year, (suffering) injuries, and then got smoked in the first round of the fight?
      “She should definitely test free agency.”
      Paige VanZant suffered a submission loss to Amanda Ribas at UFC 251Credit: Getty
      Paige VanZant trains at American Top TeamCredit: Instagram @paigevanzant
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      Despite being tied down to a long-term deal with BKFC, VanZant hasn’t completely closed the door on a return to mixed martial arts.
      She told TMZ: “BKFC, they did give me the liberty in my contract to be able to take an MMA fight.
      “I was informed of that by my manager, and I didn’t know that at first. At first, I was like, ‘No, I just want to do the boxing.’
      “But I think that coming to American Top Team, it re-birthed my excitement and I now realise how good I am.
      “I’m training with these coaches who believe in me. Having them say they believe in me, and they train some of the best fighters in the entire world, and they look at me and they believe that I’m good.
      “So that kinda sparked that passion all over the place. So yeah, maybe I will take an MMA fight.
      “I’m strictly focused on the boxing right now, especially for this fight. That’s all I do. But, maybe. Let’s see. The door is open, so it’s definitely there.” More

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      in Soccer

      Meet Kobbie Mainoo, 17, who won the FA Cup Youth Cup last season and looks set for shock Premier League debut

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      KOBBIE MAINOO has already been given his Manchester United debut and he could soon be in line for a first Premier League appearance.The youngster has been named amongst the substitutes on several occasions in the league and he played for the first time in United’s Carabao Cup win over Charlton.
      Kobbie Mainoo celebrates wining the FA Youth Cup with Man Utd’s U18’sCredit: Getty
      Mainoo is seen as a wonderkid by Man UtdCredit: Getty
      Mainoo then came off the bench in last month’s 3-1 FA Cup win over Reading.
      And behind the scenes at Carrington there is growing belief the talented 17-year-old could be the heartbeat of the club’s midfield for years to come.
      The Stockport-born youngster was a key member of last season’s successful FA Youth Cup-winning side, and was rewarded with his first professional contract in May 2022.
      This season he has continued to progress for the Red Devils Under-18’s and Under-21’s, following that up with a 60 minute senior cameo against Charlton and a further 17 minutes against Reading.

      Erik ten Hag has been impressed and is now beginning to integrate the teenager into first-team more often.
      Mainoo was part of the squad that went to Spain for a warm-weather training camp and friendlies matches during the World Cup break.
      Been with the club since nine
      Mainoo began his football at grassroots level with Cheadle & Gatley junior football club.
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      He was scouted by United aged nine and he worked his way through the youth ranks to establish himself as one of United’s biggest prospects.
      In pre-season, United fans caught a glimpse of the playmaker in action against Altrincham.
      BBC Manchester commentator Jonny Crowther called him “different class”.
      Earlier this season, Mainoo scored twice in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Brighton for the Under-21 team.
      While back in August, he had fans purring during a mercurial display against Carlisle in the EFL Trophy.
      His vision, anticipation and tackling ability certainly caught the eye.
      One fan wrote: “I can watch 17-year-old Kobbie Mainoo’s compilations all day. Man Utd have a player on their hands,” while another said: “Investing in Kobbie Mainoo stocks now.”
      A third said: “I watched Kobbie Mainoo vs Carlisle United yesterday. Ten Hag has to include him in the first-team. This is not a joke.
      “He’s a baller. All he needs is the physical strength and forget Frenkie De Jong. He can do the job simple.”
      This season, Mainoo has thrived for the U21’sCredit: Getty
      Ten Hag has listened
      The excitement around Mainoo has seen Ten Hag, known for giving youth a chance at Ajax, take a closer look at the player himself.
      He is now a regular fixture in first-team training sessions.
      The teenager was first named in a matchday squad for the 0-0 draw against Newcastle back in October.
      And Ten Hag explained Mainoo, who has been capped by England’s Under-18 team, wasn’t there to just make up the numbers.
      The Dutch boss told the club’s official website: “It’s not experience, they [young players] have to deliver.
      “You are here to contribute to the team, to the team’s success, and that is why he is here.”
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      With Casemiro unavailable for United’s defeat at league leaders Arsenal, Kobbie Mainoo was also named on the bench for the huge Emirates game last month.
      And it’s surely just a matter of time before he finally gets his first taste of Premier League action for the Red Devils.
      At just 17, midfielder Mainoo has been raved about by United fansCredit: PA
      With more first-team opportunities approaching, Mainoo should get used to wearing a club suit in the futureCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Pep Guardiola fancies crack at international football after Man City as he leaves door open to England job

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      PEP GUARDIOLA previously gave a tantalising hint that he may one day like to fill Gareth Southgate’s boots as England boss Guardiola has long admitted the idea of becoming a national boss some time in the future does appeal.
      Pep Guardiola has given a tantalising hint that he may one day like to fill Gareth Southgate’s boots as England bossCredit: AFP
      His team Manchester City are facing more than 100 allegations of breaches of financial rules following a four-year investigation.
      And the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss did previously claim he would quit the Cityzens if club chiefs ever lied to him regarding rule breaches.
      And when the day he eventually leaves does arrive, the Three Lions job would hold more appeal than most for the successful Etihad boss.
      Guardiola is currently under contract at City until 2025.
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      Meanwhile, Southgate signed an extension until 2024 as England gaffer as has confirmed he will stay on until next year’s European Championship.
      Speaking back in 2021, the 52-year-old Spaniard said: “Gareth is doing an incredible job and has just signed a new contract, so congratulations.
      “But when I finish here, it would be a pleasure to live a World Cup or Euros. I would like that but normally it is not easy because there are so few positions.
      “I would like it to happen but if it doesn’t I will train a club. And in England, always I will be Man City.
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      “I don’t think I will train another club here apart from this one.
      “As long as my energy and love for what I am doing is here, then I don’t know what’s going to happen.
      “Years ago, I never thought I would be the Manchester City trainer and that I would be here for six seasons. Never.
      “So life dictates your future and we will see what happens.”
      Following the fresh charges, possible punishments for City include a points deduction or even expulsion from the Premier League.
      It comes after Uefa previously slapped City with a two-year ban and fined the club £25million in February 2020 for alleged financial fair play breaches.
      Five months later, that ban was overturned and the fine was cut to £9m by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. More

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      in Soccer

      Champions League winner looks totally unrecognisable 25 years on from lifting cup after ripped body transformation

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      THIS former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid ace looks amazing for 48-years-old.Back in 1998, the ex-Brazilian international was a Champions League winner with the Spanish giants.
      Can you guess who this former Brazil international is?
      He’s bulked up since his playing days
      He made 85 caps for his countryCredit: Instagram zr11
      He regularly uploads fitness videosCredit: Instagram zr11
      He won five major European league titlesCredit: Instagram zr11
      During his illustrious playing days, he won two Copa Americas and finished runner-up at the 1998 World Cup.
      The versatile left-back-turned midfielder made 85 Brazil appearances and scored six times for his country.
      He also lifted one LaLiga and the Champions League with Real.
      He also claimed four Bundesliga titles in six years at Bayern spread over two stints in Germany.
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      But can you guess who it is?
      It is, of course, ex-midfielder Ze Roberto who enjoyed a stellar career as a player.
      However, he never looked this buff and has clearly been working out religiously since retiring from the game in 2017.
      He has since stunned fans on social media, showing off his hench body transformation akin to a bodybuilder.
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      The Samba star uploaded an Instagram video of himself during a training session in the park during the coronavirus lockdown.
      Now a personal trainer, he gave an insight into how he was able to outlast so many of his former team-mates.
      He told local media in the past: “I have no vices. I don’t drink alcoholic beverages, I don’t smoke, I eat very well, I sleep well.
      “I have my family, which is my greatest security.
      “I think those are important factors to reach the age I reached and still continue playing at a high level.”
      And back in 2020 he even claimed he has a better physique than the ripped Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
      He told TyC Sports: “Today I would say that I have a better physique, because I played until I was 43-years-old.
      “If he does [play until then], I will say it is him.”
      Although with Ronaldo revealing he plans to keep playing into his 40s Ze Roberto may well be forced into making the admission.
      That’s of course former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid ace Ze RobertoCredit: https://www.instagram.com/fcbayern/
      Ze Roberto claims he even has a better physique than Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Instagram / @cristiano
      Ze Roberto pictured in action for Brazil at the 2006 World Cup
      In 1997 Ze Roberto was playing for Real Madrid More

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      in Soccer

      Benfica XI of former stars would fight for Champions League after selling £600m worth of talent in the last decade

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      BENFICA’S business model of buy low, sell high has delivered domestic success but the £600million-plus worth of talent leaving the club could have deprived them of greater glory.A stunning array of star players have passed through the Lisbon club’s doors over the past decade, showcasing their eye for a gem.

      Enzo Fernandez joined Chelsea for a staggering £107mCredit: Reuters
      An impressive XI can be constructed from former Benfica men – with plenty left spare.
      The 2019 summer deal for Joao Felix, with Atletico Madrid paying Benfica £115m, remains their biggest sale but a mega 15 players left for between £20m and £35m in the past decade.
      Then comes the British transfer record fee of £107m paid by Chelsea on deadline day in January 2023 to trigger Enzo Fernandez’s release clause after a long drawn-out saga.
      The loss of Darwin Nunez back in June 2022 comes in as the next most expensive exit, as Liverpool could end up forking out up to £85m for the striker.
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      Jurgen Klopp’s side paid £64m up front for his services, but they could be required to stump up the extra £21m in future to meet projected value.
      Manchester City’s defensive stalwart Ruben Dias is next after arriving in a £64m deal to shatter David Luiz’s £22m effort.
      His team-mate goalkeeper Ederson follows with a defence of Nelson Semedo, Victor Lindelof and Fabio Coentrao banking Benfica £87m combined.
      A pairing of Axel Witsel and Renato Sanches join Fernandez in central midfielders with all three sold early on in their careers for huge profits.
      And with £30m Angel Di Maria joining Felix and Nunez in attack and completing the £587m starting XI, there isn’t even space for £27m Goncalo Guedes or Nemanja Matic.
      The Serb bruiser left for Chelsea in 2014 for a ‘measly’ £21m, meaning he misses the cut for this line-up along with £13m playmaker Bernardo Silva.
      The exit fees for Lazar Markovic, Nico Gaitan and Enzo Perez also exceeded £20m – and yet aren’t enough for our XI.
      Nuno Tavares swapped Benfica for Arsenal in the summer of 2021 but fails to make our XI as his bargain £7m fee is no match for the £27m banked when Coentrao joined Real Madrid back in 2011.
      Up front, Felix partners Nunez to oust Wolves’ £30million buy Raul Jimenez.
      Had all these players stayed, it isn’t hard to imagine Benfica reaching the latter stages of the Champions League and even threatening to win the competition.
      Add in the likes of Jan Oblak, Joao Cancelo and Luka Jovic and suddenly the team looks nigh-on imperious.
      Sure enough, the Portuguese giants do have two European Cups to their name but a decade that saw them reach just two Champions League quarter-finals and lose a pair of Europa League finals could have been very different.
      Benfica sold Joao Felix to Atletico Madrid for an eye-watering £115mCredit: Reuters
      Darwin Nunez’s move to Liverpool could rise to £85mCredit: Getty
      Ezequiel Garay and Nemanja Matic left for big fees yet are nowhere near the top of the rankingsCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd More

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      in Soccer

      Ex-Arsenal star Hector Bellerin close to leaving Barcelona… but transfer could be scuppered by Spurs at last minute

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      BARCELONA right-back Hector Bellerin could reportedly have a loan transfer to Sporting Lisbon scuppered by his old club Arsenal’s rivals, Tottenham.Bellerin, 27, joined Barcelona on a free transfer from Arsenal last summer, but he has been limited to just seven appearances so far this season.
      Hector Bellerin’s loan move to Sporting has been scuppered after Tottenham failed to sign Pedro PorroCredit: Getty
      He has less than six months remaining on his contract, but the LaLiga giants are open to offloading him before the end of the 2022-23 campaign.
      The Athletic reported that Bellerin was on his way to Portugal.
      Sporting were close to signing the Spaniard on loan until the end of the season.
      Bellerin was supposed to act as a replacement for Pedro Porro, who before Monday was on the verge of joining Tottenham in a £40million transfer.
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      But Sporting moved the goalposts and the deal is now OFF.
      The Portuguese club tried to change the terms of the deal at the last minute leaving Porro devastated, according to The Athletic.
      That could see Bellerin’s transfer scuppered by old rivals Spurs, leaving him stranded at the Camp Nou.
      Sporting had originally planned to sign Tariq Lamptey on loan, however Brighton were unwilling to let him leave on a temporary basis.
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      Bellerin spent 10 years at Arsenal before joining Barcelona last year.
      He fell out of favour at the Emirates Stadium in 2021 and consequently joined Real Betis on loan.
      The Gunners then decided to terminate his contract so he swapped North London for the Nou Camp.
      Barcelona sit at the top of the LaLiga table, six points clear of rivals Real Madrid. More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend Paul Scholes names Papa Bouba Diop as one his three toughest opponents alongside Vieira and Savage

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      PAUL SCHOLES named Papa Bouba Diop as one of the toughest opponents he came up against.The former Fulham, Portsmouth and Senegal international sadly passed away at the age of 42 in November 2020.
      Paul Scholes in action against Papa Bouba Diop back in 2008Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Diop died after a long illness, with his former clubs paying tribute to the 2008 FA Cup winner.
      The ex-Lens ace was also part of the Senegal side that shocked world champions France in the opening game of the 2002 World Cup.
      Manchester United legend Scholes, 48, came up against the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Zinedine Zidane during his career.
      In fact, over his 718 appearances for the Red Devils, Scholes faced virtually every great player of his generation.
      But he has revealed it was former Fulham man Bouba Diop – who was nicknamed The Wardrobe – along with Patrick Vieira and Robbie Savage that caused him the most problems.
      The ex-England star told Savage Social: “When I played central midfield I like to go into games thinking ‘I just want to have all the time in the world here, just nobody around me, just find a little bit of space and pass the ball around’.
      “Then you play against people like you (Robbie Savage).
      “An absolute nuisance, trying to close you down dead quick. I don’t want that, I just want it nice and relaxed.
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      “The way I played I didn’t really have to beat people or be stronger, quicker than the other person.
      “I suppose Patrick Vieira, you play against him he is so long, he is so big.
      “You think you’ve got the ball, and the next minute he nicks it over your head.
      “He was a clever player as well. There’s one more that people won’t think of. We used to play against Portsmouth.
      “Do you remember Papa Bouba Diop? Big, massive. They used to call him The Wardrobe!
      “You get involved physically with him and you’re wasting your time.
      “I always found him awkward to play against. He wasn’t a Vieira, of course he wasn’t, but he still had talent.”
      Portsmouth icon Papa Bouba Diop tragically passed away at the age of 42
      The Red Devils legend did not enjoy playing against Patrick VieiraCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Robbie Savage caused Paul Scholes problems on the pitchCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd More

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      in Soccer

      Reading striker Andy Carroll reveals he regretted West Brom transfer ‘from the second day I was there’

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      ANDY CARROLL recently admitted he regretted his move to West Brom from his “second day there”.The Reading forward, 34, ditched the Royals last January for the Baggies – only to return this season.
      Andy Carroll has played 18 times for Reading this season, scoring four goalsCredit: Rex
      Carroll was recruited by ex-West Brom boss Valerien Ismael after an injury to striker Daryl Dike.
      Just one game later, however, Ismael was sacked – forcing the former England striker into a reunion with old Newcastle manager Steve Bruce.
      Speaking to Berkshire Live last month about his time at the Hawthorns, Carroll admitted: “To be honest, the second day I was there I regretted being there.”
      Carroll left West Brom after scoring three goals in 15 games, being released at the end of his short-term deal.
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      He was a free agent until September, when he penned a deal to return to Reading.
      Carroll then signed an extension earlier this month that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2024.
      The former England striker is now preparing for an FA Cup meeting against Manchester United, with a place in the fifth round at stake.
      But back in October, following Bruce’s West Brom sacking and ahead of their clash with the Baggies later that month, Carroll made a stunning dig at his old boss.
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      He said: “It’s always sad to see people get the sack.
      “Especially when we were guaranteed three points at the weekend. It is a shame but that’s football.
      “You don’t get the results, it’s a business at the end of the day.
      “That’s why you have to keep the lads together and work hard as a manager and get the lads working hard for you.”
      Carroll has played 18 times for the Royals this term, scoring four goals.
      Carroll, 34, played under Steve Bruce at Newcastle and West BromCredit: Getty – Contributor More