More stories

  • in

    Jake Paul CONFIRMS Conor McGregor talks and says he’s ‘money fight’ for UFC star but Tyron Woodley is ‘harder opponent’

    JAKE PAUL confirmed he is in talks with Conor McGregor, and insisted he is the ‘money fight’ for the UFC superstar. But the YouTuber warned his next opponent Tyron Woodley is a ‘harder’ fight than Irishman McGregor, 33.
    Jake Paul said Tyron Woodley is a ‘harder opponent’ than Conor McGregorCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Jake Paul says he is in talks with Conor McGregorCredit: Getty
    Paul, 24, has continuously chased a mega-money boxing match with the former two-weight UFC champion.
    And he revealed negotiations are actively taking place and believes he offers McGregor the biggest payday out there.
    Paul told Colin Cowherd: “I think it will happen. Look, I mean, I’m the money fight for Conor McGregor right now.
    “There is no other fighter right now who is on a bigger level than me that is calling out Conor McGregor and wants to fight Conor.
    “Our team is in touch with his team and there’s talks of it actually happening.
    “And people at first thought I was just joking when I said I wanted to fight him.
    “But now it’s as real as it gets, it’s more real than ever and by the way, if we do fight, I’m going to knock him out.
    “I think Tyron Woodley is a harder opponent than Conor McGregor.”
    DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £100,000

    Paul faces ex-UFC champion Woodley, 39, on Sunday, August 29 in his fourth and most challenging fight to date.
    And he feels it will prove more difficult than fighting McGregor, 33, who the social media star outweighs by a massive two and a half stone.
    Paul said: “Conor, I think the fame, the money has got to his head, he’s lost that fighters edge, that motivation. And look, he’s a smaller guy.
    “He’s 5-what-8? He’s 155-pounds, Tyron Woodley is a 200-pound, massive, explosive guy, so he’s a lot more dangerous fighter than Conor McGregor.”
    Paul is 3-0 in his boxing career but has so far beaten only limited opposition since his January 2020 debut.
    Jake Paul entered elite company
    That includes against online rival ‘AnEsonGib’, ex-NBA star Nate Robinson, 37, and retired UFC welterweight Ben Askren, 36, a renowned grappler.
    But it has not stopped Paul from relentlessly calling out McGregor, even offering him $50million in January.
    That was before Dustin Poirier, 32, avenged his 2014 loss against McGregor by winning their rematch by knockout.
    Paul attended the trilogy bout at UFC 264 which ended in chaos.
    McGregor broke his tibia seconds before the end of round one, losing by doctor stoppage.
    He is now out for six-months having undergone surgery, with Paul facing a further wait to get his dream fight.
    Dream Team 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON!

    £100,000 in prize money up for grabs
    £50million budget to build your best XI
    Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
    Click here to play for FREE
    Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store

    Floyd Mayweather’s uncle tips Jake Paul to beat Tyron Woodley but it won’t mean anything until YouTuber faces ‘real’ boxer More

  • in

    Paige VanZant loses rematch against ex-UFC rival Rachael Ostovich in brutal bare-knuckle boxing bout

    PAIGE VANZANT was beaten by former UFC rival Rachael Ostovich when they fought again under brutal bare-knuckle boxing rules. The two ex-MMA stars headlined Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship and put on a thrilling show over the frantic five, two-minute rounds.
    Paige VanZant loses rematch against ex-UFC rival Rachael Ostovich in brutal bare-knuckle boxingCredit: Instagram @bareknucklefc
    Paige VanZant scraps with Rachael Ostovich in bare-knuckle boxing boutCredit: Instagram @bareknucklefc
    Rachael Ostovich beat Paige VanZant in their rematchCredit: @bareknucklefc
    But it was Ostovich – defeated by VanZant in the UFC two years ago – who was awarded the verdict on the judges scorecards.
    She said: “It’s been a long time, two and a half years since the last time we’ve been in the cage.
    “No different, still sport but I still felt Page VanZant fought her heart out. A round of applause, show some respect.”
    VanZant, 27, started out the aggressor in the opening round coming forward and even landed a heavy-looking right hand.
    But as the pair began to find their range early on, lots of clinching led to dirty boxing on the inside.
    In the second round, it was contested largely at range but Ostovich, 30, began to look more comfortable.
    It set the American up for a big third round, where her right hand could barley miss over the top.
    A combination towards the end put Ostovich in the driving seat heading into the second half of the fight, where her right proved decisive.
    DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £100,000

    In the fourth, one counter overhand towards the end of the round landed flush on VanZant, who was forced to grab and hold.
    Ostovich continued the pressure in the final round landing the cleaner shots, despite PVZ’s determination.
    VanZant’s aggression opened her up for counters coming in, and left the judges with no doubt who the winner was.
    Two scored it 48-47 in favour of Ostovich and one 49-46, giving the Hawaiian the perfect BKFC debut.
    For VanZant, she is now 0-2 in bare-knuckle, having lost her debut to Britain Hart, 31, in February.
    Dream Team 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON!

    £100,000 in prize money up for grabs
    £50million budget to build your best XI
    Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
    Click here to play for FREE
    Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store

    Paige VanZant and Rachael Ostovich scrap in FloridaCredit: Instagram @bareknucklefc
    Paige VanZant and ex-UFC rival Rachael Ostovich face off ahead of brutal bare-knuckle boxing clash More

  • in

    Oscar De La Hoya, 48, putting pro boxing record on line against ex-UFC star Vitor Belfort, 44, as they fight for real

    OSCAR DE LA HOYA will put his professional boxing record on the line against ex-UFC champion Vitor Belfort when they fight. The pair were initially set to box in an exhibition bout, but it will now be a professionally sanctioned contest at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
    Triller’s Ryan Kavanaugh with Oscar De La HoyaCredit: Instagram @oscardelahoya
    Vitor Belfort will fight Oscar De La Hoya on September 11Credit: Instagram @vitorbelfort
    According to ESPN, the fight has been approved by the California State Athletic Commission.
    But it is subject to De La Hoya, 48, and and Belfort, 44, passing comprehensive medical testing for 40-year-old-plus fighters.
    It includes an MRA and MRI of the brain, an EKG, cardiac testing, neurocognitive testing and an ophthalmologic exam.
    The bout will be contested over eight two-minute rounds, despite regular pro boxing being fought over three-minute rounds.
    It will also be at 180 pounds, but De La Hoya and Belfort can weigh within five pounds of the limit.
    Triller will promote the event as part of their ‘Fight Club’ banner, which has also featured YouTuber Jake Paul, 24, and Mike Tyson, 55, previously.
    But the brains behind the operation, Hollywood film producer Ryan Kavanaugh, was keen to move away from exhibition bouts.
    He said: “It’s important to transition from exhibitions.
    DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £100,000

    “This is as real as any fight Oscar or Belfort has had, not some staged wrestling event.”
    De La Hoya, a six-weight world champion, retired in 2008 after a one-sided loss to fellow legend Manny Pacquiao, who is still fighting aged 42.
    In the 13 years since, he has focussed on his Golden Boy promotions banner.
    But after watching Tyson come out of retirement after 15 years, later drawing in an exhibition with Roy Jones Jr, 52, it inspired De La Hoya.
    Belfort, who won UFC gold in 2004, last fought in MMA three years ago, losing to Lyoto Machida, 43.
    But the Brazilian – who is 1-0 as a boxer winning his debut in 2006 – recently linked up with Triller to pursue boxing.
    Oscar De La Hoya says he wants a rematch with Floyd Mayweather More

  • in

    Khabib AGREES to stunning UFC comeback to avenge Islam Makhachev if protege loses to Rafael dos Anjos says Brazilian

    KHABIB NURMAGAMEDOV is set to return to the UFC, claims fellow fighter Rafael dos Anjos.The Russian formerly announced his retirement from the sport in March, having defeated Justin Gaethje in October 2020.
    Islam Makhachev pictured alongside Khabib Nurmagamedov
    Rafael dos Anjos believes Khabib will return to face him once he beats Makhachev
    Khabib, 32, announced that fight would be his last following the death of his father in July 2020.
    But it seems the former UFC lightweight world champion could make a sensational return to the Octogan.
    Brazilian dos Anjos, 36, has claimed he will fight Khabib if he defeats Islam Makhachev, 29.
    Dos Anjos tweeted that the UFC has confirmed his five-round bout with Makhachev, due to take place in Abu Dhabi on October 30.
    He wrote: “I just heard back from the UFC that Islam (Makhachev) accepted to fight me Oct 30 5 rounds in Abu Dhabi and Khabib agreed to come out of retirement to avenge his brother’s loss after that.”
    Makhachev is a close friend and protege of Khabib’s and is seeking to emulate his compatriot and training partner.
    And he has been tipped to follow in Khabib’s footsteps by fighting and defeating Connor McGregor.
    Currently, he is ranked fifth in the lightweight rankings, two places above dos Anjos.
    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

    The pair have been waiting to face one another for some time, with two previous scheduled meetings cancelled due to Covid-19 and illness to Makhachev.
    However, neither the UFC nor Khabib has acknowledged the agreement dos Anjos has announced, so for now the former champion is still out of action.
    UFC chief Dana White has expressed his desire to see Khabib back in the UFC, but he may take some persuading.
    Conor McGregor soaks up the sun and gets hair cut while on holiday with massive cast on broken leg More

  • in

    Paige VanZant vs Rachael Ostovich is most glamorous bare-knuckle fight in history with pair having 3.7m Insta followers

    PAIGE VANZANT and Rachael Ostovich will renew their rivalry this weekend in the most glamorous fight in bare-knuckle boxing history.The former UFC flyweights will trade heavy leather again early on Saturday morning in the main event of BKFC 19 in Tampa, Florida.
    Paige VanZant and Rachael Ostovich will renew their rivalry at BKFC 19
    The former UFC flyweights fought one another two-and-a-half-years ago in BrooklynCredit: Getty
    PVZ got the better of the Ultimate Fighter season 26 star that night in BrooklynCredit: Getty
    The pair, 27 and 30 respectively, locked horns with one another two-and-a-half years ago at UFC Fight Night 143 in Brooklyn.
    PVZ got the better of the Ostovich that night at the Barclays Center, submitting her with a second-round armbar.
    A lot has changed for both women since their first clash, and SunSport is on hand to give you the lowdown ahead of their second bout.
    UFC PAST
    Both VanZant and Ostovich were given their marching orders by the UFC in 2020.
    MMA’s leading promotion opted against offering VanZant a new contract following her submission loss to Amanda Ribas last July.
    Ostovich, meanwhile, was given the boot after her third-round TKO loss to Gina Mazany last November.
    VanZant left the UFC with a record of eight victories and five defeats to her name, while Ostovich’s stood at 4-6 after her December release.
    Paige VanZant looks on after her UFC 251 defeat to Amanda RibasCredit: Getty
    Rachael Ostovich suffered a second-round TKO loss in her final UFC outingCredit: Getty
    MONEYMAKERS
    VanZant has made a pretty penny following the expiration of her contract with the UFC.
    Not only did she sign a lucrative multi-fight deal with BKFC – who she claims pay her ten times more than what she earned in the octagon – she set up her own exclusive fan website.
    And she recently claimed she’s made more money selling racy snaps and images on her site – which he launched in February – than she did in any of her previous fights.
    She said: “I will say when I signed with BKFC, the bare-knuckle boxing, I was making more money than I had made in my entire UFC career.
    “Now I’m making more money than my entire BKFC contract in like a month. It’s pretty crazy.”
    Ostovich has also capitalised on the lucrative gig, launching her own member’s website in March.
    Now I’m making more money than my entire BKFC contract in like a monthPaige VanZant on her members only website
    RACY SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
    As well as keeping fans updated with their training on social media, VanZant and Ostovich regularly use their social media accounts to post racy photos.
    Whether it be bikini pictures or photos from modelling shoots, the pair aren’t shy in sharing titillating snaps with their legion of followers.
    VanZant currently boasts a whopping 2.9million followers on Instagram, while Ostovich currently has just under 750,000.
    Paige VanZant recently set up her own members-only websiteCredit: Instagram / @paigevanzant
    The 27-year-old has made a pretty penny selling racy snaps and videos onlineCredit: Instagram/Paige VanZant
    Hawaiin Rachael Ostovich has only set up her own members-only websiteCredit: Instagram/Rachael Ostovich
    The former TUF star set up her website in MarchCredit: Instagram/Rachael Ostovich
    BARE-KNUCKLE MOVE
    BKFC moved quickly to snap up VanZant after it emerged the UFC would not renew her contract.
    The promotion handed the American Top Team standout a lucrative multi-fight deal, which kicked off with her February showdown with Britain Hart.
    VanZant came up short in her maiden BKFC outing, suffering a unanimous decision loss to veteran Hart.
    Ostovich, meanwhile, was signed by BKFC in April, although she’s not yet competed for the promotion.
    WHAT THEY’VE SAID
    VanZant is expecting her second clash with Ostovich to not in any way resemble their first fight, saying: “Going into this, it’s not a rematch because it’s a completely different style of fighting.
    “It’s bare-knuckle boxing, it’s not MMA… I’m not scared of how hard she hits because I’ve been hit by her before.”
    Ostoovich said of her second encounter with PVZ: “I did feel like I was the better striker in our last fight.
    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
    How Paige VanZant and Rachael Ostovich stack up ahead of their rematchCredit: SUNSPORT

    “I went into that fight, I had a broken orbital going into that fight so I wasn’t trying to stand with her, so I kept taking her down.
    “There was a lot of grappling there.
    “When I looked back at my fight with her, I wish I could have stood up more. I am excited for this boxing match because it is just stand up.”
    Paige VanZant works out in the ring ahead of Rachael Ostovich fight More

  • in

    Paige VanZant and ex-UFC rival Rachael Ostovich face off ahead of brutal bare-knuckle boxing clash

    PAIGE VANZANT and Rachael Ostovich took part in a tense face-off ahead of their Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship clash.The former UFC stars will throw down with one another early on Saturday morning in the main event of BKFC 19 in Tampa, Florida.
    Paige VanZant face off at the final BKFC pre-fight press conferenceCredit: BKFC
    The former opponents had a brief laugh before facing offCredit: BKFC
    VanZant and Ostovich’s rematch will headline BKFC 19 in Tampa, FloridaCredit: BKFC
    VanZant and Ostovich, 27 and 30 respectively, faced off with one another at the final pre-fight press conference in the early hours of Thursday morning.
    The former opponents were cordial to begin with but quickly proceeded to give each other icy-cool stares.
    BKFC 19’s main event will be a rematch of VanZant and Ostovich’s clash at UFC Fight Night 143 in January 2019.
    PVZ got the better of Ostovich that night, submitting the Hawaain with a second-round armbar.
    In an interview with MMA Fighting, Ostovich said of their first clash: “I did feel like I was the better striker in our last fight.
    “I went into that fight, I had a broken orbital going into that fight so I wasn’t trying to stand with her, so I kept taking her down.
    “There was a lot of grappling there.
    “When I looked back at my fight with her, I wish I could have stood up more. I am excited for this boxing match because it is just stand up.”
    I never thought I would be part of the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship promotionRachael Ostovich
    Ostovich, who was released from the UFC last December, inked a lucrative deal with BKFC in April but has yet to compete for the promotion.
    The idea of bare-knuckle boxing didn’t initially appeal to the Ultimate Fighter season 26 star, who admitted: “Honestly, I wasn’t really interested in it,
    “I was like, not for me. But I’m down. I’m actually excited to learn anything new.
    “We’re not wearing gloves, that is pretty crazy, but how much worse could it be? We’re fighting with four-ounce gloves already [in MMA].
    “I feel like as fighters, I don’t really focus on it. More just technique and training hard for this fight and coming out on top.”
    Ostovich never envisaged competing under the BKFC banner, saying: “It kind of just happened.
    “I never thought I would be part of the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship promotion.
    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
    How Paige VanZant and Rachael Ostovich stack up ahead of their BKFC rematchCredit: SUNSPORT

    “I really didn’t think I would ever do that, but they gave me Paige and I’ve been wanting that rematch, so I’ll take it however I can get it.
    She added: “I’m here for the journey and this is part of my journey.
    “I learned best on the job. I don’t regret anything. Everything happens for a reason and it makes me stronger.”
    Paige VanZant inked a lucrative contract with BKFC last FebruaryCredit: Instagram / @paigevanzant
    The former UFC star has also set up a lucrative members only websiteCredit: Instagram / @paigevanzant
    Hawaiin Ostovich recently followed in VanZant’s footsteps by setting up her own websiteCredit: Instagram/Rachael Ostovich
    Paige VanZant works out in the ring ahead of Rachael Ostovich fight More

  • in

    Logan Paul, 26, in talks to fight 46-year-old UFC legend Anderson Silva in boxing match, YouTuber’s manager confirms

    LOGAN PAUL is in talks to fight UFC legend Anderson Silva in a boxing match, the YouTuber’s manager confirmed. Paul is looking to return to the ring having just faced Floyd Mayweather in an exhibition bout in June.
    Logan Paul is in talks to fight UFC legend Anderson SilvaCredit: Getty
    Anderson Silva recently beat Julio Cesar Chavez JrCredit: Getty
    And he won a remarkable moral victory as Mayweather, 44, failed to score a knockout, meaning no winner was declared as it went the distance.
    Silva, 46, is also hot off an upset as he beat ex-boxing champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 35, on points the same month.
    Before and after, the Brazilian great opened the door to fighting Paul, 26, or his younger brother Jake, 24, who is 3-0 all by KO.
    But it is the elder Paul most likely to face Silva, according to his manager Jeff Levin.
    However, it has not been decided whether the fight will be an exhibition, like was the case with Mayweather, or a pro bout, the same as Silva’s win over Chavez Jr.
    Levin told ESPN: “We just haven’t got there yet.”
    A leaked message shared by Conor McGregor’s training partner Dillon Danis, 27, recently claimed Paul would fight Silva in September in Dubai.
    Paul has only fought three times before, the first two against online rival KSI.
    DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £100,000

    They first drew in an exhibition in 2018 before Brit KSI, 28, won the rematch by scrappy split-decision when they turned pro a year later.
    So it came as a shock when Paul landed an unthinkable fight with Mayweather and even lasted the full eight rounds.
    But he did have a TWO STONE weight advantage over the retired boxing icon, which will not be the same with Silva.
    The ex-UFC middleweight king beat Chavez Jr at 182-pounds, which is still eight-pounds lower than Paul fought Mayweather at.
    SILVA SURFER
    Silva has boxed three times as a pro before, but recently returned to the ring for the first time since 2005.
    It came after he was released from the UFC on the back of three straight losses.
    Similarly, Tyron Woodley, 39, left the UFC after four consecutive defeats and will now fight Paul’s brother Jake on August 29.
    Jake will headline in his hometown of Cleveland in the biggest test of his boxing career to date.
    So far, he has only beaten YouTuber ‘AnEsonGib’, ex-NBA star Nate Robinson, 37, and retired UFC welterweight Ben Askren, 36.

    Dream Team 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON!

    £100,000 in prize money up for grabs
    £50million budget to build your best XI
    Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
    Click here to play for FREE
    Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store

    Floyd Mayweather’s uncle Jeff says Viddal Riley ‘would kill’ Jake and Logan Paul in one round More

  • in

    Jake Paul admits ‘there’s an itch’ to fight in MMA after high-school wrestling career but debut won’t happen ‘soon’

    JAKE PAUL admitted ‘there’s an itch’ to fight in MMA after his high-school wrestling career.But the YouTube star, who is 3-0 as a boxer all by knockout, will not switch over to the cage in the near future.
    Jake Paul admitted ‘there’s an itch’ to fight in MMACredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Paul said: “I think there’s an itch there, you know?
    “Not anytime soon, but it would be fun to go back in and wrestle and maybe throw some submissions.”
    Paul, 24, and his older brother Logan, 26, both wrestled in high-school before going on to find fame online.
    But now, they are both two of the most polarising prizefighters thanks to their legions of fans and followers as well as doubters.
    Younger brother Jake has beaten fellow YouTuber ‘AnEsonGib’, ex-NBA player Nate Robinson, 37, and retired UFC welterweight Ben Askren, 36.
    And he faces former UFC champion Tyron Woodley, 39, next on Sunday, August 29 in his hometown of Cleveland.
    Logan, meanwhile, boxed rival KSI, 28, in his first two fights, drawing in 2018 before losing their rematch a year later as they turned professional.
    But he scored a stunning moral victory in June as he took boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, 44, the distance in their exhibition bout.

    DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £100,000
    Dream Team 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON!

    Logan has also called for a move into MMA and even has UFC president Dana White’s phone number.
    That is despite Jake feuding with White, believing he does not pay his UFC fighters enough.
    He said in June: “There’s a movement moving forwards that is going to show that fighters should be getting paid more.
    “It’s unfair. The UFC fighter’s don’t have fair pay. Out of all the sports, the percentage that the owners get versus the athlete, they’re the lowest. 
    “Francis Ngannou vs. Jon Jones, that fight should happen. Dana White, pay them the $10 million.
    JAKE’S FEUD WITH DANA WHITE
    “He’s taking their money. They’re the ones making the content. They’re the ones who get in the ring risking their life. 
    “Chris Weidman goes in, snaps his leg in half, what’s that look like?
    “He may never be able to fight again and provide for his family. These fighters are risking their lives. 
    “You can quite literally die in the ring and they need to be compensated more. I’m a big proponent of that movement and being in control. 
    “It’s just like music labels, same thing, these artists are getting owned and get locked up into these s***** contracts and they don’t know what to do.
    “So f*** that shit. F*** Dana White.”
    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
    Floyd Mayweather’s uncle tips Jake Paul to beat Tyron Woodley but it won’t mean anything until YouTuber faces ‘real’ boxer More