UFC

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI has been offered a Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship title fight against Luis Palomino. The former two-weight boxing champion debuted in BKFC in 2019, losing a disputed points decision against Artem Lobov.
Paulie Malignaggi was beaten by Artem Lobov in 2019Credit: Getty – Contributor
Luis Palomino is the BKFC lightweight champion
Malignaggi broke his right hand during the grudge match against Conor McGregor’s training partner, and announced his retirement afterwards.
But in an interview on The Schmozone, the New Yorker revealed BKFC president Dave Feldman opened talks for a return.
And despite defeat to Lobov, he would be in line for a title shot against lightweight champion Palomino, an ex-MMA fighter.
Malignaggi, 40, said: “Listen, BKFC paid me well, and obviously I think they would pay me good money again, but it would have to be more than money.
“And Palomino has a championship. For me to kind of get that feather in my cap, if that deal can be worked out, I’m open to that as well.
“Palomino is a great fighter, he won a tournament to win that championship, so he’s not just a guy who has a random championship.
“So for me, to be able to pick up some kind of other accolade like that, with the combination of accolades that I’ve accomplished in my career that would be a kind of cool thing to finish up on.
“And I can do it all in one night, you know. So, if that presents itself, it’s definitely something that interests me.”
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Malignaggi added negotiations are at a preliminary stage, with no time frame on the potential comeback set.
The American retired in March 2017 after defeat to Brit Sam Eggington, but in the same year he hit the headlines for his feud with McGregor.
Malignaggi sparred the UFC superstar twice, but released images and footage of the sessions caused him to storm out.
He failed in attempts to fight McGregor, and ended up settling for Lobov, and still argues his defeat against the Russian till this day.
Malignaggi also revealed he was approached about fighting YouTuber Jake Paul, 24, who is 2-0 and weighs around FOUR STONE more than the retired boxer.
Conor McGregor and Paulie Malignaggi sparred in 2017
YouTuber Jake Paul is 2-0 in his boxing careerCredit: Instagram
He said: “Celebrity boxing actually wanted my permission to try and sell me as the next guy on the Jake Paul hit list.
“But I was like, ‘I don’t know how that works’. He’s kind of a big guy, I don’t think that’s going to get sanctioned.
“They were like, ‘Well, you know, he’s kind of progressing and you’re like a retired fighter and we don’t want a big knockout puncher so he’s not at a risk to hurt him too badly but at the same time has the legitimacy as a champion. You’re smaller, he’s bigger so there’s advantages on both sides.
“I was like I guess, but I don’t know if Jake is yet ready to fight a real, even legitimate ex-boxer.
“I think he’s got to progress where he’s going.”
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PAULIE MALIGNAGGI called Conor McGregor’s coaches ‘cheerleaders’ who ‘don’t know anything at all’. Malignaggi has feuded with the ex-UFC champion since 2017, when they shared two infamous sparring sessions.
Conor McGregor sparred Paulie Malignaggi twice in 2017Credit: Refer to Caption
Owen Roddy, Artem Lobov, Conor McGegor, Audie Attar and John KavanaghCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
Having been behind the scenes in McGregor’s camp, the New Yorker has seen the Irishman’s training up close and personal.
And Malignaggi blasted McGregor’s camp, as he was asked about Canelo Alvarez’s trainer Eddy Reynoso offering to help coach the southpaw.
Malignaggi, 40, said on The Schmozone: “I don’t know that Reynoso can help Conor in such a short period of time.
“I think it’s more of a media-type thing. Because Reynoso is the hot trainer of the moment.
“Any connection with McGregor and Reynoso, the hot trainer of the moment against McGregor who is always a hot commodity, you kind of build headlines.
“From a headline-building perspective, OK, I get it. Don’t get me wrong, McGregor’s striking coaches, or whatever they’re called in MMA, are horrible.
“They are basically just cheerleaders. I was in that camp. They are horrible, they are horrible. They don’t know anything at all.
“The things they were working on were ridiculously stupid, completely out of the ordinary and would never work at all, especially in a real boxing match.
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“But I don’t know how you can link the thing together in one training camp.
“Especially, does Reynoso have any experience with stand up fighters in MMA?
“I think it’s too much to overcome, it would be more of a media-friendly, type of blitz, headline-grabbing clickbait-type of thing than it would be any real benefit to McGregor in that regard, personally.”
Malignaggi stormed out of McGregor’s camp in 2017 as the UFC superstar prepared for his boxing debut, which he lost to Floyd Mayweather.
Images and footage released – including a disputed knockdown of Malignaggi – fulled the bad blood.
The former two-weight boxing champ called out McGregor to a winner-take all fight in the ring, but was never taken up on his offer.
Instead, Malignaggi fought McGregor’s gym-mate Artem Lobov in bare-knuckle, losing on points in a decision he still argues to this day.
Conor McGregor sparred Paulie Malignaggi before fighting Floyd MayweatherCredit: Refer to Caption
Pauli Malignaggi walked out on Conor McGregor’s camp after released pictures
Artem Lobov beat Paulie Malignaggi in a bare-knuckle boutCredit: Getty – Contributor
And Malignaggi has also kept the rivalry with McGregor alive, recently mocking the Dubliner for his defeat in January against Dustin Poirier.
The retired fighter turned analyst agreed McGregor’s best days are over as he fired another parting shot.
Malignaggi said: “I don’t think you could ever put him in the great category to be honest.
“He was a marketable guy, who knew how to sell himself well but I don’t think he accomplished enough to really be called great.
“You’ve got guys like; Georges St-Pierre, the original champions like what Royce Gracie was accomplishing, guys like Chuck Liddel, who really had longevity in the sport.
“Those are the greats of the mixed martial arts world, and probably some other names that I’ve not mentioned, Anderson Silva.
“McGregor’s spent more time self-promoting, and he did it really good, than he actually did winning.”
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PAULIE MALIGNAGGI said Ben Askren can never ‘call himself a fighter ever again’ because he was knocked out in five seconds. Askren is on the receiving end of the fastest KO ever in the UFC, thanks to Jorge Masvidal’s devastating knee in 2019.
Jorge Masvidal knocked out Ben Askren in five secondsCredit: Getty – Contributor
Paulie Malignaggi said Ben Askren can never ‘call himself a fighter ever again’Credit: Getty Images – Getty
The American had one more fight before retiring that year, but is now returning for a boxing match against YouTuber Jake Paul on April 17.
Malignaggi senses some wise matchmaking by Paul’s team, and incredibly claimed Askren can no longer be considered a true fighter due to his historic loss against Masvidal.
He said on The Schmozone podcast: “You can technically call him a fighter.
“Personally, me, anytime you get knocked out in less than five seconds in any fight, you lose the ability to call yourself a fighter ever again.
“So I don’t think Ben Askren can ever call himself a fighter ever again – even if you fight.
“You may be somebody that fights, but you’re technically not a ‘fighter’ anymore because no fighter is getting knocked out in five seconds or less like he did.
“Jake Paul went from YouTuber, to ex-pro athlete to fighting somebody that fights. He’s yet to fight a fighter, but it’s progression.”
Paul, 24, beat online rival ‘AnEsonGib’ in his debut in January 2020, and then left ex-NBA star Nate Robinson, 36, out cold in November.

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And Askren, 36, is a former ONE Championship and Bellator champion, who had three fights in the UFC, losing two, before retiring in 2019.
Ex-champion Malignaggi, 40, who was beaten by former UFC veteran Artem Lobov in bare-knuckle, thinks Askren is the perfect step up from Robinson.
He said: “In reality, I think he’s (Paul) where he should be after two years.
“So you can’t really match him against somebody all that dangerous, just because you don’t like that he’s making this money as a boxer when some other boxers aren’t.
“I think Askren is good progression because Askren is technically an ex-fighter now as opposed to just an ex-athlete.”
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BEN ASKREN had fans hailing him for ‘looking better’ in training ahead of his fight with Jake Paul. The retired UFC welterweight faces YouTuber Paul on April 17 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Ben Askren had fans hailing him for ‘looking better’ in trainingCredit: Instagram @benaskren
The ex-UFC welterweight is training to fight Jake PaulCredit: Instagram @benaskren
Ben Askren fights Jake Paul on April 17Credit: Instagram @benaskren
Askren, 36, is a renowned elite career grappler but was admittedly never gifted in the striking department.
As a result, Paul, 24, who has two knockouts in as many fights, is the favourite with bookies and several outsiders.
But Askren’s latest video on the pads appears to have given fans more confidence, as they commented on his improved speed.
One said: “Already looking better!”
Another said: “I gotta be honest, Ben looks much faster and has a smoother flow. Let’s hope he gets the job done.”
One added: “Looking better.”
Another added: “Improvements.”
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Paul beat online rival ‘AnEsonGib’ in his debut in January 2020, and then left ex-NBA star Nate Robinson, 36, out cold in November.
But his career has not convinced UFC president Dana White, who bet $1million that he will lose against Askren.
White said on Mike Tyson’s podcast: “I hope you can bet on this thing because I will bet $1m (£720,000) that he loses this f***ing fight.
“I bet a million dollars that he loses this fight!”

But Tyson’s podcast host, former world champion Zab Judah, warned White about Paul’s ability, having seen the social media sensation in the gym.
Judah said: “Dana I watched him, he’s been working hard, Dana. I have seen him put it together.
“He’s got hands. I am not joking.”
Boxing champion Jean Pascal pictured with Jake PaulCredit: @jeanpascalchamp More

UFC middleweight Kevin Holland has called out Jake Paul and challenged the YouTuber to ‘fight somebody who can actually throw some hands’. It comes as Paul prepares to face ex-UFC welterweight Ben Askren, renowned for his lack of striking, relying solely on grappling in the cage.
Jake Paul has been called out by UFC middleweight Kevin Holland
Kevin Holland called out Jake Paul to ‘fight somebody who can actually throw hands’Credit: Getty
The social media star, who has two knockouts in as many fights, has set his sights on bringing MMA fighters over to the ring.
And Holland has thrown his name into the mix, and blasted Paul’s decision to fight Askren, who he considers a low-risk opponent.
He told MMA Fighting: “I don’t want to get into trouble for saying something stupid but Jake Paul’s fighting Ben Askren.
“Jake Paul should fight somebody who can actually throw some hands if he’s going to fight somebody from the MMA scene.
“I can throw some hands.”
Paul, 24, beat online rival ‘AnEsonGib’ in his debut in January 2020, and then left ex-NBA star Nate Robinson, 36, out cold in November.
Askren, 36, is a former ONE Championship and Bellator champion, who had three fights in the UFC, losing two, before retiring in 2019.
He will box professionally for the first time on April 17 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta against Paul.

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Meanwhile Holland, 28, who is 21–5 in his career, is closing in on the UFC title following five straight wins.
He faces Derek Brunson on Saturday, in a fight he believes can take him to the next level.
He said: “He’s a person who talks a little bit of s***.
“I’m a person that talks a whole lot of s*** so when I smack him and I whack him and he can’t get back up, I’m a happy man.
“Beating him, what does it say about my future? It just says I’m ready for the next person. Who’s next after that? It don’t matter who’s next after that.
“I see they got a lot of fights booked at 185 and vaginal muscles get pulled all the time and it seems like a lot of these guys got vaginal muscles, so I’ll be there.”
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UFC bad boy Mike Perry has warned Dana White he could end up losing his million-dollar bet on Ben Askren to beat Jake Paul.Earlier this month, the UFC chief backed the retired mixed martial artist to win his upcoming boxing match with the YouTuber.
UFC boss Dana White (M) recently told Mike Tyson he’d $1M on Ben Askren beating Jake PaulCredit: YouTube: Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson
UFC welterweight Mike Perry is seemingly tipping Jake Paul to beat Ben AskrenCredit: Getty
A confident White told Mike Tyson and Zab Judah he’d happily bet $1,000,000 on Askren having his hand raised, an outcome Perry believes is unlikely after training with the younger Paul brother.
The UFC welterweight tweeted: “Idk Dana White, I just got some work with Jake Paul and it’s not looking good for Ben Askren …. #IronSharpensIron.”
White believes Askren’s vast experience in combat sports will guide him to victory against the 2-0 Paul.
He said: “Let’s be honest. Jake Paul is not a f***ing boxer. This guy’s a f***ing YouTube kid.
“Zab, no bulls***t So you’re saying he can fight? So the kid he’s going to fight, Askren, he’s a wrestler.
“A real good, decorated wrestler. But he’s actually fought real guys.
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“He’s been a world champion in other organisations than MMA.
“I’ll bet a million dollars he (Paul) loses this f***ing fight.”
DOUBLE OR NOTHING
White’s confidence in Askren quickly came to the attention of Paul, who immediately upped the ante.
The former Disney actor said: “Dana let’s double the bet up! $2 Million.
“We wire the money into escrow. $4 million total. Winner takes all.”
Paul, 24, recently predicted a first-round KO of Askren, who has no professional boxing experience to his name.
Alongside a recent video of him pulling a fire engine, Paul wrote: “I’m literally a tow truck.
“Ben Askren eatin’ Oreos right now. April 17th. 1 round knockout.”
And the social media star reckons his latest opponent won’t lay a glove on him.
He told ESPN: “Go Google Ben Askren’s striking.
Jake Paul will throw down with Ben Askren on April 17Credit: TRILLER
Jake Paul has vowed to knock out Ben Askren inside one roundCredit: Instagram / @brutalbostwick

“Hahaha. It’s not going to go that long, it’s not going to go that long.
“I don’t even think he’ll hit me. I haven’t been hit one time in the face in my past two fights.
“So I haven’t even been punched as pro boxer one time. Nate Robinson landed one body shot in a clinch.
“I don’t think Ben Askren will even hit me. That’s my prediction.”
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JAKE PAUL reckons Conor McGregor’s recent defeat to Dustin Poirier was ‘the worst’ in UFC history.The former two-division champion suffered a brutal second-round KO loss to his old featherweight rival at UFC 257 in January.
Conor McGregor suffered a second-round TKO loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 257Credit: Getty
Jake Paul has branded Conor McGregor’s loss to Dustin Poirier ‘the worst’ in UFC historyCredit: INSTAGRAM@JakePaul
The manner of McGregor’s defeat to the former interim lightweight champion raised questions over his status as an elite 155-pounder.
YouTube star Paul believes the loss has done huge damage to The Notorious’ legacy, telling ES News: “That’s the worst loss I think I’ve ever seen in the UFC.
“From like a status perspective, like, it almost ruined his legacy.”
A blockbuster trilogy fight between the pair, both 32, is in the works for the summer.
And like many others, Paul believes the fight is a must-win for Ireland’s first UFC champion.
He continued: “Obviously, they’re probably going to have a trilogy fight.
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“But if he loses that trilogy fight in the same way, Conor McGregor’s legacy is over.”
Paul, 24, aggressively pursued a boxing match with McGregor before the Irishman’s spectacular defeat to Poirier, going to great lengths to troll him on social media.
But the former Disney star reckons a fight with the UFC’s poster boy is no longer as lucrative as it once was.
He said: “And at this point, the Jake Paul – Conor McGregor fight isn’t even as exciting because he can’t even win at his own sport.
“Obviously it’d still be a huge fight and obviously I’d still wanna do it, but he needs to win at his own sport first, honestly.”
Despite his X-rated attempts to goad McGregor into fighting him, Paul – who is gearing up for a boxing match with former UFC star Ben Askren – has the utmost respect for the pride of Dublin.
He said: “I talk shit to Conor, but at the end of the day, I respect him.
“I respect what he’s built, I respect who he is. And he changed the game for every fighter in the future.”
A summer trilogy fight between Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor is in the worksCredit: REUTERS
Jake Paul is gearing up for a boxing match with Ben AskrenCredit: triller

The third instalment of McGregor vs Poirier is expected to take place in July or August.
Paul’s clash with Askren, meanwhile, will take place on April 17 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
The younger Paul brother is brimming with confidence ahead of his showdown with the former Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight king, recently saying: “I don’t even think he’ll hit me.
“I haven’t been hit one time in the face in my past two fights.
“So I haven’t even been punched as pro boxer one time. Nate Robinson landed one body shot in a clinch.
“I don’t think Ben Askren will even hit me. That’s my prediction.”
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