UFC

UFC lightweight Dustin Poirier said ‘we’ll see who is talking’ after social media stars who claim to be boxers fight ‘real opponents’.
Jake and Logan Paul have both embarked on professional boxing careers and called out some of the biggest names in the business.

Dustin Poirier took a swipe at YouTube boxersCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Jake Paul, left, pictured with big brother Logan

Logan, 25, is set to face boxing royalty Floyd Mayweather, 43, this year while Jake, 24, has chased a fight with UFC legend Conor McGregor, 32.
Without naming names Poirier – who knocked out McGregor in January – thinks social media stars are taking their callouts too far.
And he challenged them to stay as confident as they are now once they run into an experienced fighter.
Poirier, 32, said on Hot Ones: “It crosses the line to me because I’m one of these guys who can really scrap.

“I wish these guys would get the fights they’re calling for and get in there with real opponents and then we’ll see who is talking after.”
Jake initially offered McGregor a $50million fight offer, but after the Irishman was beaten at UFC 257, it got reduced to $10,000.
The internet sensation then called Poirier a ‘bum’ as he mocked The Notorious’ loss.
Jake, 2-0 both by KO, is set to fight ex-UFC welterweight Ben Askren, 36, on April 17.

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In an interview with ESPN, the viral vlogger revealed he wanted to spar Poirier in preparation for his third bout.
Jake said: “I don’t respect a lot of MMA fighters.
“Like even watching Poirier, he did a great job against McGregor, and he’s in South Florida and so I am putting it out there, I would love Poirier, I’d love to spar you in boxing.
“You can help me with my fight for Askren. But, I don’t know, I am just not impressed with these guys in boxing at all.”

Jake Paul makes Ben Askren fight prediction and claims ex-UFC star ‘won’t even hit me’ More

BRITAIN HART revealed Paige VanZant knocked out her TOOTH despite beating the ex-UFC star.
VanZant was outpointed on her anticipated Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship debut.

Paige VanZant knocked out Britain Hart’s toothCredit: @bareknucklefc

But she did leave her mark in the five, two-minute round bout after knocking out one of her opponent’s teeth.
Hart – who also lost a tooth against Bec Rawlings in July 2019 – made the reveal in her post-fight interview.
She said: “This is awesome. This is as big as you make it.
“Bec Rawlings knocked my teeth back in BKFC 2. Paige VanZant you knocked my teeth out.

“I made this moment about the people who believed, not the people who didn’t believe.”
Punch stats revealed VanZant threw 146 shots compared to Hart’s 150.
But the former UFC flyweight, 26, was more accurate, landing five more with 61.
In the post-fight press conference Hart – who has had 11 pro boxing bouts and four in bare-knuckle – admitted VanZant was her hardest-hitting opponent.

The 31-year-old said: “I hope the boss man fixes my teeth again. That would be nice.
“I started off with crooked teeth, then Bec helped get them really straight and Paige, credit to her.
“I’ve never been hit as hard as as Paige VanZant hits. I’ll give her that, so everyone got it right whoever said that girl’s got power.
“They were not lying, that’s the hardest I’ve ever been hit.”

Watch Paige VanZant and Britain Hart clash at explosive weigh-in ahead of ex-UFC star’s bare knuckle bow at KnuckleMania More

PAIGE VANZANT showed off her battle-scarred face following her bare-knuckle boxing debut.
The former UFC star was beaten in her highly anticipated bow at BKFC 16 as Britain Hart stole the show.

Paige VanZant addresses her BKFC loss online

But PVZ was in high spirits after the loss as she took to Instagram to accept the result graciously.
VanZant, 26, wrote: “Humble in victory. Humble in defeat.”
After the win, Hart, 31, said: “I love Paige VanZant, she was an idol to me because she was a pretty girl who could break the limits.
“I’m not a person though, I’m not. I’m a f***ing feeling and all of you guys are gonna feel it.

“I make this moment about the people who believe, not the people who don’t believe.
“This is not to my haters, this is not to the people who didn’t believe in me, this isn’t for the people who said Paige VanZant was going to win.
“This is for the people that said I could.”
PVZ was bullied in the clinch and not powerful enough with her ungloved punches to get the much-needed win.

Social media star VanZant started well, jabbing and moving far better than her unknown rival.
But Hart soon sussed that VanZant lacked the tools to hurt her and started to walk her down.
Hart dominated the second-round clinches and a welt started to grow under PVZ’s left eye.
VanZant began that fourth round with some fresh impetus but she was stunned by a little right hand that stopped her flow.
Then Hart then smashed a huge right hand into VanZant’s jaw but she somehow swallowed the meaty dig.
Hart’s corner told her, before the fifth and final two-minute round, that she was about to change her life.
And she went out and did it by surviving a late desperate barrage and getting the nod from the judges who all scored it 49-46.

Watch Paige VanZant and Britain Hart clash at explosive weigh-in ahead of ex-UFC star’s bare knuckle bow at KnuckleMania More

PAIGE VANZANT suffered a shock upset loss on her bare-knuckle boxing debut.
The beautiful former UFC fighter left the MMA promotion with a sliding 8-5 record and claimed she could earn 10 times more in BKFC.

Paige VanZant suffered a shock upset loss on her bare-knuckle boxing debutCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Ex-UFC fighter left the MMA promotion with a sliding 8-5 record and claimed she could earn 10 times more in BKFCCredit: Getty Images – Getty

So Friday night’s bow against underdog Britain Hart was supposed to be a soft welcoming for the bombshell.
VanZant did not attend the the post-fight press conference, but showed off her bruised face on Instagram.
She captioned the post: “Humble in victory. Humble in defeat.”
After the win, Hart, 31, said: “I love Paige VanZant, she was an idol to me because she was a pretty girl who could break the limits.

“I’m not a person though, I’m not. I’m a f***ing feeling and all of you guys are gonna feel it.

Paige VanZant started well, jabbing and moving far better than her unknown rivalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

PVZ was bullied in the clinchCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Britain Hart soon sussed that Paige VanZant lacked the tools to hurt her and started to walk her downCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“I make this moment about the people who believe, not the people who don’t believe.
“This is not to my haters, this is not to the people who didn’t believe in me, this isn’t for the people who said Paige VanZant was going to win.
“This is for the people that said I could.”

PVZ, 26, was bullied in the clinch and not powerful enough with her ungloved punches to get the much-needed win.
Social media star VanZant started well, jabbing and moving far better than her unknown rival.

But Hart soon sussed that VanZant lacked the tools to hurt her and started to walk her down.
Hart dominated the second-round clinches and a welt started to grow under PVZ’s left eye.
PVZ started that fourth round with some fresh impetus but she was stunned by a little right hand that stopped her flow.
Then Hart smashed a huge right hand into VanZant’s jaw but she somehow swallowed the meaty dig.
Hart’s corner told her, before the fifth and final two-minute round, that she was about to change her life.
And she went out and did it by surviving a late desperate barrage and getting the nod from the judges who all scored it 49-46.

PVZ started that fourth round with some fresh impetusCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Britain Hart won the fight on pointsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Watch Paige VanZant and Britain Hart clash at explosive weigh-in ahead of ex-UFC star’s bare knuckle bow at KnuckleMania More

PAIGE VANZANT has documented her incredible body transformation after shedding more than a stone.
It comes after VanZant successfully made weight ahead of her highly anticipated Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship debut.

Paige VanZant documented her incredible body transformation in an Instagram video – with this shot being how her body inititally lookedCredit: Instagram @paigevanzant

Paige VanZant began slimming down for the fightCredit: Instagram @paigevanzant

The American’s weight loss begins to become visibly noticableCredit: Instagram @paigevanzant

VanZant’s weight cut started at 148.8lb and was completed at 126lbCredit: Instagram @paigevanzant

The 26-year-old former UFC star revealed her weight cut started at 148.8lb and was completed at 126lb.
That meant she went from 10st 6lb to 9stone by the time her training camp was completed.
VanZant announced her shock switch to bare-knuckle boxing after she was released by the UFC with an 8-5 MMA record.
In her BKFC promotional debut, she headlines ‘Knucklemania’ against former pro boxer Britain Hart.

The pair almost came to blows at the weigh in as they engaged in a shoving match, with pre-fight tensions building.
VanZant, who has created her own private website, headlines BKFC 15 in Florida despite no pro boxing or bare-knuckle experience.
Her opponent Hart, 31, on the other hand has a 4-4-3 pro record and 1-2 in BKFC.
Despite VanZant potentially becoming a promotional poster girl, BKFC president David Feldman warned she is in for the fight of her life.

But he is confident the Sports Illustrated cover girl can show looks can be deceiving as she experiences the exposed fist for the first time.
Feldman told SunSport: “It’s going to be a tough match-up and I think Paige VanZant’s going to shock a lot of people.
“I think she’s going to take a punch well, she’s got a very tough opponent in front of her in Britain Hart.”

Paige VanZant signed for BKFC after leaving the UFCCredit: Instagram

Ex-UFC star will headline BKFC 15 off the back of no pro boxing or bare-knuckle experienceCredit: Instagram

Paige VanZant training for her BKFC debut More

PAIGE VANZANT has been backed to prove she is not just an ‘Instagram model’ but a tough fighter who is not afraid of being a ‘bloody mess’.
The American makes her Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship debut on Friday night against former pro boxer Britain Hart.

Paige VanZant has a massive online followingCredit: Instagram

Former UFC star Paige VanZant had proved she can take a punchCredit: Sportsfile – Getty

VanZant’s shock and brutal switch comes having been released by the UFC, where she left with an 8-5 MMA record.
And BKFC president David Feldman insists any fans sceptical of her transition should look at some of the ex-UFC star’s gory battles in the cage as evidence she can take one to give one.
Feldman told SunSport: “People say she’s an ‘Instagram model’, that kind of thing, but at the end of the day if you’ve seen her face in some of her fights she was a bloody mess.
“She’s not afraid of bleeding, of getting hit, and this is what this sport is about – if you can get hit and throw a punch back you have a good chance of doing well.

“Paige is a tough girl, she didn’t have to come to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, she came over to test herself.
“That says a lot about the kind of fighter and athlete that she is. Am I expecting her to transition well? Yes I am.”
Feldman launched BKFC in 2018 and has since welcomed former UFC and boxing veterans into his promotion.

BKFC fighter Jason Knight

Artem Lobov after a BKFC fight
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His most high-profile fight was the brutal grudge match between Paulie Malignaggi and Artem Lobov in 2020.
Conor McGregor’s training partner Lobov won the bout on points which featured on pay-per-view.
But securing 26-year-old VanZant – who starred on Dancing With The Stars and Sports Illustrated – has garnered the organisation’s greatest attention.
And Feldman hopes the arrival will spark new interest in bare-knuckle boxing and help bring more eyes to the sport
He explained: “She’s a really good fighter and also what I call an A-lister, a lot of people know her in the celebrity world.
“She was on Dancing with The Stars, Sports Illustrated cover girl, so many different things that made her an attractive signing to us to bring fans that wouldn’t normally have watched.”

Paige VanZant modelling for Sports Illustrated

The ex-UFC star was on Dancing with the StarsCredit: 2015 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.

Paige VanZant will headline BKFC 15Credit: Instagram
VanZant, who has created her own private website, will headline BKFC 15 in Florida off the back of no boxing or bare-knuckle experience.
Her opponent Hart, 31, on the other hand has a 4-4-3 pro record and 1-2 in BKFC.
Despite VanZant potentially becoming a promotional poster girl, Feldman warned she is in for the fight of her life.
But he is confident the swimsuit cover girl can show looks can be deceiving as she experiences the exposed fist for the first time.
Feldman said: “It’s going to be a tough match-up and I think Paige VanZant’s going to shock a lot of people.
“I think she’s going to take a punch well, she’s got a very tough opponent in front of her in Brittany Hart.”

Paige VanZant’s opponent Britain Hart

Paige VanZant training for her BKFC debut

Paige VanZant left the UFC with an 8-5 MMA recordCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

FLOYD MAYWEATHER has made it known he is still in the business of making money in the boxing ring.
He may have officially retired as a professional in 2017, after beating ex-UFC champion Conor McGregor, but Mayweather appears ready for more money-spinning paydays.

Floyd Mayweather is interested in a comeback in 2021Credit: Getty Images – Getty

The 43-year-old has maintained he will not risk his health and perfect 50-0 record against the current crop of top prospects or champions.
But he has opened the door to spectacle fights against celebrities and UFC stars, with his next bout against YouTuber Logan Paul this year.
Here SunSport takes a look at five opponents Mayweather could consider after he mapped out a plan to compete in exhibitions in 2021.
Jake Paul, 2-0 YouTuber
Despite not yet boxing older brother Logan after their fight was backdated from February, Mayweather called out Jake.

The internet sensation already has two wins to his name, both knockouts against internet rival ‘AnEsonGib’ and former NBA player Nate Robinson.
Jake took the callout one step further by responding to Mayweather on Instagram with a rhyme, taking aim at the boxing legend.
His assistant coach J’Leon Love happens to be a former protege of Mayweather’s and told SunSport in December his old mentor could end up fighting Jake one day.

Jake Paul has been taunting FloydCredit: Getty Images – Getty

50 Cent, rapper and former friend
The music artist – real name Curtis Jackson – was once a close pal and member of Mayweather’s entourage.
But the pair had a falling out in 2012 and have never recovered, becoming online rivals.
50 Cent recently admitted Mayweather would be his dream opponent and the reveal was reciprocated.
Mayweather wrote on Instagram: “I also heard that 50 cent would fight me but claims I’m too small.
“If he wants to lace up at the end of the year, we can do an exhibition then. I don’t care about weight class with any of these guys.”

50 Cent was a former friend and member of Floyd Mayweather’s teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Conor McGregor, ex-opponent and UFC fighter
Mayweather closed out his career in style after stopping McGregor in ten rounds, in a fight he banked close to £300m for.
Due to the box office and financial success a rematch has been touted ever since, and SunSport revealed the two have been in talks.
If the second instalment was to take place, it could do so in the pro ranks.
But Mayweather’s latest post suggests he is only keen on exhibitions, which would deny McGregor a crack at ending the winning streak.

Conor McGregor was beaten by Floyd Mayweather in 2017Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Khabib Nurmagomedov, UFC champion
After Nurmagomedov beat McGregor in 2018, he called out Mayweather insisting ‘in the jungle there is only one king’.
It sparked speculation of another crossover, and Khabib even revealed he was offered $100m to box Mayweather in the Middle East.
But, the UFC champion is currently retired and appears content in never fighting again after the death of his influential father and coach Abdulmanap.
If the Dagestani hero ever does decide to continue his career, his superstardom and lack of boxing experience will always appeal to Mayweather.

Khabib Nurmagomedov has been offered a fight against Floyd Mayweather beforeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Manny Pacquiao, ex-opponent
Mayweather brought an end to five years worth of drawn out negotiations after outpointing Pacquiao in 2015.
It proved to be the richest fight of all time after breaking PPV records and selling 16,219 premium tickets which raked in around £53m alone.
Mayweather didn’t seem interested in offering his great rival a rematch but in 2018 he claimed they would fight again in an exhibition in Tokyo.
It never came to fruition, however, but PacMan has not given up in his pursuit of revenge, having always said he was injured during their first fight.
If Mayweather fancied another lucrative payday, and could guarantee his record stayed intact by avoiding a pro bout, Pacquiao could be his most profitable opponent.
his manager has only just caled Floyd out and promised to retire him for a second time if they do meet in the ring.

Floyd Mayweather beat Manny Pacquiao in 2015Credit: Reuters More