UFC

CONOR McGREGOR lashed out at the UFC again after insisting he was ‘held back’ from fighting for SEVEN months.
It came just days after Irishman explained he would return to the boxing ring to face Manny Pacquiao having been frozen out of the UFC picture.

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Conor McGregor lashed out at the UFC again after insisting he was ‘held back’ from fighting for SEVEN monthsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

McGregor had posted direct messages with Dana White where he demanded fights in February, May and August with Justin Gaethje and veteran Diego Sanchez named opponents.
But he believes the UFC instead wanted him to be a potential replacement for International Fight Week in July – seven months after his win against Donald Cerrone.
Former heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier questioned why McGregor did not agree to stand in as a replacement for Khabib Nurmagomedov, who pulled out of fighting Tony Ferguson in May.
McGregor, 32, responded: “I asked for May you fat fool, what you saying?

“I fought in January and tried to go again but was purposely held back to be an alternate for a July fight.
“Wait 7 whole f***ing months and “maybe” I’d get to fight? Are you stupid? What are you saying mate? I asked for May vs ANYONE!
“I asked for all these fights on February the 13th!! Corona didn’t exist.

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McGregor says he is boxing Manny Pacquiao in his next fight Credit: @TheNotoriousMMA

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“May/Anyone! August,Dublin/Diego(Just fought that night) End Of year/rematch. 4 fights/1 year.

“I was held back to wait it out to be an alternate for a fight many months away. There’s no other way to see this.”
McGregor had initially planned to stay prepared to fill in for either Nurmagomedov, 31, or Ferguson, 36.
But White claimed he was offered the chance after champion Khabib was unable to travel to the US, with Gaethje, 31, instead going on to win the interim belt.
McGregor hit back: “While then thrown under the bus saying that I turned down a fight with Tony after khabib had bottled it.
“Lol at that one. The deciphering abilities of people in this business absolutely baffles me!
“It’s clear as f***ing day!”

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White claimed McGregor broke the ‘man code’ by releasing private messages.
But The Notorious believes he was wronged first after the promoted said he backed out of replacing Nurmagomedov.
White then went on to say he had ‘no idea’ about McGregor boxing Pacquiao, 41, in the Middle East.
McGregor responded: “You have been involved in Manny talks the legal letters are there. Stop lying.”
It is understood the UFC are on board with the former two-division champion facing Pacquiao in either December or January.
They then hope he can return to the Octagon to face the winner between Nurmagomedov and Gaethje, who fight in October.

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SAUDI ARABIAN money men are reportedly trying to persuade Floyd Mayweather to rematch Manny Pacquiao in the Middle East.
Mayweather outpointed Pacquiao in 2015 in what still stands as the richest fight in history.

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Saudi Arabian money men are reportedly trying to persuade Floyd Mayweather to rematch Manny PacquiaoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

And according to World Boxing News, Saudi chiefs want to cash in on a second instalment.
It would come five years after their initial fight, the exact time frame it took the rivals to eventually agree terms to meet in the ring.
Mayweather, 43, retired in 2017 after beating former UFC champion Conor McGregor, 32, in ten rounds.
He would then return a year later to stop featherweight kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa in a Japanese exhibition.

But last November the American legend announced he was ‘coming out of retirement in 2020’ and would work with UFC president Dana White to do so.
It fuelled speculation he could rematch Irishman McGregor, having admitted he had no interest in facing Pacquiao, 41, again.
But instead Mayweather’s two most lucrative opponents appear close to finalising a deal to fight each other.
Both McGregor and Pacquiao revealed they are in talks to box in December or January.

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How McGregor and Pacquiao stack up

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The Middle East is the likely location, with The Notorious teasing Saudi Arabia as the chosen destination in an Instagram post.
He retired from the UFC in June, but confirmed he will come out of retirement for his second boxing bout.
But with rival Khabib Nurmagomedov – who beat the Irishman in 2018 – facing Justin Gaethje in a lightweight unification next month, the UFC hopes McGregor can return to face the winner.
The UFC are on board, like they were three years ago, for the southpaw star to make his boxing return in the meantime as it could make the deal easier to finalise.

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Floyd Mayweather beat UFC star Conor McGregor in 2017 Credit: Getty Images – Getty

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CONOR McGREGOR revealed he regrets not getting ‘DQ’d and fined’ for giving Floyd Mayweather a ‘good boot into the neck’.
McGregor was beaten in his first professional boxing match by American legend Floyd Mayweather in 2017.

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Conor McGregor regrets not getting ‘DQ’d and fined’ for giving Floyd Mayweather a ‘good boot into the neck’Credit: Reuters

Despite early success, the UFC star slowed down as the fight progressed, with Mayweather, 43, winning by tenth round stoppage.
Ahead of McGregor’s impending move back into the boxing ring against Manny Pacquiao, he boasted about proving doubters wrong on his debut.
The 32-year-old uploaded a picture of himself landing a left hand on Mayweather, and wrote: “The very first shot of the fight.
“Right on the button through the guard. I didn’t even put anything into that shot. Just placed it. 

“It was hard for me not to dwell on the full 12 rounds that were potentially ahead of me and hold back my shots early.
“Still tho right on the absolute button. The first punch thrown. Remember the experts saying I wouldn’t land even 1 lol. 
“I landed more than them all. The picture above is the very first punch of the fight thrown, and landed, and inside the very first second of the fight. 

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“Bums all of them “experts”. Listen to none of them! Really I should have just sat right thru that shot and took his head off and f*** the distance. 

“If it didn’t work out just give him a good boot into the neck and get DQ’d and fined and who’d give a f***.”
McGregor and Pacquiao both confirmed they are in talks for a lucrative bout in the Middle East in either December or January. 
PacMan, 41, has chosen to fight the former two-weight UFC champion to raise money for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic in his native Philippines.

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How McGregor and Pacquiao stack up
Despite the good natured reason for agreeing the bout, his trainer Freddie Roach took an online swipe at McGregor.
Roach insisted PacMan will beat the Irish southpaw quicker than he did against Ricky Hatton in 2009.
According to McGregor, he will decide on whether Pacquiao will be a recipient of one of his MMA strikes, depending on how the verbal jabs develop.
He explained: “I’m upset I fully followed the rules for that fight to be honest. Floyd deserved a volley at the least. A shoulder even, break the face. 
“Manny not so much tho I don’t think, but I will see how the build up goes and wait to hear what bitter old Freddie Roach has to say and then make a decision.”

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McGregor and Pacquiao both confirmed they are in talks for a lucrative bout Credit: Getty Images – Getty

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McGregor was beaten in his first professional boxing match by Mayweather in 2017Credit: Getty Images – Getty

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CONOR McGREGOR has slammed the UFC for their ‘f***ed up’ decision to hold him back from fighting – as he confirms his switch to boxing.
The Irishman and 41-year-old Manny Pacquiao both confirmed they are in talks for a lucrative bout in the Middle East in either December or January.

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Conor McGregor slammed the UFC for their ‘f***ed up’ decision to hold him back from fightingCredit: AP:Associated Press

The news came after McGregor released direct messages with UFC president Dana White, where he demanded several fights and suggested opponents.
Upon his impending move back into the boxing ring, the former two-weight UFC champion questioned why he has been left with just one fight this year.
McGregor wrote on Instagram: “I’d rather fight MMA anyway not sure why I’ve been held back like this, it’s borderline criminal at this stage.
“The biggest number generator in the game asking for four fights since February this year and getting left on seen.

“It’s pretty f***ed up when I keep thinking of it. I’ve been right here this whole time. 
“Bob Chapek, do you copy!  I repeat, Bob Chapek – Do You Copy! 
“Anyways boxing it is for now and I’m up for this! I hope no bottling takes place here.

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McGregor was beaten on his boxing debut by Floyd Mayweather

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Manny Pacquiao and McGregor confirmed they are in talks for a lucrative bout in the Middle East in either December or JanuaryCredit: AFP or licensors

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“I’m already agreeing to these limited rules and holding back my full array of weapons. Let’s get it going guys. 

“Much love, the champ champ.”
McGregor returns to the boxing ring three years after his professional debut against Floyd Mayweather – which he lost in round ten.
McGregor, 32, uploaded a picture of himself landing a shot on Mayweather, 43, and revealed regret at not getting ‘DQ’d and fined’ by breaking the rules.
He also took a swipe at Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach, who said the Filipino icon will beat the UFC star quicker than he did against Ricky Hatton in 2009, which ended in round two.
McGregor said: “The very first shot of the fight. Right on the button through the guard. I didn’t even put anything into that shot. Just placed it.
“It was hard for me not to dwell on the full 12 rounds that were potentially ahead of me and hold back my shots early.

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How McGregor and Pacquiao stack up
“Still tho right on the absolute button. The first punch thrown. Remember the experts saying I wouldn’t land even 1 lol.
“I landed more than them all. The picture above is the very first punch of the fight thrown, and landed, and inside the very first second of the fight.
“Bums all of them “experts”. Listen to none of them! Really I should have just sat right thru that shot and took his head off and f*** the distance.
“If it didn’t work out just give him a good boot into the neck and get DQ’d and fined and who’d give a f***.
“I’m upset I fully followed the rules for that fight to be honest. Floyd deserved a volley at the least. A shoulder even, break the face. 
“Manny not so much tho I don’t think, but I will see how the build up goes and wait to hear what bitter old Freddie Roach has to say and then make a decision.”

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CONOR McGREGOR has fuelled speculation he could be preparing for another boxing match after sharing training footage in the ring.
It comes after UFC president Dana White revealed a ‘big announcement’ is to come regarding his impending move into the boxing business.

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Conor McGregor shared videos of a shadow boxing Credit: Instagram / @thenotoriousmma

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McGregor fuelled speculation he could be preparing for another boxing matchCredit: Instagram / @thenotoriousmma

In the same breath the promoter also revealed he has held talks with McGregor, 32, regarding his future, having announced his retirement in June.
The Notorious’ latest video, where he can be seen shadow boxing, and White’s comments have fans predicting the Irishman will be in the ring again.
One said: “Dana White said the UFC are working on “some fun stuff” for Conor McGregor.
“It looks like McGregor is returning to the boxing ring in the near future…”

Another said: “Dana also said there’s a big boxing announcement to make, probably Pacquiao vs McGregor.”
One added: “Masvidal vs McGregor boxing match?”

Dana White said the UFC are working on “some fun stuff” for Conor McGregor. It looks like McGregor is returning to the boxing ring in the near future… pic.twitter.com/T8iQ3fRIEf
— MMA Eejit 🇮🇪 (@MMAEejit) September 25, 2020

McGregor could probably just switch to boxing and have a pretty successful career. He didn’t do all that bad against Floyd just didn’t have the gas tank to finish the fight. https://t.co/swgKOxtgxK
— Layno (@LaynoInsano) September 25, 2020

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McGregor – who showed off his newly shaved head – has not fought since beating Donald Cerrone, 37, in 40 seconds in January.

But his dream of a three-fight ‘season’ was soon dashed after the coronavirus pandemic halted his new found momentum. 
Before winning for the first time in three years, McGregor declared plans to challenge for a boxing world title.
He wanted to rematch Floyd Mayweather, 43, who he lost to on his boxing debut in 2017, as well as revealing negotiations took place to fight Manny Pacquiao, 41.
But just six months later, the Dubliner hung up the gloves after his hopes of facing Khabib Nurmagomedov, 31, took a hit.
It came as Justin Gaethje, 31, won the interim lightweight belt to set up a unification against Khabib, who beat McGregor in 2018.
Despite quitting the UFC following a loss in motivation, White revealed the superstar is interested in ‘fun projects’ they discussed.

He told BT Sport: “I talked to him a couple days ago, not talking about fighting right now. 
“We are working on a couple of other fun projects for him, he’s interested, so we’ll see if we can get it done. 
“If we do I’ll probably be talking about it after Fight Island.” 
On his move into boxing, White added: “We’ll probably have something to announce here soon.
“When it’s time, I’ll let you know, I’m not ready yet. But [it’ll be] in the next couple of weeks.”
Mayweather last November announced online that he was ‘coming out of retirement in 2020’ and would be working with White to do so.

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Mayweather beat McGregor in a 2017 crossover fight Credit: Getty Images – Getty
The UFC boss had confirmed the American legend is still eyeing a return to the ring, with the pair holding further talks.
And Mayweather’s southpaw sparring partner Denis Douglin predicted the 50-0 legend is preparing to face left-hander McGregor once again.
Douglin told Vegas Insider this month: “I do think this could happen, I think he’s going to fight UFC guys.
“It’s actually quite interesting because I’m left-handed and McGregor and Khabib are both left-handed.
“So him choosing to spar me, that might be the reason why.
“That’s something someone said to me the other day and I was like, ‘you know what, that makes sense’, so it’s very possible.
“The McGregor fight generated so much money, why not do something like that again or fight another UFC fighter if he’s making millions of dollars?”

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DANA WHITE hinted he is making an imminent move into boxing with a big announcement to come in ‘the next couple of weeks’.
The UFC president had revealed plans to launch Zuffa Boxing in 2017, before Conor McGregor lost to Floyd Mayweather.

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UFC president Dana White is eyeing a move into boxing

And despite the venture since being shelved, White recently told BT Sport: “And we’ll probably have something to announce here soon.
“Yeah [it is in the world of boxing]. When it’s time, I’ll let you know, I’m not ready yet. But [it’ll be] in the next couple of weeks.”
It sparked speculation White could again be preparing to bring some of his UFC stars over to boxing.
Here SunSport takes a look at seven UFC fighters who could swap the cage for the ring.

Conor McGregor
McGregor, 32, is not the only UFC star to have laced up the gloves – but he’s certainly the most recognised.
His debut ended in a tenth-round defeat against Mayweather, but the ‘money-fight’ saw the Irishman pocket around £80m.
McGregor, who boxed as an amateur until he was 16, had vowed to return to the ring, eyeing a rematch with Mayweather, 43.
He has since hung up the gloves, but even in retirement the southpaw teased a lucrative boxing match against Manny Pacquiao.

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Conor McGregor lost his boxing debut against Floyd Mayweather
Jorge Masvidal
Masvidal has been credited for possessing one of the best boxing abilities in the UFC.
It was the first sport he took up while achieving success as a street fighter in Miami.
The 35-year-old has a deep routed love for boxing and idolises Panamanian legend Roberto Duran – who walked him out before his win against Nate Diaz last November.
Masvidal, who has one pro boxing win, has shared an interest in lacing up the gloves, previously calling out Mayweather and more recently Canelo Alvarez.

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Jorge Masvidal recently called out boxer Canelo Alvarez

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Nick and Nate Diaz
The Diaz brothers have taken the fundamentals of a solid jab and slashing hooks to the body into the octagon with them.
Both have made a name for themselves sparring with pro boxers, especially Andre Ward.
Ward, a two-weight champ and modern great, sparred the brothers during his career and gave high praise to the two.
He said: “Those boys could do good in boxing. Anytime I’ve fought a left-hander I’ve had them over in camp.
“They lasted the whole camp, they can take it and dish it out.”

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Nick, left, and Nate Diaz brothers have made a name for themselves sparring with pro boxers
Stipe Miocic
Before Miocic became heavyweight champion, he boxed as an amateur as well as wrestling at college.
He won the Cleveland Golden Gloves, and has taken it into his UFC career with 15 knockouts in 20 wins.
Miocic has opened the door to boxing before, even calling out champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
The 38-year-old said: “I would love to box. If there’s a chance I could fight Joshua or Fury or something like that, it’d be great.”

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Stipe Miocic won the Cleveland Golden Gloves as an amateur boxer
Francis Ngannou
Another heavyweight eyeing a move into the ring is hard-hitter Ngannou, who has won 11 times by KO in 15 wins.
When the 34-year-old first started training aged 22, he wanted to be a boxer but transitioned into MMA as there was more chance to make money.
He told Mike Tyson he still dreams of making his boxing debut, and was linked with facing Dillian Whyte.
Ngannou has also sparred Brit Joe Joyce, while later calling out WBC king Fury.

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Francis Ngannou has sparred heavyweight boxer Joe Joyce
Dustin Poirier
After Poirier was beaten by McGregor in 2014, he moved up to lightweight, and has won ten of his last 13 fights.
A major part of the 31-year-old’s success was his improved boxing and power, so much so that he wants to spearhead Zuffa Boxing’s launch against either Nate Diaz or his brother.
Poirier told MMA Junkie in January: “I’d be willing to box him if they wanted to do that.
“I wish Zuffa Boxing was around and we’d have an opportunity – him and his brother were always talking about crossing over to boxing, I’d love to put the paws on him and show you guys my boxing skills.”

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Dustin Poirier is open to making his pro boxing debut
Cody Garbrandt
Years before Garbrandt became bantamweight champion, he started as a successful amateur boxer, with a reported 32-0 record.
The 29-year-old is one of the fastest fighters in the UFC and with ten KOs, he has proven to have power in his hands.
He even called out McGregor to a boxing match in 2017, telling ESPN: “No ill will towards the guy, but I actually believe I’m a better boxer.
“I feel like I’m one of the best boxers in the UFC. I’ll go in there and knock Conor the f*** out in a boxing ring, just to be honest.
“I would knock him out, that’s it. I have the best boxing in the game, in the UFC, and I’m ready to showcase it on another level.”

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Cody Garbrandt had a reported 32-0 amateur boxing record
Israel Adesanya
Current unbeaten middleweight champion Adesanya has one of the most diverse striking styles in the UFC.
A champion kickboxer previously, the 31-year-old is more renowned for mixing his unique but pinpoint strikes up.
But he has boxed before in his homeland of New Zealand, amassing 6-1 record at cruiserweight and light-heavyweight.
Adesanya last boxed in 2015, three years before his UFC debut, and emerges as one of the sport’s most experienced boxers.

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Israel Adesanya amassed a 6-1 boxing record record

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