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      ‘It’s f***ing brutal’ – Dillon Danis reveals horror knee injury left him suicidal before turning his career around

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      DILLON DANIS has opened up on how his horror knee injury left him in the darkest of places – and how boxing has been an unlikely source of light.The American shot to fame in 2016 after being hired by Conor McGregor as a jiu-jitsu training partner before the Irishman’s rematch win over Nate Diaz. Dillon Danis recovered after horror knee injuriesCredit: @dillondanisHe has turned it around to embark on a big-money boxing switchCredit: SplashDanis has since become a controversial and outspoken figure in fight sports after going 2-0 in MMA. But two agonising knee injuries suffered in training left him bed bound and depressed.Danis, 31, told SunSport: “It was terrible. F***ing terrible.”I mean, I don’t want to get too dark, but it does get a little suicidal because you can’t do what you love and you’re stuck in a bed in a brace, you can’t move for eight months.READ MORE IN BOXING”I had it twice, so yeah, it’s f***ing brutal. You don’t know if you’re ever gonna be the same again.”There’s a lot of s***, man, it’s one of the worst things that you can go through as an athlete.”Danis’ last fight in the cage was 2019 and he became more recognisable as an internet troll than professional fighter. And despite limited striking skills, Danis chased big-money boxing bouts against the likes of Jake Paul. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe pulled out of a 2023 fight against KSI before eventually facing Paul’s brother Logan in his boxing debut in 2023. Danis does now return to the ring once more to fight KSI on March 29 in Manchester – three years after their initial bout was axed. KSI reveals penalties in Dillon Danis’ contract to stop rival performing MMA moves in ring And, the New Yorker also has an MMA return scheduled for May against ex-UFC star Tony Ferguson, 41. It is a sudden turn of events for the 31-year-old – who welcomed his son into the world one month before fighting Logan. Danis said: “I’m fine money-wise, it’s just more for my legacy in my career.”I wanna get back just fighting, that’s what I love to do. I have to do knee surgeries and now I’m more healthy. “So I just wanna be active, but obviously having a son is great, but you know, providing, but I have money, so it is what it is.”Danis was disqualified in the sixth and final round against Logan after attempting an MMA-style submission move. And he had no plans of ever getting back into the boxing ring – until a mega-money offer came in from old enemy KSI.Danis said: “I didn’t wanna box again, to be honest with you. Danis welcomed his son into the world in 2023Credit: @dillondanisDanis is out to provide for his boyCredit: @dillondanis”I want MMA but then this fight came around and it was KSI and redemption and there was a lot of things into it.”A lot of money, and you know me and KSI’s backstory, him being close to Logan.”So yeah, I mean it is what it is. I knew that KSI always needed me with this fight. I don’t need him. He needs me.”KSI is yet to return since suffering his first defeat in the ring, losing a controversial decision to Tommy Fury, 25, the night Danis fought Logan. And the British YouTuber-turned-boxer was left scrambling for an opponent after ex-Chelsea defender Wayne Bridge, 44, pulled out.That was after KSI made reference to Bridge’s infamous feud with former team-mate John Terry.So Danis was called in as a late replacement – offering him and KSI the chance to finish their feud once and for all. But Danis said: “I just feel like he’s not equal to me. I was saying he’s like a little brother to me, so I don’t know, I don’t really care about the guy.”I’m gonna knock him out and get my money and go and fight Tony. So it is what it is. It’s an easy boxing match.”He’s gonna run around for six rounds. I know how he is. I’m just happy to punch him in the face.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe bad blood between the two escalated on stage at the press conference when KSI slapped Danis with a PANCAKE. Danis had to be held back by a team of security as he desperately tried to get his hands on KSI – who wheeled off in laughter. KSI slapped Danis with a pancake at their press conferenceCredit: PA More

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      ‘He knows the consequences’ – KSI reveals penalties in Dillon Danis’ contract to stop rival performing MMA moves in ring

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      KSI revealed Dillon Danis risks heavy penalties if he tries any more MMA moves in the boxing ring. The rivals settle their score in the squared circle on March 29 in Manchester – three years after Danis pulled out of their original bout. KSI revealed Dillon Danis risks penalties if he tries anymore MMA moves in the ringCredit: PADillon Danis got disqualified for an MMA move on Logan PaulCredit: GettyDanis did make his boxing debut in October 2023 against Logan Paul but it ended in chaos when the jiu-jitsu champion got himself disqualified. The American attempted an MMA-style submission move in round six – sparking a mass brawl in the ring and his expulsion from the bout. But KSI – who lost to Tommy Fury on the same night – has come prepared to avoid a farcical repeat with the devil in the fine print details. He said: “We’ve put stuff in the contract. So yeah, I don’t think he’s gonna do anything stupid. READ MORE IN BOXING”I think he knows the consequences, I just know he’s screwed. I can’t wait to show what was meant to have happened, compared to what Logan did.”KSI has goaded Danis by claiming he only accepted the fight to afford the lawsuit launched by Paul’s fiancee Nina Agdal for online harassment. But Danis, acknowledging the contract stipulations, told SunSport: “They’re gonna take my check away if I choke him out. “So we’ll see if I need the money or not.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKSI – who trains at MMA gym London Shootfighters – is already anticipating some of Danis’ wild antics in the ring. He said: “I’m just more active. I just do more, I’m not a guy that throws one jab and then just gives him time to breathe.”I’m gonna be on him. I like to close a fight. I like to knock someone out. “I like to finish a fight, so yeah, I’m not gonna just give him time to breathe.”I’m going to be on him smothering him and making his life hell, to the point where he’s gonna be desperate and probably try to do some jiu-jitsu move.”Obviously, you know I’m in an MMA gym so I’m gonna see it coming and then use it to my advantage and knock him out.”KSI, 31, is yet to return since losing a controversial decision to Tommy Fury, 25, his first boxing defeat. He was also forced to pull out of his August comeback bout due to a hand injury – which KSI has since recovered from. And the YouTuber-turned-boxer struggled to find an opponent for this fight claiming FIVE names turned him down. At one point, he even signed to face Wayne Bridge, 44, until the ex-Chelsea star pulled out after KSI referenced his infamous feud with John Terry. KSI – who slapped Danis with a pancake at their heated press conference – has faced criticism for his level of opposition.That is despite his training and managerial team also having a say on who he fights as Danis, 31, was drafted in as an emergency replacement. But KSI said: “It always comes down to me in terms of who I get to fight. Everyone has an opinion.”But I’m able to say the final say and they gave me Dillon Danis as the guy because we went through a load of people and it was getting to a point where it was like maybe there isn’t an event.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So we saw Dillon and I’ve wanted to knock this guy out. We’ve been going back and forth in DMs or publicly and I just I didn’t feel that Logan Paul did enough.”I didn’t think he did enough. He won, easily won the fight but I don’t want to just win the fight, I want to see him knocked out. I need to see him knocked out.”KSI slapped Danis with a pancakeCredit: PA More

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      Dillon Danis plans to confront Conor McGregor after UFC legend poses for pictures with rivals Jake and Logan Paul

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      DILLON DANIS admits he needs to have words with Conor McGregor for posing with rivals Jake and Logan Paul. Danis – a long-time friend and training partner of McGregor’s – has been feuding with the Paul brothers for years. Dillon Danis with friend and training partner Conor McGregorJake and Logan Paul posed for pictures with Conor McGregorCredit: Instagram @JakepaulHe once had toilet roll chucked on him by Jake and his boxing bout in 2023 against Logan ended up in a legal battle. So when McGregor took pictures with the brothers at Donald Trump’s inauguration in January – Danis was conflicted. He told SunSport: “Yeah, me and him had to talk about that, you know, it is what it is.”I know you guys can decide that, but I think that me and him should talk about that.READ MORE IN BOXING”It shouldn’t be in the media but we haven’t had the chance to talk about it yet.”McGregor, 36, had both Pauls by his side in pictures that sent social media into a frenzy. But footage shared by the brothers later revealed there was heated exchanges with the Irishman. Danis, 31, made his boxing debut against Logan, 29, two years ago but farcically got disqualified after attempting an MMA-style submission. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut the fight did not end there as a brawl broke out in the ring while legal proceedings are now ongoing in court. Danis was sued by Logan’s fiancee Nina Agdal for “revenge porn” with his posts causing “humiliation, emotional distress, and reputational harm.” KSI sparks carnage on press conference stage after slapping Dillon Danis with a PANCAKE ahead of boxing grudge fightAccording to the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey in 2023, Danis engaged in a “relentless, ongoing campaign of cyber harassment and bullying” directed towards Agdal.The lawsuit alleges that Danis used his social media to “promote the fight and ramp up his feud with Paul.”Danis also allegedly posted “hundreds of posts containing vulgar and disparaging pictures, memes and comments about her.“All the while, Danis has been rewarded for that same conduct through an increased social media following and publicity that has resulted in his offensive posts being viewed more than two billion times to date.”Agdal received a temporary restraining order directing Danis to stop posting “sexually explicit photographs” of her “on the internet without her consent.” In her complaint, she also alleges that he posted a sexually explicit photograph which was never meant to be shared publicly or was “obtained without consent.”A judge granted Agdal the restraining order against Danis, who was forbidden from posting “sexually explicit photographs” of Agdal without her permission.The lawsuit is ongoing – as is Danis’ fight with Logan’s business partner KSI on March 29 – but the American does not regret his actions. He said: “I would regret it if it wasn’t true but everything was on Insta already. Everything was public.”So I mean, I can’t speak too much on the lawsuit, but I don’t regret saying the truth and letting Logan out.”I was trying to help him out and one day he’s gonna thank me, so it is what it is.”Danis was originally set to fight KSI in January 2023 before pulling out – but three years later they finally settle for score in the ring. And carnage broke out at the press conference when KSI slapped Danis with a PANCAKE to spark a brawl on stage. But Danis said just beforehand “I just feel like he’s not equal to me. “I was saying he’s like a little brother to me, so I don’t know, I don’t really care about the guy.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m gonna knock him out and get my money and go and fight Tony. So it is what it is. It’s an easy boxing match.”He’s gonna run around for six rounds. I know how he is. I’m just happy to punch him in the face.”Nina Agdal is engaged to Logan PaulCredit: Instagram / Nina AgdalLogan Paul beat Danis in their 2023 fightCredit: PAKSI slapped Danis with a pancakeCredit: PA More

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      UFC and WWE to set up new boxing league with four ‘super-fights’ to be held

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      THE owners of the UFC and the WWE are on the brink of creating a new boxing league funded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.UFC supremo Dana White teased the formation of Zuffa Boxing in the build-up to Conor McGregor’s crossover clash with Floyd Mayweather in August 2017 but it never got off the ground.UFC supremo Dana White teased the formation of a boxing league back in 2017Credit: GETTYThe owners of the UFC and WWE have plans in place to create the league later this yearCredit: GETTYTKO Group Holdings Chief Mark Shapiro has revealed the league could be announced imminentlyCredit: GETTYBut the MMA promotion’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, revived those grand plans with Saudi investors last year and are on the verge of announcing a potentially revoluntionary league.TKO Chief Operating Officer Mark Shapiro said: “Everybody knows we’re in talks with the Saudis but to give you a little more color.”I will tell you that we are close on an agreement with the Saudis on a creation of a boxing league where we TKO would be the producer, the promoter and responsible for all day-to-day operations of the venture.”Where by we would receive a fee of $10million plus. Again, we’re not putting any money in, we’re not putting any capital in, we’re not on the hook for any [costs].READ MORE BOXING NEWS“Additionally, we would have some earn-in equity per time, specifically over a five-year period but it would be dependent on us achieving certain milestones, including us exceeding board-approved annual budgets over that five years.”The format of the proposed league is currently unclear, although Shapiro has revealed TKO will put on “four large scale super-fights” throughout 2025 and 2026.He explained: “I think I’ve given you at least a framework of what the deal would be. It’s its own league and we’d have consistent fights throughout the year.”I think on top of that you should know as part of the partnership, we would be the promoter, producer and event operator for four large scale kind of super-fights, as I call them, that would air probably two this year and two in [2026].Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe promotional power behind the TKO Group could make the boxing league a real successCredit: GETTY“Those may or may not fall into the boxing league itself, they may just be one offs, but we would be paid a fee to act as the promoter, the producer and the event operator.”According to Shapiro, the groundbreaking deal could be confirmed imminently.Dana White provides major update on ‘biggest fight in UFC history’ as MMA mogul makes defiant vow Shapiro revealed: “We’ve just sent a delegation to London to meet with the Saudi delegation led by Andrew Schleimer, our [chief financial officer] and Nick Khan, of course who runs WWE, and Lawrence Epstein who runs UFC.”They had a full day meeting earlier this week and we’re getting awfully close and when we have something official, we’ll come out [with the news].”The millions at the disposal of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority has changed the landscape of boxing over the last three years, with fights that were seemingly once-thought impossible being made at the drop of a hat.And Shapiro believes the promotional power possessed by TKO can further revolutionize the sport.He said: “There’s an audience for boxing and there’s a dearth of boxing on the national platform.”There’s a desire to have it back in the forefront of the American sports ecosystem.”It’s just been broken for too long, it’s been fragmented, it’s been poorly managed and we think we can do a lot with it.” More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo tipped for stunning career change after retirement and has ‘attributes you need’

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has been tipped to become a FIGHTER by Francis Ngannou.The MMA legend held the UFC heavyweight world title before switching to boxing.Cristiano Ronaldo has been tipped to switch goals for knockoutsCredit: GettyFrancis Ngannou thinks CR7 has the attributes to become a fighterCredit: GettyThe pair have struck up a friendship in recent yearsCredit: Instagram @francisngannouNgannou went up against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia over the last two years, which led to him rubbing shoulders with Al-Nassr star Ronaldo.They are now close friends and Ngannou told Sportsbook Review that CR7, 40, has what it takes to step into the ring once he hangs up his boots.He said: “[Ronaldo] loves combat sports. I think Cristiano is the kind of guy that maybe when he was younger you could have said doesn’t have the attributes to be a player. “But he’s such a hard-worker, disciplined and focused on what he wants. READ MORE IN SPORT”I think he has the attribute that you need to become a fighter. Dedication and discipline.”We have a very good relationship. I went to Saudi for the first time two years ago and I had the opportunity to meet Cristiano.”He was in the pool with his family and we were there for like 45 minutes just chatting next to the pool and stuff – it just felt very genuine.  “We looked like people that knew each other for a very long time but it was the very first time. It was one of those times you have to pinch yourself. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”From then we picked it up on DM’s on Instagram and then he asked for my number.”Ngannou loves football just as much as Ronaldo enjoys watching MMA and boxing, with the Cameroonian recently getting the VIP treatment at Al-Nassr and Manchester United games.Francis Ngannou tackles Andre Onana to floor moments after Man Utd’s win over Bodo-GlimtHe joined compatriot Andre Onana on the pitch after their Europa League win over Bodo/Glimt earlier this season and was spotted play-fighting with the goalkeeper.On what the future holds for Ngannou, he said: “I will do boxing next. I’m not done with boxing. “It’s not that MMA is easy – it’s the sport that I understand better and I have more experience in – but I say go for boxing.” More

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      Anthony Joshua called out by former UFC star and bare-knuckle boxer who went viral for brutal KO after just 36 SECONDS

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has been called out by bare-knuckle boxer Ben Rothwell – following his 36 SECOND knockout. Rothwell had 53 MMA bouts – including an 11 year stint in the UFC. Anthony Joshua has been called out by bare-knuckle boxer Ben RothwellCredit: GettyRothwell is a bare-knuckle championCredit: GettyBut he signed for Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship in 2022 and has won all four of his bouts. Rothwell, 43, became BKFC champion after knocking out Mick Terrill, 41, in 36 seconds and now wants a run at regular boxing. He told Ariel Helwani: “Right now I’m a free agent, I very much love the BKFC, I love David Feldman and I would like to continue, even finish my career here.”How much time have I got? Maybe a year or so, it really depends. But Francis Ngannou, Anthony Joshua, guys who beat them guys. READ MORE IN BOXING”To put the gloves on and prove how good at boxing I am would very much be a bucket list. “I just don’t feel like I’ve ever gotten to show the boxing world how good of a boxer I am.”Ngannou, 38, walked out on the UFC to pursue boxing in 2023. He dropped Tyson Fury, 36, on his debut only to lose a controversial split-decision.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNgannou then faced Joshua, 35, last March but he was brutally knocked out in two rounds. The ex-UFC champ then returned to the MMA cage in October – beating Renan Fereira, 35, in the PFL. Tyson Fury WILL still fight Anthony Joshua and they’ll even be friends after, says British champ in shock predictionJoshua meanwhile was knocked out by Daniel Dubois, 27, in September and has not returned since. And Rothwell wants to showcase his skills in both the boxing and BKFC ring. He said: “Right now the BKFC and UFC fans just say I’m a brawler. “They don’t understand my precision, they don’t understand how capable I truly am but if I got to fight one of them that would be a huge opportunity for me to show the world how good I really am.”Before I am done fighting, I want to bring as much respect to this belt as possible. “If I have to step away for a fight I think the BKFC would back me. I believe we’re going to get something figured out and I will defend this belt.”Rothwell left the UFC for BKFCCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Jake Paul pauses Conor McGregor feud as UFC star and YouTuber link up for Donald Trump’s inauguration

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      JAKE PAUL and Conor McGregor have put their trash talk on hold ahead of a potential grudge match later this year.The pair were snapped together on Monday ahead of President Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington DC. Conor McGregor has stunned fans by posing alongside the Paul brothersCredit: Instagram @JakepaulThe trio are in Washington DC to attend President Trump’s inaugurationCredit: Instagram @JakepaulPaul was joined by his brother Logan and his mum Pam Stepnick on their way to the ceremony. The suited-up trio shared a snap with Jake’s 4.7million followers on X – and fans were stunned to see McGregor seated behind the two brothers. Jake captioned the snap: “Inauguration going great.” One fan gasped in response: “I cannot believe what I’m seeing.”READ MORE ON JAKE PAULAnother said: “Never thought I would see a picture like this, with all the beef over the years.”YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul, 28, and MMA star McGregor, 36, have regularly traded online barbs over the past few years. Reports emerged last month The Notorious had agreed to fight Jake after originally sounding out a bout with Logan, 29.But Jake called The Notorious out last month for trying to back out of the showdown, describing McGregor as “washed.”Most read in BoxingFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA fight between the pair has been brewing for the best part of four years.Jake started his pursuit of what could be a mammoth payday with the former UFC champion in late 2020.Conor McGregor Trains Amid Logan Paul Boxing Match RumoursHe taunted McGregor in a series of online videos, which included sick jibes at the Irishman’s fiancee Dee Devlin.The pair have traded several other jabs over the years, with McGregor blasting Jake’s chaotic bout with boxing legend Mike Tyson last year. McGregor attended Trump’s victory rally on Sunday and rubbed shoulders with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. Posting on social media, the UFC star wrote: “Honour to be in Washington, D.C., to support @realDonaldTrump the newly elected leader of the free world, and to stand with the 13 families who lost their loved ones at Abbey Gate.”Inside McGregor’s Notorious lifestyleWith more sides to his personality than an Octagon, Conor McGregor’s rise has been an enthralling watch.McGregor’s trip to the USA comes after he lost a civil court case over claims he assaulted a woman in a Dublin hotel room.Nikita Hand accused the Irish mixed martial arts fighter of “brutally raping and battering” her after a Christmas night out in December 2018. McGregor claims he had consensual sex with Hand.A jury in the civil case ordered McGregor to pay her nearly £207,000 in November. Following the decision, The Notorious wrote on X: “I will be appealing today’s decision.”The judge’s instruction and the modest award given was for assault, not for aggravated or exemplary damages.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I am disappointed that the jury did not hear all the evidence that the DPP reviewed.”I am with my family now, focused on my future. Thank you to all my support worldwide.” More

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      UFC boss Dana White breaks silence over talks of huge £400m fight between Conor McGregor and Logan Paul

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      DANA WHITE has broken his silence amid reports of a boxing fight between Conor McGregor and Logan Paul. McGregor was the first to reveal he was in negotiations for an exhibition against the YouTube star in India.Dana White broke his silence amid reports of a boxing fight between Conor McGregor and Logan PaulMcGregor first revealed talks to fight Logan PaulCredit: @TheNotoriousMMALogan Paul ruled himself out of the boutCredit: SplashThe Ambani family – worth £77BILLION ($96bn)- were behind the idea and believed to be paying the pair £200m ($250m) EACH. But now UFC president White has shot down the reports and insisted McGregor’s next bout will be in the UFC octagon. He said on the Pardon My Take podcast: “No. Hopefully Conor McGregor returns in the fall.” The Irishman has not fought since July 2021 – breaking his leg in round one against Dustin Poirier.READ MORE IN BOXINGMcGregor, 36, was set to return in June against Michael Chandler, 38, until a toe injury forced him out. He has since been in a legal fight against Dublin woman Nikita Hand. McGregor was found civilly liable for assaulting Hand at a Dublin Hotel in December 2018.He has also vowed to appeal the decision. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMcGregor sent social media into a frenzy when he posted: “I am in preliminary agreements with the Ambani family to face Logan Paul in a boxing exhibition in India. I have agreed.”I will then seek my return to the Octagon.”Conor McGregor Trains Amid Logan Paul Boxing Match RumoursMukesh Ambani is the richest person in Asia and 9th richest in the world – making his fortune through his Reliance Industries company. The business  interests in petrochemicals, oil and gas, telecom, retail, media and financial services.Paul, 29, also teased a bout with McGregor online before pledging his future to the WWE. It sparked the likes of KSI, 31, and Tommy Fury, 25, to then call out the former UFC champion. KSI and Tommy Fury both called out McGregorCredit: PA More