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      I was first boxer to have a crossover UFC bout and just like Fury it all went wrong – but I’m still fighting aged 55

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      BOXING legend James Toney became the first to trade the ring for the UFC octagon – but it did not go to plan. Toney was among the best during the 1990s and went on to win titles in three divisions.
      James Toney became the first to trade the ring for the UFC octagonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      James Toney was beaten in a round by Randy CoutureCredit: Getty
      But in 2010, he made the shock move to MMA and challenged UFC legend Randy Couture.
      It ended in disaster for Toney, who got taken to the floor within seconds and tapped out to a chokehold in the first round.
      Reflecting on the fight, he told Sky Sports in 2017: “My plan was to knock him out quickly but he got to my legs, took me down, and did what he did.
      “It worked. MMA is not my game but, if I did it again, it would have been different.”
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      In recent times, MMA fighters have more frequently crossed over to boxing.
      It came after the financial success of Conor McGregor’s money-spinning bout with Floyd Mayweather six years ago.
      McGregor, 35, lost in ten rounds but it encouraged several others MMA fighters to step into the boxing ring.
      But none performed as well as former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.
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      Ngannou, 37, floored and took Tyson Fury, 35, all ten rounds of their clash in Saudi Arabia, with many feeling he was unlucky to lose on points.
      It was the latest and most shocking of the crossover clashes but if Toney had it his way he would have got Couture back in the ring.
      He said: “I would have loved for Randy to do a boxing match but he wouldn’t. I couldn’t wrestle with him but he can’t box with me.”
      Toney would return to boxing six months after his dismal MMA debut and went on to fight nine more times over seven years.
      His last bout was against Mike Sheppard in 2017 all the way up at heavyweight, which he won by knockout aged 48.
      But now at 55 Toney prepares for another comeback bout in an exhibition in Jamaica against Razor Ruddock, who is 59 himself.
      Toney said: “At my age, I can still whup anybody on the planet, any time, anywhere, any place.
      “I’m the original old-school fighter. I was born to fight. Everybody else was taught to fight.”
      James Toney returns to fight aged 55 More

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      Dana White finally breaks silence on ‘crazy’ Francis Ngannou vs Tyson Fury fight and reveals if star could return to UFC

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      DANA WHITE has broken his silence on the “crazy” Francis Ngannou vs Tyson Fury fight and revealed whether the star could return to UFC.The Predator shocked the world by dropping the WBC heavyweight world champion in the third round of their blockbuster crossover boxing clash last month.
      Francis Ngannou put on a fine display in his boxing debut against Tyson FuryCredit: Reuters
      UFC president Dana White has broken his silence on the crossover boutCredit: Getty
      However, the 37-year-old ex-UFC title holder departed Saudi Arabia disappointed as Fury scored a controversial points win – although he did not leave empty-handed as he picked up £8million for the bout, the biggest cheque of his fighting career.
      The road to his showdown with Fury began when Ngannou left the UFC once his deal expired in January and he was stripped of the heavyweight championship.
      The Cameroon grappler then signed for the Professional Fighters League – with both he and UFC president White trading several barbed remarks about each other since.
      White had previously stated that Ngannou would not return to his promotion in the future, saying: “It’s over, that’s over. He’ll never be in the UFC again. 
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      “I never say never, but I’ll give you a never on that one. We tried.”
      He recently appeared on Donald Trump Jr.’s Triggered podcast and, even though he still seemingly does not want Ngannou back, he did praise the achievements of his old star for his performance inside the ring.
      He said: “The fact that he went 10 rounds with Tyson Fury is crazy.
      “He just went 10 rounds with Tyson Fury, Conor [McGregor] made it nine or 10 with Floyd, Anthony Pettis just beat Roy Jones Jr. – I know Roy is friggin’ 60-years-old or whatever, but I don’t know what the hell is going on. It’s crazy.
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      “I didn’t see the fight, but the fact that he went 10 rounds is unbelievable.”
      When pressed on whether any other UFC talents would be making the crossover into boxing, White added: “Listen, these guys, at some point, everybody is going to move on.
      “Everybody has to do what’s right for them and make money for their families, so whatever they’ve got to do, they’ve got to do.” More

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      Francis Ngannou’s manager reveals he earned ‘more than all UFC fights combined’ in Tyson Fury bout

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU’S agent Marquel Martin has revealed his client made more money fighting Tyson Fury than in all his previous UFC bouts combined.The Predator shocked the world by dropping the heavyweight world champion in the third round of their blockbuster clash.
      Francis Ngannou is believed to have earned £8.2million from his Tyson Fury fightCredit: Reuters
      Ngannou did not earn £8m in all his UFC fights combined claims his managerCredit: Getty
      But he left Saudi Arabia disappointed as Fury scored a controversial points win.
      However Ngannou did not leave empty-handed as he picked up the biggest cheque of his fighting career.
      Martin revealed the Cameroonian received a bigger purse for the contest than in all of his previous UFC fights combined.
      He told The MMA Hour: “It’s up there. I would say up there. Multiples upon multiples upon multiples [more than the UFC],
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      “I saw a statement, and let me make this clear — someone said, I forget who it was, that, ‘Oh, between the fights that he missed out on or whatever, he still fumbled the bag.’
      “You’re absolutely incorrect. I know what the pay-per-view numbers look like. I know what he would have gotten paid [in the UFC].
      “Still, you add up all of that, whatever you want to say, no, Francis did not fumble the bag. He’s gotten, [with] just that one fight, more than everything he could have made [in the UFC] combined.”
      Ngannou, 37, had 14 fights in the UFC – one of which came as a defending champion.
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      It is believed the veteran fighter picked up £8.2million for fighting the Gypsy King.
      Fury collected a staggering £65m for the Riydah dust-up. More

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      Conor McGregor agrees to fight KSI after being confronted by Derek Chisora at Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou

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      CONOR McGREGOR agreed to fight old rival KSI after being confronted by Derek Chisora in Saudi Arabia. McGregor embarked on a bizarre feud with the YouTuber-turned boxer after challenging KSI to a bare-knuckle scrap.
      Conor McGregor agreed to fight KSI after being confronted by Derek ChisoraCredit: TNT SPORTS
      KSI has been involved in a bizarre feud with McGregorCredit: Getty
      Chisora, 39, is a friend and training partner of KSI’s and asked the UFC legend when the two will fight.
      McGregor responded: “Tomorrow, if he’s here tonight! We’re fighting him on the same card. We’re on the same card in March.”
      The Irishman’s embrace with Chisora came on the night Tyson Fury, 35, controversially beat ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou, 37 on points.
      McGregor, 35, has boxed only once before, losing to American great Floyd Mayweather, 46, in ten rounds.
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      The money-spinning spectacle kickstarted the new age of crossover fights including boxers, MMA stars and social media influencers.
      KSI, 30, is a pioneer of the YouTube boxing scene and suffered his first loss in October, against Fury’s younger brother Tommy, 24.
      Mid-way through the fight, McGregor posted: “Ya know what. Me and KSI is an exciting fight.
      “A juicy nixer I used to call them back when I was a plumber now I’m on the lambo yacht he’s in a huracan.”
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      KSI has appealed his disputed points loss but announced he will take time out from boxing while McGregor was called out by Tommy.
      Tommy told Fight Hub TV: “I would love to share the ring with Conor McGregor, and if Conor wants it next, I’ll 100 per cent share the ring with him.
      “I’m a fan of Conor McGregor. I like him. He’s a good man who got me into UFC.
      “If he wants to share the ring, my hand is there, the offer is there. I’ll have Conor next.”
      Tommy Fury called out McGregor after beating KSICredit: Reuters More

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      Nate Diaz offered stunning £12.3MILLION for Jake Paul rematch in MMA but UFC legend ‘hiding behind a rock’

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      NATE DIAZ has been offered £12.3MILLION to rematch Jake Paul in MMA – but he is “hiding behind a rock”. Paul, 26, beat the ex-UFC star in his boxing return over ten rounds in August and immediately called out Diaz, 38, to fight in the cage.
      Jake Paul has offered Nate Diaz a rematch in MMACredit: Getty
      The YouTuber-turned prizefighter signed with the Professional Fighters League this year with his MMA debut set for 2024.
      And PFL owner Donn Davis laid out a challenge to Diaz as Paul searches for his first opponent in the cage.
      Davis said on The MMA Hour: “If we could ever put together Jake versus Nate, if Nate would stop weaseling out and complaining about that MMA fight with Jake.
      “I respect Nate, he’s the people’s champ, he’s a man’s man, he’s stand up as all stand up.
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      “But, he said, ‘I’ll do it in the PFL SmartCage two minutes after the [Paul boxing fight], he’s got a standing offer of between $10 and $15 million (£8.2m and £12.5m), and he’s hiding behind a rock.
      “Ten-15 million, biggest payday of his life. He gets beat by Jake and he’s hiding behind a rock.”
      Diaz is yet to confirm his fighting future having walked out on the UFC to pursue his boxing bout with Paul.
      Paul meanwhile returns to the ring on December 15 and teased that it would be against a professional boxer.
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      And his business partner Nikisa Bidarian revealed Paul was due to face a 7-1 opponent until the visa issue struck.
      Bidarian said: “Just regarding Friday, December 15, there was a plan to announce Jake Paul’s opponent for that evening. 
      “Unfortunately, the opponent, which was a 7-1 boxer, has not been able to obtain a visa to come to the US.
      “So we’re currently reviewing alternative options for his opponent, but the plan is to try to announce it within the next two weeks.”
      Jake Paul is set to return on December 15Credit: Reuters More

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      Francis Ngannou talks up super-fight with Deontay Wilder after Tyson Fury battle but hints it could have a huge twist

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU has talked up a super-fight with Deontay Wilder – but there could be a twist. Ngannou swapped the MMA cage for the boxing ring for his crossover clash in Saudi Arabia against Tyson Fury.
      Francis Ngannou has talked up a super-fight with Deontay WilderCredit: YouTube
      Francis Ngannou floored Tyson FuryCredit: GETTY
      And he astonishingly dropped Fury and was desperately unfortunate to walk away on the losing end of a split-decision.
      Ngannou’s heroic performance has seen him leave the door open to more boxing bouts.
      He previously held talks to face Wilder before finalising a deal with Fury.
      The fight could now be re-visited but according to Ngannou, possibly in the cage.
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      He said on The MMA Hour: “I think that is a good idea.
      “In fact, we have spoken about that. In fact, that has been in the discussions. So that’s something that can potentially happen.
      “Deontay Wilder for a couple of months, for a little while now, has been training MMA. Because there is an option here.
      “Nothing is set, but it’s been something been coming to my ear, to my attention, so that’s something that makes sense.
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      “He’s really serious about MMA. I know a lot of people talk, ‘I’m going to do this in boxing and do that in MMA.’
      “But Deontay Wilder is very interested in MMA and even to step in the octagon for MMA and MMA only.”
      Wilder, 38, has previously called for a two-bout deal with Ngannou, 37, to fight in both boxing and MMA.
      Ngannou walked out on the UFC to pursue boxing while also signing for the Professional Fighters League.
      PFL owner Donn Davis – who gave his blessing to the heavyweight to box – has welcomed Wilder over to the cage.
      Davis said: “What would I think would be fascinating? Deontay Wilder in a mixed rules fight. I always say, what do I want to see?
      “I know a lot about boxing and a lot about MMA, but I’m not a savant. I’m not a deep, deep, deep insider.
      “So I like to test, what do I think millions of people would love to see? I think that’s the most interesting thing we could all see.”
      Deontay Wilder has been called out by Francis NgannouCredit: Getty More

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      Francis Ngannou in sensational talks to fight Deontay Wilder after heroic display against Tyson Fury, Malik Scott says

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      DEONTAY WILDER is in sensational talks to fight Francis Ngannou, his trainer Malik Scott said. Ex-UFC champion Ngannou made his professional boxing debut in Saudi Arabia against undefeated star Tyson Fury.
      Francis Ngannou could fight Deontay WilderCredit: AFP
      Wilder previously held talks to face NgannouCredit: Getty
      And the Cameroonian ring novice had Fury down in round three and desperately unlucky to walk away with a split-decision loss.
      The heroic display has left Ngannou open to more boxing bouts and according to Wilder’s coach Scott, they could be next.
      He told FightHype: “We’re already in communications about it.
      “He’s an option now, and we’re going to see where things go. Yeah, absolutely,”
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      Ngannou, 37, held talks to fight Wilder before finalising a deal with Fury, 35.
      The Bronze Bomber, 38, also walked away to focus on a blockbuster with Anthony Joshua, 34, in the Middle East.
      But those negotiations have also since cooled with the heavyweight super-fight looking more likely in the new year.
      Wilder has even teased a switch to MMA and Ngannou – recently signed to the Professional Fighters League – is open to a two-bout deal.
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      He said on The MMA Hour: “We have spoken about that. In fact, that has been in the discussions. So that’s something that can potentially happen.
      “Deontay Wilder for a couple of months, for a little while now, has been training MMA. Because there is an option here.
      “Nothing is set, but it’s been something been coming to my ear, to my attention, so that’s something that makes sense.
      “He’s really serious about MMA. I know a lot of people talk, ‘I’m going to do this in boxing and do that in MMA.’
      “But Deontay Wilder is very interested in MMA and even to step in the octagon for MMA and MMA only.”
      Ngannou is open to more boxing boutsCredit: Reuters More

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      Emotional Conor McGregor fights back tears recalling leg break as he reveals return timeline amid UFC 300 rumours

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      CONOR MCGREGOR fought back a wave of emotions as he reflected on his hiatus from the octagon.The Irishman, 35, hasn’t set foot inside the cage since breaking his leg in his Las Vegas trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier two-and-a-half years ago.
      Conor McGregor hasn’t fought since breaking his left leg two-and-a-half years agoCredit: AP
      The former two-division champion is fighting fit and ready to return to the cageCredit: INSTAGRAM@THENOTORIOUSMMA
      The Notorious was overcome with emotion when asked about his journey back to full healthCredit: MMA JUNKIE
      McGregor is fighting fit and ready to return to action next year after a long and arduous recovery, although he still bears the psychological scars of that fateful night in Sin City.
      The Notorious said this past weekend: “I’ve been kept from my living for almost three years now.
      “Understand that. I came through what I came through. I’m sitting on an injury and a loss.
      “You hear what Alexander Volkanovski said? I relate. I must return to my way of living.
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      “This is my job. It’s beyond frustrating. … I just want the date. Give me the date, please. That’s it.”
      McGregor put the wheels in motion for his long-awaited comeback fight with Michael Chandler by re-entering the USADA drug testing pool.
      Although the UFC’s partnership with the anti-doping agency ends on December 31, they plan to keep McGregor on ice for the six months he would’ve required to be in the pool had a new deal been reached.
      That lines up perfectly for a blockbuster return in April, the month UFC 300 is expected to take place.
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      And that timeline works perfectly for the Dubliner, who said: “I’m happy with April.
      “I would’ve loved it earlier, but if I’m to be honest and be realistic, for my fans, I want to put in a good run, build myself back, and that’s it.
      “It’s looking like April, mixed martial arts.”
      Former three-time Bellator lightweight champion Chandler was announced as the opposite half of McGregor’s comeback fight back in February.
      McGregor has flirted with several other bouts on social media in recent months but believes Chandler is still his most likely opponent.
      The UFC’s first simultaneous two-weight world champion said: “It’s whoever they want.
      “I won’t ever say no. I just want a date. I won’t ever say no to no one, yeah?
      “Chandler is what it seems to be. It does not matter to me as long as I get back in there.”
      Conor McGregor will be welcomed back to the octagon by Michael ChandlerCredit: TWITTER@THENOTORIOUSMMA More