UFC

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Boxing

      Conor McGregor challenges Tyson Fury to step into the cage after boxing superstar vow to fight Francis Ngannou

      by

      CONOR McGREGOR has questioned whether Tyson Fury will ever follow up on his vow to fight in the cage. Fury has called out former UFC champion Francis Ngannou to a mixed-rules bout in the cage before.
      Ex-UFC star Darren Till with Tyson FuryCredit: Refer to Caption
      Conor McGregor questioned whether Tyson Fury will ever fight in the cage
      He proposed a stand-up bout, contested with the smaller 4oz MMA gloves but under boxing rules.
      But UFC legend McGregor has heard one too many of Fury’s broken promises to take the challenge too seriously.
      He said: “Is Tyson willing to step in the f****g cage or what? He’s saying he would, Tyson says a lot of things. 
      “I love him, he’s a mad, mad thing Tyson. And I’m excited to see him go.”
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      Fury, 34, is currently faced with forgoing a summer return fight with available opponents limited.
      It came after he saw talks to face Oleksandr Usyk, 36, in the heavyweight division’s first four-belt unification bout collapse.
      But boxing bosses in Saudi Arabia are looking to revive the historic fight as part of a series of tournament-style bouts.
      Eddie Hearn revealed there is a plan in place to have Fury fight Usyk on the same night as Anthony Joshua, 33, against Deontay Wilder, 37.
      Most read in Boxing
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      And McGregor probed the promoter at his Black Forge Inn pub in Dublin, just days out from Katie Taylor’s homecoming fight.
      He said: “What’s the old craic with the old Saudi, is that four real? With the four? I know you want the fight. Saudi want to do it? 
      “Interesting isn’t it the Saudis, do you reckon it will happen?” 
      Hearn: “It’s a lot of money. There’s three people that will do it. We’ll see what Tyson Fury thinks.” 
      McGregor lost his boxing debut in 2017 to unbeaten great Floyd Mayweather, 46, but fancies fighting Mexican icon Canelo Alvarez, 32.
      Although he joked Hearn would have to settle for a co-promotion such is the UFC icon’s superstardom.
      McGregor said: “You know the level I’m at, at best co-promote! At best co-promote.”
      Eddie Hearn with Conor McGregor More

    • 238 Shares119 Views

      in Boxing

      Conor McGregor ready to fight Canelo Alvarez ‘no f****g problem’… but tells Eddie Hearn he will have to ‘co-promote’

      by

      CONOR McGREGOR said he would fight Canelo Alvarez “no f****g problem” – but Eddie Hearn has to settle for a co-promotion. McGregor made his professional boxing debut in 2017, losing to American legend Floyd Mayweather in ten rounds.
      Conor McGregor is open to fighting Canelo AlvarezCredit: Rex Features
      Canelo Alvarez is boxing’s biggest superstarCredit: AP
      And despite the UFC showing no signs of giving the Irishman another exemption to fight outside the promotion, he has teased a boxing return.
      Lefty McGregor has studied the losing efforts of southpaws Billy Joe Saunders, 33, and John Ryder, 34, both beaten by Canelo.
      And it leaves MMA’s greatest superstar leaving the door open to a bout with boxing’s biggest attraction.
      McGregor said: “I saw Ryder, I’m a southpaw, Ryder was a southpaw, Billy Joe was a southpaw, I’ve seen methods, I’ve seen things I’d do. 
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      “I know he’s waining, I’d fight Canelo no f****g problem. Out straight. No problem.” 
      Canelo, 32, has been promoted by Hearn for the last three years.
      But McGregor, 34, joked should he face the Mexican superstar the pie would have to be split down the middle.
      He said: “You know the level I’m at, at best co-promote! At best co-promote.”
      Most read in Boxing
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      McGregor has linked up with Hearn to promote Katie Taylor’s long anticipated homecoming fight.
      Taylor, 36, challenges Chantelle Cameron, 32, for the undisputed super-lightweight crown in Ireland’s first boxing event since 2014.
      McGregor’s Forged Irish Stout and Tidl recovery spray has sponsored the event and kickstarted a friendship with Hearn.
      Speaking at his Black Forge Inn pub, he said: “I love him, he’s clued in, he’s in tune and he’s committed to the fighters and the sport and he’s very, very passionate and you can tell all day. 
      “It’s great to do business with him, great to be partnered with him, great to be friends with him and that’s it. He’s a top man.” 
      Conor McGregor with boxing promoter Eddie HearnCredit: @eddiehearn More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury challenges Jon Jones to a fight after the UFC legend claimed talk of them meeting had ‘struck a nerve’

      by

      TYSON FURY has challenged Jon Jones to a boxing match after the UFC legend claimed talk of them fighting had “struck a nerve” with the Gypsy King.The 34-year-old WBC heavyweight champion initially took to his Instagram story to respond to a prediction made by controversial podcast host Joe Rogan.
      Tyson Fury has challenged Jon Jones to a boxing fightCredit: Instagram @tysonfury
      Joe Rogan said Jon Jones, above, would be the only one to walk out a room if they were locked inCredit: Alamy
      He had stated that MMA star Jones would be the one to walk out of a room if he and Fury were locked in one together.
      But the boxing icon soon hit back at those comments in X-rated fashion on social media and said: “I’m the baddest man on the planet.
      “I heard Joe Rogan say something about me, and I’ve been off all the social medias and didn’t reply to that little p****. Little f****** midget, bald-headed midget.
      “I heard him say that Jon Jones could f*** me up if we were in the room together. I don’t think so.
      READ MORE FURY
      “Not a man born from a mother could f*** me up, in a room, on our own. Whatever happens in that room, I’d be walking out. Not a f****** problem.”
      That led to UFC heavyweight champ Jones, 35, then tweeting: “Hey Tyson, it seems like Joe may have struck a nerve.
      “I’ll admit there’s no one touching you in that ring right now, but let’s not let that confuse you with what would happen if you stepped foot in my cage.
      “If you ever want to put some of those questions you got going on to rest, give Dana a call. I’ll help you out.”
      Most read in Boxing
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Now Fury has taken to social media again to post a video of himself saying: “I see Jon Jones has piped up, Jon you’re talking about me in the cage. I’m not a cage fighter mate I’m a boxer, the best boxer actually.
      “If you want to come into a boxing ring and fight me, be my guest and let me know. You don’t have to call anybody else, no dramas, nobody.
      “You call me because it’s a boxing fight and I’m the boss in this gym, me. You’re a great fighter Jon, but you’re no boxer that’s for sure. All the best and good luck.”
      Jones, who became UFC’s heavyweight champion in March after going up a weight division, has won 27 of his 28 UFC bouts, with his one loss coming via disqualification against Matt Hamill after 12-to-6 illegal elbows.
      Meanwhile, Fury has 33 wins and one draw from his 34 fights, including 24 KO wins.
      He is currently preparing for his next bout after failed talks with both Oleksandr Usyk and Andy Ruiz Jr already this year, something he blames on the rest of the division.
      That means he has only fought once in the past 12 months, when he stopped old foe Derek Chisora in the tenth round at Tottenham Stadium in a one-sided fight in December, and has resulted in him dropping out of the top 50 highest-paid sports on the planet. More

    • 300 Shares169 Views

      in Boxing

      Conor McGregor left me a bit shy when I met him but now he FaceTimes telling me to get some sleep, reveals Eddie Hearn

      by

      EDDIE HEARN admitted Conor McGregor left him a little shy when they first met… now they catch up over FaceTime. The UFC legend has thrown his support to Hearn, who is bringing Katie Taylor back to Ireland for the first time in her professional career.
      Conor McGregor with boxing promoter Eddie Hearn
      In February, the pair met up at McGregor’s Black Forge Inn pub in Dublin to discuss Taylor’s homecoming fight.
      And Hearn revealed he was left a little starstruck by the MMA superstar, who is now sponsoring this Saturday’s fight.
      But after going into business with each other, McGregor, 34, is checking in to make sure the promoter is getting his beauty sleep.
      Hearn told SunSport in Dublin: “We’re getting on very well.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      “He FaceTimed me and it was almost like a brother phoning me up last night, or a dad going, ‘Alright? Good day today, I’ve seen it all.’ Good work, make sure you get some sleep, you need to go again tomorrow.’ 
      “I was like, ‘Alright, thanks a lot.’ We’re out pushing all his brands and looking forward to seeing him tonight.” 
      McGregor’s Forged Irish Stout and Tidl recovery spay are official sponsors of Taylor’s undisputed fight with Chantelle Cameron.
      But Hearn – who has raved about McGregor’s stout – seems to have got the ex-UFC champion’s unmatched promotional skills included in the deal.
      Most read in Boxing
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      He said: “He’s paying us but I think I’m overworking at the moment for Conor McGregor. 
      “But look, it works well together. I’m pushing his brands, he’s supporting Katie which is most important to him and he’s pushing the show. 
      “I love Conor McGregor, I think he’s amazing. I was a little bit, shy when I met him, don’t mind saying he’s a superstar. 
      “But, he obviously likes what we do, he knows we’re genuine, his support is genuine.
      “He’ll be here tonight and he’ll add that extra element to the fight.” 
      Taylor, 36, returns home for Ireland’s first boxing event since 2014.
      And she will move up to challenge super-lightweight champion Cameron, 32, after Amanda Serrano, 32, pulled out of their rematch injured.
      Hearn, who has promoted stadium fights in the UK, Mexico and America, believes the historic Irish return could top the lot.
      He said: “I can sort of tell you a dozen nights that I’ll remember forever that stand out for me, and this is well in there – and that’s before the fight. 
      Read More on The Sun
      “So ask me the same question after Saturday night, it might me number one. It’s going to be that kind of night.” 
      Katie Taylor, Eddie Hearn and Chantelle CameronCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing More

    • 288 Shares129 Views

      in Boxing

      Eddie Hearn open to promoting Conor McGregor but says UFC star is too rich to risk losing to a ‘plonker’ like Jake Paul

      by

      EDDIE HEARN would love to promote a Conor McGregor fight – but said he is far too rich to risk losing to a “plonker” like Jake Paul. The UFC superstar has thrown his support Hearn’s way ahead of Katie Taylor’s homecoming bout in Ireland this Saturday.
      Conor McGregor with boxing promoter Eddie HearnCredit: @EddieHearn
      Jake Paul has continued to call out Conor McGregorCredit: Getty
      The pair have partnered up with McGregor’s Forged Irish Stout and recovery spray Tidl sponsoring the event.
      Hearn met up with the ex-UFC champion at his Black Forge Inn pub to discuss plans to bring Taylor back home.
      And the promoter could not help himself from bringing up the subject of McGregor getting back in the ring one day too.
      Hearn told SunSport: “We talked about boxing but obviously he’s with the UFC and I respect Dana. 
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      “He also knows what he’s doing, he’s been around and if we ever get involved in promoting a fight for him, it would be fantastic. 
      “But we’re getting on very well. He FaceTimed me and it was almost like a brother phoning me up last night, or a dad going, ‘Alright? Good day to day, I’ve seen it all.’ Good work, make sure you get some sleep, you need to go again tomorrow.’ 
      “I was like, ‘Alright, thanks a lot.’ We’re out pushing all his brands and looking forward to seeing him tonight.” 
      McGregor, 34, made his professional boxing debut in 2017, losing to American legend Floyd Mayweather, 46.
      Most read in Boxing
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      The crossover blockbuster needed the special permission from the UFC to get over the line, something the company has not done since.
      That is despite McGregor being linked with facing the likes of Canelo Alvarez, 32, and Manny Pacquiao, 44, in the past.
      But Hearn reckons it would not be worth McGregor answering the callouts from YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul, 26.
      Asked who McGregor could box, he said: “Jake Paul, Nate Diaz, I dunno but I don’t think he needs to do it.
      “He’s made his money, he’s a great mixed martial artist. You don’t want to go in there and lose to someone you don’t really like.
      “It’s one thing losing to Floyd Mayweather, you don’t want to lose to a plonker.” 
      He also knows what he’s doing, he’s been around and if we ever get involved in promoting a fight for him, it would be fantastic. Eddie Hearn on Conor McGregor
      Women’s boxing sensation Taylor, 36, moves up to challenge Chantelle Cameron, 32, for the undisputed super-lightweight titles.
      It will be her only ever fight in Ireland since turning pro and the first in the region since 2014.
      So McGregor would not miss the occasion for the world – and has found himself joining Hearn in promoting the event.
      “It works well together,” Hearn said.
      “I’m pushing his brands, he’s supporting Katie which is most important to him and he’s pushing the show. 
      “I love Conor McGregor, I think he’s amazing. I was a little bit, shy when I met him, don’t mind saying he’s a superstar. 
      “But, he obviously likes what we do, he knows we’re genuine, his support is genuine.

      “He’ll be here tonight and he’ll add that extra element to the fight.” 
      Katie Taylor, Eddie Hearn and Chantelle CameronCredit: Sportsfile More

    • 213 Shares129 Views

      in Boxing

      Jake Paul welcomes ‘baddest man in the planet’ Francis Ngannou to PFL after MMA star leaves UFC

      by

      JAKE PAUL welcomed the “baddest man in the planet” Francis Ngannou to the Professional Fighters League. Ngannou has signed for the MMA promotion after walking out of the UFC as heavyweight champion following a breakdown in contract talks.
      Jake Paul welcomed the ‘baddest man in the planet’ Francis Ngannou to the PFLCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Francis Ngannou has signed for the PFLCredit:
      @francis_ngannou

      Paul this year signed with the PFL to head up a “super-fight” series on pay-per-view, which also looks set to host his MMA debut.
      And the YouTuber-turned prizefighter was quick to welcome Ngannou as the newest addition to the PFL’s roster.
      He tweeted: “The baddest man in the planet has officially joined.”
      Paul, 26, followed it up by saying: “Francis, welcome to the PFL. Everybody, it is official.
      Most read in Boxing
      “This is massive, massive, massive, massive news in MMA. We have some huge fights on the horizon.
      “Congratulations, Francis, you deserve this. The best heavyweight in the f*****g world to the PFL, and PFL Africa is going to be massive.
      “So excited. Let’s go.”
      PFL’s format consists of qualification and knockout stages, acting as MMA’s only seasonal league.
      Most read in Boxing
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      Points are earned according to the method of victory in the opening two bouts, with the top four in each weight progressing to the playoffs.
      From there it is win-or-go-home culminating in a semis and finals where a title belt and $1million prize cheque lays in wait.
      But the PFL have now launched a breakaway super-fight series, separate from their usual season, where Ngannou, 36, is set to debut in 2024.
      He said: “I am very excited for this game changing partnership with the Professional Fighters League to continue my MMA fighting career in the PFL’s PPV Super Fight Division.
      “I believe in the PFL’s “fighter first” culture and global vision including developing the sport in Africa.
      “With that, I am also proud to announce that I will serve as Chairman of PFL Africa which will be the leading MMA organisation on the continent providing great African fighters the opportunity to compete on a global platform.”
      It has also been revealed DAZN is a partner of PFL’s super-fight division and will distribute events on its PPV platform in Europe and internationally with ESPN to carry US rights.
      PFL CEO Peter Murray with Francis Ngannou More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Boxing

      Conor McGregor impressed with KSI’s controversial win over Joe Fournier despite calling YouTuber ‘friendly little nerd’

      by

      CONOR MCGREGOR was impressed with KSI’s controversial win over Joe Fournier – despite calling the YouTuber a “friendly little nerd” previously.The social media sensation remained unbeaten with a second-round knockout of the self-proclaimed billionaire at Wembley Arena on Saturday night.
      KSI secured a controversial win over Joe Fournier at Wembley Arena on SaturdayCredit: Getty
      Conor McGregor sung the YouTuber’s praises afterwardsCredit: AFP
      But it was a right elbow from The Nightmare that flattened the 40-year-old and handed him his latest victory.
      The YouTuber turned boxer initially denied cracking Fournier with the illegal strike but has since changed his tune as boxing authorities weigh up OVERTURNING his victory.
      However, UFC legend McGregor remained unmoved by the controversial finish and instead praised KSI.
      The 34-year-old tweeted: “I seen it, I liked it. He goin’, fair play, KSI.”
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      McGregor previously slotted the British star as he prepared for a “nothing burger” boxing match with his former training partner Dillon Danis – which was eventually cancelled.
      The former two division UFC champion was in no mood to entertain the fight and slammed KSI as a “friendly little nerd”, while telling Danis to get back into MMA.
      KSI responded to McGregor’s tweet talking about why he hasn’t spoken to Danis in a while, saying: “I’m sorry but I’m about do some serious damage to your boy.”
      McGregor replied: “Brother you’re a friendly little nerd I don’t care.
      Most read in Boxing
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      “He should be back doing MMA if he is doing this little nothing burger match with you.
      “I couldn’t care less about this genre of boxing, I am sorry. Have a good one.”
      McGRegor has not fought since suffering a horrific broken leg in his defeat to Dustin Poirier in 2021 at UFC 264.
      He appears to be closing in on a return to the octagon with a potential bout against Michael Chandler.
      A date for McGregor’s eagerly-anticipated clash with Chandler has yet to be announced.
      But footage of Notorious SHOVING the American has been released ahead of the return of The Ultimate Fighter.
      The lightweight standouts coached opposite one another on season 31 of the long-running reality TV show – which was filmed in Las Vegas earlier this year. More

    • 200 Shares169 Views

      in Motorsport

      Watch as woman in just lingerie squats light heavyweight ex-UFC star in bar in bizarre video

      by

      INCREDIBLE footage shows former UFC light heavyweight Luke Rockhold being squatted by a woman in her underwear.The 38-year-old last night posted a video taken in a California bar.
      Luke Rockhold clambered on to a woman’s backCredit: Instagram @lukerockhold
      The former UFC champion was amazingly squat liftedCredit: Instagram @lukerockhold
      Rockhold, 38, competed in the light heavyweight division in one of his final UFC fightsCredit: Instagram @lukerockhold
      In the clip, Rockhold can be seen draped over a woman’s back.
      The lingerie-clad woman then squat-lifts the former UFC champion, to the amazement of those watching on.
      A member of bar staff, also in wearing just her underwear, watched the squat lifts open-mouthed.
      Rockhold also appeared to enjoy himself.
      Read More in Sport
      When posting the video, he wrote: “Orange County is a gem.”
      Fans were also left amazed by the clip.
      One commented: “I like her. Hope you gave her a big tip.”
      While a second wrote: “You’re kidding.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Rockhold fought Paulo Costa at UFC 278 last yearCredit: Getty
      Another added: “You go girl!”
      The ex-middleweight champion fought for a final time in the UFC last year.
      Three years on from his light-heavyweight debut against Jan Blachowicz, Rockhold returned to middleweight to face Paulo Costa at UFC 278 in Utah.
      He produced a spirited performance, with the bout winning fight of the night.
      But Costa won comfortably via decision to bring Rockhold’s amazing UFC tenure to a close.
      He recently returned to fight action by making his BKFC debut.
      Rockhold lost to Mike Perry via second round TKO in Colorado – with Conor McGregor subsequently squaring up to the victor.
      The former champion brought the curtain down on his UFC career with a fight of the nightCredit: Getty More