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    ‘I’d fight you’ – Conor McGregor teases brutal bare-knuckle boxing switch after facing off with ex-UFC star Mike Perry

    CONOR McGREGOR teased a switch to bare-knuckle boxing after squaring off with Mike Perry in the ring. The Irishman took a ringside seat in Denver to watch Perry brutally beat ex-UFC champion Luke Rockhold in two rounds.
    Mike Perry facing off with Conor McGregorCredit: Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
    And McGregor was called out by the American for a face off in the ring before the two exchanged words.
    Perry, 31, said: “Can I get a face-off with Conor McGregor?”
    The UFC legend, wearing a Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship belt, then strutted into the squared circle.
    And he told Perry: “Fair play to you mate, I respect you. I’m into this game, I’m into this game.
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    “Fair play to you. I’d fight you. I’d fight you most definitely. I’d fight you no problem, mate. I’m never retiring.”
    McGregor, who was in Las Vegas last week to watch Gervonta Davis beat Ryan Garcia, flew into Denver to watch the show.
    And he boasted about holding gold in his first time in the BKFC ring.
    McGregor, 34, said: “It’s an incredible set-up here, incredible matchmaking, incredibly storytelling, I had to come here.
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    “I flew straight away I was not going to miss this and it did not disappoint.
    “All these fighters that stepped in here are warriors and all have my respect and I’m into this game, I’d be into this.
    “I already have the belt. How am I showing up here and already I’ve got the belt? Come get it baby. Come get the strap.”
    McGregor is set to make his UFC return this year against Michael Chandler, 36, having not fought since July 2021.
    Whereas Perry went 3-0 in the BKFC ring having left the UFC in 2021 and called to fight McGregor next.
    He said: “What’s next for me? Conor McGregor. He likes to box too, we can go throw hands. And he gave me a face-off, man. How cool was that?”
    Mike Perry beat Luke RockholdCredit: Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship More

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    KSI accepts Jake Paul fight after arrest warrant is issued for former UFC star Nate Diaz

    KSI has offered to step up on short notice and face Jake Paul if his bitter rival’s clash with Nate Diaz falls through.Former UFC star Diaz is a wanted man following his alleged involvement in a mass brawl in New Orleans last Friday, with a warrant for his arrest being issued on Monday.
    Nate Diaz is set to throw down with Jake Paul in AugustCredit: MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS
    But the fight could be up in the air after an arrest warrant was issued for Diaz’s arrest following his alleged involvement in a street fightCredit: INSTAGRAM@BAMBAJUICE
    KSI has offered to save the day if Diaz has to withdraw from the fight – an offer Paul quickly accepted
    It’s not yet known if Diaz’s imminent legal issues will impact his Dallas dust-up with Paul, but that hasn’t stopped Brit YouTuber KSI from offering up his services.
    KSI – real name Olajide Olatunji – tweeted on Monday: “Well, if that mean[s] Jake won’t have an opponent in August.
    “Then I’ll gladly come as the replacement after I KO Joe Fournier in May.”
    It didn’t take long for YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul to get wind of KSI’s offer – which he gladly accepted.
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    He said: “Great. I accept you as the backup opponent. Fight is at 185 [lbs].
    “There are no rehydration clauses. Stay in shape and we will give you a call if needed.
    “Thanks buddy for being so humble and committed.”
    The agreement didn’t go unnoticed by Diaz, who issued an X-rated response to the social media sensations.
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    Nate Diaz has yet to break his silence on his alleged New Orleans brawlCredit: ap
    The former UFC lightweight title challenger tweeted: “”Lol.
    “Why don’t u two scared p*****s just fight each other [in] August?
    “I’ll fight someone who can really fight.”
    Diaz has found himself in hot water after reportedly choking a Logan Paul lookalike UNCONSCIOUS is a street brawl after the being attacked.
    The MMA legend has yet to break his silence on the incident, which Logan Paul impersonator and former fighter Rodney Petersen Jr spoke about on social media.
    He said: “So I don’t know what the hell I did to Nate Diaz.
    “But I’ll telling you what, I’m going to knock him the f*** out when I know he’s coming.
    “You caught me off guard, dude. Did you think I was Logan? What the f***?”
    SunSport have reached out to Diaz’s representatives for comment. More

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    Nate Diaz hints he may PULL OUT of Jake Paul fight after arrest warrant issued and tells YouTuber to fight KSI

    NATE DIAZ has seemingly hinted he may PULL OUT of his clash with Jake Paul.The MMA legend – who left the UFC last September – is set to trade leather with the YouTuber-turned-boxer in a Dallas dust-up on August 5.
    Former UFC star Nate Diaz is set to fight Jake Paul in a boxing match in AugustCredit: GETTY
    But a warrant for his arrest has been issued following his involvement in a New Orleans brawlCredit: INSTAGRAM@BAMBAJUICE
    Diaz has hinted he’ll pull out of his clash with Paul after the YouTuber agreed to have KSI be a backup fighterCredit: TWITTER
    But the fight is seemingly up in the air after a warrant for Diaz’s arrest was issued on Monday following his involvement in a mass brawl in New Orleans last week.
    Diaz’s seemingly imminent legal troubles prompted KSI to offer to step in and settle the score with The Problem Child.
    And that sparked a fierce response from former UFC lightweight title challenger Diaz, who tweeted: “Lol.
    “Why don’t u two scared p*****s just fight each other [in] August?
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    “I’ll fight someone who can really fight.”
    Diaz’s x-rated message to the pair came after Paul accepted the prospect of KSI being the backup opponent for his return to the ring.
    He said: “Great. I accept you as the backup opponent. [The] fight is at 185. There are no rehydration clauses.
    “Stay in shape and we will give you a call if needed. Thanks, buddy, for being so humble and committed.”
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    Future UFC Hall of Famer Diaz found himself involved in a mass brawl following Misfits Boxing’s show in New Orleans – where he nearly clashed with Chase Demoor.
    Diaz didn’t throw any punches, opting instead to choke out his attacker OUT COLD with a standing guillotine after being rushed upon.
    The Stockon slugger then proceeded to carefully drop the man – who turned out to be Logan Paul lookalike and pro-MMA fighter Rodney Petersen Jr – on the street floor.
    Nate Diazs showdown with Jake Paul is set to take place in Dallas on August 5Credit: MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS
    Diaz has yet to publicly address the incident, although Petersen took to social media to discuss the melee.
    He said: “So I don’t know what the hell I did to Nate Diaz.
    “But I’ll telling you what, I’m going to knock him the f*** out when I know he’s coming.
    “You caught me off guard, dude. Did you think I was Logan? What the f***?”
    SunSport have reached out to Diaz’s representatives for comment. More

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    Conor McGregor bumps into Floyd Mayweather’s dad and would ‘love to do work’ with him despite rivalry with boxing legend

    CONOR McGREGOR bumped into Floyd Mayweather’s dad and revealed he would “love to do work” with the boxing coach. McGregor famously lost to Mayweather Jr in their lucrative 2017 boxing match, which ended in round ten.
    Floyd Mayweather Sr bumping into Conor McGregor in Las Vegas
    And the Irishman had some memorable run-ins with Mayweather Sr leading up to the pay-per-view blockbuster.
    But it seems all is forgiven as the pair met up again in Las Vegas on the night Gervonta Davis knocked out Ryan Garcia.
    McGregor appeared to praise Mayweather’s padwork and professed that he would like to train with the former professional boxer.
    He said: “I’d love to do work with you. Would love to do work with you some day.”
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    Mayweather in 2018 offered to bring McGregor into his Las Vegas boxing club for training.
    But McGregor responded: “F*** the Mayweathers, except Senior and Roger. There is no peace here kid. Step up or step down.”
    Mayweather, 46, officially retired after beating McGregor, 34, but has continued to box in exhibition bouts.
    And he last year opened the door to rematching the UFC icon, in either an exhibition or professional bout.
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    McGregor has also expressed his interest in a rematch having claimed Mayweather failed to follow up on a promise to fight him in MMA.
    He said on Fox News: “That was the original, it was a verbal agreement, I box him, he fights me. But he didn’t honour it.
    “He didn’t honoured it yet you know, who knows? I would go against him in another boxing bout. I’d like another crack at it.”
    Mayweater’s last exhibition was over eight rounds against reality TV star-turned boxer Aaron Chalmers at London’s O2 Arena.
    And he later announced he would box five more times in five different locations, including America, Asia and Europe.
    McGregor meanwhile is set to face Michael Chandler in his UFC return – his first fight since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021.
    Floyd Mayweathe beat Conor McGregor in 2017Credit: GETTY More

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    Angry Jake Paul challenges Conor McGregor to fight and claims he is better boxer than UFC star

    JAKE PAUL has told Conor McGregor he is a “better boxer” than him as he challenged the UFC legend to a boxing match.The YouTuber-turned-boxer is currently preparing to face another octagon icon inside the ring.
    Jake Paul has challenged Conor McGregor to a boxing fightCredit: Getty
    The Problem Child insists that he is a ‘better boxer’ than the IrishmanCredit: Getty
    Despite losing his 100 per cent record with February’s defeat to Tommy Fury, the 26-year-old is pulling on the gloves again to battle Nate Diaz on August 5.
    However, The Problem Child and Notorious have fired verbal jabs at each other for numerous years.
    And after McGregor claimed Diaz would “slap the head off” Paul, the American has hit back at the Irishman.
    Calling him out on his social media platforms, Paul said: “I’m a better boxer than you Conor and will do what you couldn’t and knock Nate out. 
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    “After Nate let’s box as the co main event same night as Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano in Dublin. 
    “But since you’re not your own boss you will hide behind Dana [White] or just drink the rest of your life away. August 5th you will see.”
    Serrano then backed the potential fight between the two stars, tweeting: “This has to be at Croke Park @MostVpromotions and @EddieHearn. Let’s Get It!”
    Paul’s promotion company also added on social media: “Katie Taylor is the greatest Irish athlete of all time. Amanda Serrano is the greatest Puerto Rican boxer of all time. The rematch in Ireland is massive. 
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    “Add Jake Paul and Conor McGregor and you just made the biggest fight event in European history.”
    McGregor did step into the ring for a lucrative fight with Floyd Mayweather in 2017 but was stopped in the tenth round.
    The 34-year-old 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.
    McGregor launched his Proper No12 whiskey in September 2018. He sold his controlling share in the wildly successful brand in April 2021 for an eyewatering $600million (£490m). More

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    ‘I wanna see it again’ – UFC superstar Conor McGregor demands Gervonta Davis rematches Ryan Garcia under one condition

    CONOR McGREGOR has demanded Ryan Garcia get a rematch with Gervonta Davis following their super-fight. The UFC legend was in the house to watch the blockbuster boxing bout between two of the sport’s most popular fighters.
    Ryan Garcia with Conor McGregorCredit: Golden Boy

    And Davis, 28, emerged as the winner when a sickening body shot in round seven left Garcia, 24, unable to continue.
    The fight was staged at a catchweight of 136lb with the contract including a 10lb rehydration clause.
    It meant they had to weigh in again on the morning of the bout – not exceeding the 10lb limit – and both did so under 145lb.
    But McGregor wants to see the stipulation scrapped if the pair ever share the ring with each other again.

    Visiting Garcia’s dressing room after the loss, he said: “He’s 1-0 on you, yous are the two biggest names in the division, I wanna see it again.
    “I want to see it again now and I want to see it with no rehydration clause. I’m serious.”
    McGregor, 34, added: “All the respect in the world to you.
    “You’re the future. you’re the future of this game and I will be watching you all the way.”
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    Garcia made it to his feet after a left hand in round two knocked him down for the first time in the bout.
    But he was unable to beat the count again when a liver shot from Davis, 28, landed on the money.
    Garcia – whose last fight was at the 140lb super-lightweight limit – is holding out for a future rematch up in weight.
    Speaking out afterwards, he said: “Obviously I’m disappointed after the fight. Tried my best, he caught me with a good body shot.
    “I’ll come back stronger and yeah man, hopefully one day rack up a couple of wins and we can do a rematch, maybe at 140 or 147.
    “But thank you guys for all the support, love you guys.”
    Gervonta Davis beat Ryan Garcia in round sevenCredit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
    Ryan Garcia was unable to make it to his feetCredit: AP More

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    Carl Froch threatens to ‘smash Conor McGregor’s head in’ as social media feud with UFC superstar drags on

    CARL FROCH has continued his war of words with Conor McGregor by vowing to “smash” the MMA superstar’s head in.Former two-division UFC champion McGregor has found himself embroiled in an ongoing feud with The Cobra over the last few months, exchanging jibes on social media.
    Conor McGregor recently claimed he’d beat both Carl Froch and George Groves at the same time in the cageCredit: AFP
    Froch has upper the ante by vowing to “smash” his head inCredit: INSTAGRAM@THENOTORIOUSMMA
    MMA mogul McGregor recently claimed he’d “slaughter” both Froch and the boxer’s old rival George Groves inside the octagon.
    That notion has amused former WBC and IBF super-middleweight champion Froch, who said on his podcast with Groves: “Me and George Groves at the same time?
    ” Are you sure? Have you seen the size of George?
    “No disrespect to George.
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    “But literally I’d pepper you with the jab, maybe hit you with one right hand.
    “Actually, no, if I hit you with one right hand then the fight’s over.”
    Froch joked that former opponent Groves would keep McGregor grounded for the duration of the fight if he got his hands on him.
    He continued: “Let’s just say George Groves ends up on the ground with you and he rolls on top of you, then what are you gonna do?
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    “The fight would be done.
    “Then I could just smash your head in while George Groves lies on you.
    “Yeah if you fancy that, I’ll take that. Eddie Hearn, let’s get it made.”
    UFC superstar McGregor, 34, hasn’t set foot inside the octagon since breaking his leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.

    The Irishman, however, is set to return to action later this year in a blockbuster showdown with Michael Chandler.
    But a date for the eagerly-anticipated clash has yet to be finalised.
    That’s because McGregor has yet to re-enter the United States Anti-Doping Agency’s testing pool – which fighters must be in for a minimum of six months.
    As of of April 13, the date for the latest sample update, McGregor has still yet to be tested by USADA. More

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    Anthony Joshua in shock talks to face ex-UFC champion as he targets stunning cross-combat fight

    EDDIE HEARN met for talks over lunch with ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannouu – paving the way for a fight with Anthony Joshua. Ngannou is a free agent having walked out on the UFC without losing his belt following a breakdown in negotiations to extend his contact.
    Anthony Joshua with promoter Eddie HearnCredit: Rex
    And the Cameroonian has set his sights on a lucrative switch to boxing, having been linked with the sport’s top stars.
    Joshua – who beat Jermaine Franklin on points in his return fight under new trainer Derrick James – is among those,
    Hearn said The MMA Hour: “People would give fighters a much better chance against AJ having watched that performance. In your world, that translates to Francis Ngannou. And why not?
    “I don’t feel like it’s a fight that’s going to continue the development of Anthony Joshua under his new trainer, but I’d done lunch with Francis Ngannou. You know his story.
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    “I was completely gobsmacked by the story of this man. We sat for two hours, and I was just listening to just the most remarkable — I mean, how this isn’t a film, I have no idea.
    “Unbelievable. I’m thinking, ‘Please let me go to Hollywood now with you and sell this film.’
    “People need to be educated about what that man has been through, and his story to get to where he’s got to.
    “I found him fascinating. Lovely guy, lovely guy, and I’d love to do something.”
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    Ngannou, 36, overcame poverty in his homeland before emigrating to France in pursuit of a fighting career.
    And having found it easier to find bouts in MMA opposed to boxing, the heavyweight transitioned sports and was later signed by the UFC.
    Ngannou went on to win the UFC title in 2021, making one defence before vacating after walking out on the promotion.
    Tyson Fury, 34, and Deontay Wilder, 37, are among the other alternatives for the African star in boxing.
    And Hearn admitted Ngannou carries a puncher’s chance when he does swap the cage for the ring.
    He said: “You cannot in a million years, with Francis Ngannou’s ability in boxing and pedigree in boxing, go in and compete technically, skill-wise.
    “Not just with AJ but with any top-20 heavyweight in the world. But in that division the difference is what you can do is you could knock someone out.
    “So it doesn’t matter whether Francis fights Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury — I agree with you, horrible fight for Francis Ngannou because he’d he just poke him around — Deontay Wilder, Dillian Whyte, Derek Chisora, Jermaine Franklin.
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    “He has no chance against those guys, other than to be aggressive, trade up, and catch someone clean and take him out.”
    Francis Ngannou formerly held the UFC titleCredit: Getty More