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      in Soccer

      Watch ‘inspirational’ Cristiano Ronaldo square up to giant UFC legend Francis Ngannou as he prepares for Al-Nassr debut

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO and former UFC heavyweight champion Franci Ngannou jokingly went face-to-face after meeting in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.The football icon, 37, completed a free transfer to Al-Nassr after having his contract at Manchester United ripped up following a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.
      Ngannou and Ronaldo came face-to-face in SaudiCredit: Instagram @francisngannou
      The pair hugged it outCredit: Instagram @francisngannou
      In that sit-down chat, Ronaldo accused United of betrayal, while also claiming he does not respect the manager, Erik ten Hag.
      A dismal World Cup campaign followed, which saw the five-time Ballon d’Or winner score just once and be benched by hotshot Goncalo Ramos for the knockout stages.
      Portugal lost in the quarter-finals to Morocco, with Ronaldo departing the pitch in floods of tears.
      Long-time rival Lionel Messi went on to captain Argentina to their third-ever World Cup.
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      It didn’t stop Ronaldo from scoring two against Messi’s Paris Saint-Germain earlier this week, though.
      On Saturday, Ronaldo linked up with MMA free agent Ngannou, who left the UFC following a contract dispute.
      The pair jokingly went face-to-face before hugging it out.
      Ngannou, who is still recovering from injury after undergoing surgery to repair the ACL and MCL in his right knee last year, described 37-year-old Ronaldo as “inspirational”.
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      He said on Twitter: “Great talking with the GOAT in Riyadh today. Very inspirational!”
      Ronaldo is set to make his competitive Al-Nassr debut on Sunday against Ettifaq.
      Ngannou, meanwhile, is mulling over a switch to boxing.
      The Cameroonian got in the ring with Tyson Fury last year after the WBC heavyweight champ saw off Dillian Whyte inside Wembley.
      The pair teased a fight and 2023 is the year it could happen.
      Fury name-dropped Ngannou on Saturday.
      Speaking to SecondsOut, Fury said: “Francis Ngannou, I know you’re out of contract with the UFC.
      “Wanna earn some big boy money? Come see the Gypsy King.
      “Let’s do a big, big fight for the baddest MF on the planet.
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      “Let’s kick it up spicy, in a cage, four-ounce gloves, under Queensberry [boxing rules], and let’s have a badass referee like Iron Mike Tyson.
      “Did I just sell that to the world?” More

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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn opens door to ‘fascinating’ fight with Francis Ngannou after MMA star’s UFC exit

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      EDDIE HEARN has opened the door to a “fascinating” fight between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou. Ngannou is free to make a switch to boxing after walking out on the UFC while champion after failing to agree a new contract.
      Eddie Hearn opened the door to a ‘fascinating’ fight between Anthony Joshua and Francis NgannouCredit: PA
      Francis Ngannou has left the UFCCredit: Getty
      The Cameroonian called out Joshua, 33, and Tyson Fury, 34, with the prospect talked up by promoter Hearn.
      He told DAZN: “I think AJ is all about the biggest fights and the biggest challenges.
      “I think AJ has got his mind on becoming a three-time world champion, but a fight against Francis Ngnannou is fascinating.”
      Ngannou, 36, has been stripped of the UFC heavyweight title and confirmed he is eyeing a move into boxing.
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      He said on The MMA Hour: “I still want to achieve something in boxing and I want to stay in MMA as well.
      “I discovered MMA first in my life and I feel like I have some mileage to give in my sport.
      “In a perfect world, I go out there get some boxing match then get some MMA, depending on the challenges that are out there.
      “If they are out there, I want to fight the top guys in boxing. I don’t know, I think Fury has retired and come back.
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      “I don’t know where Fury is right now, but now it is time. Before, we could not do anything concrete beyond the social media stuff.
      “Whatever it is, if it is with Tyson Fury, I will take it. I have no problem doing boxing with 4oz gloves, we will figure it out.
      “Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua would be my first ideal opponent.”
      Francis Ngannou pictured with UFC president Dana WhiteCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Five boxing fights for Francis Ngannou after heavyweight star leaves UFC and eyes switch to the ring

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU has paved the way for a move over to boxing after walking out on the UFC. Ngannou leaves while still the UFC heavyweight champion after failing to agree a new contract extension.
      Francis Ngannou has left the UFCCredit: Getty
      And the Cameroonian confirmed realising his long-standing dream of entering the boxing world is on the cards.
      He said on The MMA Hour: “I still want to achieve something in boxing and I want to stay in MMA as well.”
      So here, SunSport takes a look at five massive options awaiting Ngannou in the ring.
      Tyson Fury
      The obvious choice would be the No1 in the world, unbeaten WBC champ Fury, 34, who has called out Ngannou before.
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      They even faced off against each other in April 2022 at Wembley when the Gypsy King knocked out Dillian Whyte, 34.
      Fury’s US promoter Bob Arum has given the fight the green light before, making it an easy one to make on paper.
      Tyson Fury with Francis Ngannou at WembleyCredit: BT SPORTS
      Deontay Wilder
      Wilder, 37, is another option Ngannou has talked up in the past and it is a guaranteed blockbuster for fans.
      They are considered two of the biggest punchers in the world, making for an explosive prospect.
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      And Wilder even claimed Premier Boxing Champions boss Al Haymon had discussed the Ngannou fight with him behind the scenes.
      Anthony Joshua
      Joshua, 33, has also been named by Ngannou as a potential boxing opponent alongside Fury.
      He said: “Whatever it is, if it is with Tyson Fury, I will take it. I have no problem doing boxing with 4oz gloves, we will figure it out.
      “Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua would be my first ideal opponent.”
      Anthony Joshua has been called out by Francis NgannouCredit: GETTY
      Dillian Whyte
      Whyte in the summer of 2020 recorded an unaired virtual face-off interview with Ngannou and claimed to have got the better of him.
      Promoter Eddie Hearn proposed a two-fight deal, with a bout in boxing and MMA, with ex-kickboxer Whyte having fought in the cage before.
      The Professional Fighters League have also just launched a pay-per-view super-fight division on DAZN, the same app Hearn works with.
      Dillian Whyte has exchanged words with Francis Ngannou beforeCredit: PA
      Derek Chisora
      Chisora, 38, has teased a move to MMA before and recently called Ngannou out.
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      He said: “I’m trying to fight Ngannou. I want to do it in the UFC and boxing.”
      Chisora was beaten by Fury in ten rounds in December but has ruled out retirement.
      Tyson Fury beat Derek Chisora in DecemberCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua called out by Francis Ngannou after UFC exit as heavyweight star eyes boxing switch

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU has called out Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua after leaving the UFC. The heavyweight has walked out as UFC champion after failing to agree a new contract with the MMA powerhouse.
      Francis Ngannou has called out Tyson Fury and Anthony JoshuaCredit: Getty
      Tyson Fury after beating Dillian Whyte in April 2022Credit: Reuters
      Anthony Joshua before his first fight with Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021Credit: Getty
      Now Ngannou, 36, is ready to realise his long-standing dream of making it as a professional boxer.
      And he is wasting no time in calling out two of sport’s best in Fury, 34, and Joshua, 33.
      Ngannou said on The MMA Hour: “I still want to achieve something in boxing and I want to stay in MMA as well.
      “I discovered MMA first in my life and I feel like I have some mileage to give in my sport.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      “In a perfect world, I go out there get some boxing match then get some MMA, depending on the challenges that are out there.
      “If they are out there, I want to fight the top guys in boxing. I don’t know, I think Fury has retired and come back.
      “I don’t know where Fury is right now, but now it is time. Before, we could not do anything concrete beyond the social media stuff.
      “Whatever it is, if it is with Tyson Fury, I will take it. I have no problem doing boxing with 4oz gloves, we will figure it out.
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      “Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua would be my first ideal opponent.”
      Fury faced off against Ngannou in April after he knocked out Dillian Whyte, 34, at Wembley.
      But at the time, the Cameroonian was injured and still in talks to extend his UFC deal.
      The UFC prohibit their stars from fighting outside of the promotion, unless given special permission.
      Conor McGregor, 34, was given so in 2017 for his loss to American legend Floyd Mayweather, 45.
      But Ngannou was told he would not be allowed to replicate McGregor’s move, leaving him unwilling to be tied down to one promotion.
      He said: “In that contract, I’m not free. I’m not an independent contractor. I have no rights.
      “I hand over all the power to you guys. I’ve seen in the past how you guys can utilise your power against me, and I don’t want that.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Francis Ngannou with UFC president Dana White in January 2022Credit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Francis Ngannou warned he ‘will not survive in boxing ring’ as UFC legend is linked with huge Tyson Fury fight

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU should forget about fighting Tyson Fury in a boxing ring, says former world champion Tony Bellew.Ngannou, 36, won the UFC heavyweight championship by defeating Stipe Miocic in March 2021.
      Francis Ngannou held the UFC heavyweight title for nearly two yearsCredit: Getty
      Tyson Fury is widely considered to be the best heavyweight in the worldCredit: Getty
      Ever since, he has been heavily linked with a crossover bout against boxing’s heavyweight king – WBC champion Fury, 34.
      Now the prospect of a clash with The Gypsy King has gained even more traction following confirmation of Ngannou’s departure from the UFC last week.
      It comes after Ngannou sat ringside for Fury’s win over Derek Chisora last month.
      He then called for a bout with Fury, saying: “I don’t really care about what [it] would be. I just think it’ll be a fight against Tyson Fury.
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      “It can be in a phone booth or wherever [but] that fight will happen, or (even) in the rooftop – that fight will happen.
      “Obviously, he will not compete in MMA. That’s not something that could happen. He would get killed.”
      Crossover bouts have taken place in the past – most notably when Conor McGregor fought Floyd Mayweather and lost by 10th round stoppage.
      But former boxing world champion Bellew, 40, believes stepping into the ring with Fury would be bad news for Ngannou.
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      Combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani tweeted a poll asking fans whether they would like to see Fury vs Ngannou in Bellator, PFL, boxing or BKFC.
      When boxing claimed the most votes, Bellew then replied: “Terrible shame! He will not survive in a boxing ring against anyone of any note.
      “He’s the best MMA heavyweight in the world right now and he needs to stay within his discipline..🤞.”
      Fury has not lost in 34 professional contests, a run which stretches back to his debut in 2008.
      The only blemish on the Brit’s record came in a controversial draw with Deontay Wilder in 2018 – with Fury subsequently going on to stop the American in their following two fights.
      Ngannou has a professional MMA record of 17 wins and three defeats but has not lost since 2018.
      He has never had a pro boxing bout.
      When asked in April 2022 about a possible clash with Ngannou, Fury told BT Sport: “Definitely sometime next year. 2023. That fight will happen!
      Read More on The Sun
      “Because by the end of the year, to know exactly [where I stand], we’re going to sort it and get settled and ready to go.”
      He then added: “Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou in Africa, that would be the best one. The Rumble in the Jungle 2!”
      Tony Bellew won the WBC cruiserweight title in 2016Credit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury tipped to fight Francis Ngannou for ‘go f*** yourself money’ after leaving UFC over contract row

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      UFC middleweight contender Sean Strickland wants to see his team-mate and now free agent Francis Ngannou enjoy “go f*** yourself money” by fighting Tyson Fury.President Dana White revealed the Cameroonian-French fighter had been released from the UFC after failing to agree new terms on his deal.
      Ngannou with Fury in-ring last year teasing a fightCredit: BT SPORTS
      Strickland is sad to see his team-mate leave the UFC but tells him to fight FuryCredit: Getty
      White claimed the contract offered would have made Ngannou the “highest-paid heavyweight” in the history of UFC.
      But the two parties have failed to strike a deal after long-running talks, leaving Ngannou as a free agent and the heavyweight belt has been vacated.
      A crossover to boxing had been teased earlier last year when Ngannou appeared in the ring following Fury’s WBC title win over Dillian Whyte.
      Ngannou responded to a Fury social media callout last year: “I’m coming for all the smoke 💨💨💨. 2023.”
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      And now that Ngannou is a free agent, he can take on Fury “for all the smoke”.
      Team-mate Strickland is sad to see Ngannou leave the UFC, but says the heavyweight should enjoy “go f*** yourself money” by fighting Fury.
      Strickland told reporters following his win over Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night 217 on Saturday: “I think it’s a damn shame to see Francis go.
      “He’s iconic in the UFC. He’s probably one of the greatest heavyweights we’ve ever had.
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      “It sucks he parted ways, but I hope that him and Tyson Fury fight for a lot of f*cking money. That’s a fight we deserve.
      “Again, it sucks he left. I’d love to see him fight in the UFC.
      “If the ‘Gypsy King’ sacks up and takes that fight against Francis, I mean, that’s ‘go f*ck yourself’ money.
      “That’s ‘I can go pee in a golden toilet seat. I can do whatever the f*** I want.’
      “It sucks he leaves, but if he can get that big money with Tyson, hat’s off to you Francis. Enjoy your ‘go f*** yourself money.’” More

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      in Boxing

      Jake Paul accused of performing ‘smoke and mirrors act’ with two-fight boxing and MMA offer to Nate Diaz

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      JAKE PAUL has been accused of performing a “smoke and mirrors” act with his recent offer to Nate Diaz.The Problem Child challenged the former UFC star to a two-fight series – one in boxing and the other in MMA – after announcing his multi-year deal with the Professional Fighters League.
      Jake Paul recently revealed he’d inked a deal with the PFLCredit: JAKE PAUL
      The Problem Child immediately called out Nate DiazCredit: GETTY
      Paul’s pursuit of Diaz has been slammed by ex-UFC champ Michael BispingCredit: GETTY
      Paul’s willingness to fight Diaz in the cage impressed many, but not former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping – who reckons the YouTuber is trying to dodge a legitimate fight in the boxing world.
      During a recent episode of his Believe You Me podcast, The Count said: ” “Now, Nate Diaz, he’s a decent boxer, he’s as tough as they come, he’s got great jiu-jitsu, but he’s not known for being the best wrestler.
      “So maybe, could he take Jake Paul down? Is Nate Diaz at the end of his career?
      “This is all smoke and mirrors.
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      “This is all just Jake Paul trying to navigate the waters of how he can continue to make money.
      “He can’t do it in boxing because in boxing if he’s going to have a big boxing fight, it has to be against a real boxer and a real boxer would more than likely beat him, which is not what they want.
      “He can’t continue calling up former UFC legends that are retired because that’s not doing it any more either.”
      Paul has got a perfect 6-0 thanks to consecutive wins over former UFC welterweight and middleweight champions Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva.
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      But the ex-Disney star had a marked size advantage over the pair and former Bellator champ Ben Askren, which Bisping believes he’s trying to utilise against Diaz.
      He added: “The point I’m making is he’s never fought a boxer.
      “But even still, these former UFC legends, they’re not pulling in the pay-per-view numbers.
      “So now he’s going to have to fight mixed martial arts, which on paper makes it sound like Jake Paul is doing the right thing.
      “He’s being courageous, he’s willing to switch sports.
      Nate Diaz signed off from the UFC with a submission win over Tony FergusonCredit: GETTY
      “But he’s not. It’s going to be hand-picked opponents.
      “Nate Diaz in a boxing match first that’ll be co-promoted by the PFL.
      “And then mixed martial arts, again, yeah Nate Diaz is the better mixed martial artist for sure, but size is a real thing.”
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      Diaz seemingly poured cold water on the prospect of facing Paul in the PFL by tweeting the logo for Japanese MMA promotion RIZIN hours after the call out.
      Fan favourite Diaz is currently a free agent after seeing out his UFC contract with a fourth-round submission victory over Tony Ferguson last September More

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      Jake Paul offers ex-UFC star Nate Diaz two-fight deal including boxing and MMA bouts after signing for promotion PFL

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      JAKE PAUL has offered to fight Nate Diaz in both boxing and MMA after signing for the Professional Fighters League. The YouTuber-turned prizefighter announced he has penned a deal with MMA promotion PFL and plans to debut in the cage.
      Jake Paul has offered to fight Nate Diaz in both boxing and MMA
      Nate Diaz was at Jake Paul’s last fightCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      So he is willing to face Diaz, who last year left the UFC, as part of a two-bout deal in both sports.
      Paul said on his YouTube channel: “I’ve already disrupted boxing and now it’s time to disrupt MMA.
      “I know this is such a tough sport and it’s not going to be easy but if I can do it in boxing, I can do it in MMA.
      “I’m so dedicated to this I offered Nate Diaz a two-fight deal; first we box, then six months later we fight MMA in the PFL SmartCage and lay it all on the line.
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      “If that’s not balls then I don’t know what is. Nate Diaz, I’m down to fight you in your own damn sport. It’s a two-fight, let’s make it happen.”
      The PFL is MMA’s only league format and consists of a Regular Season and Playoff.
      Stars in each weight have two qualifying bouts with the top four progressing to the knockout stages.
      It culminates in a championship finale where a $1million cheque and title belt is on the line.
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      Paul, 25, has signed to fight in MMA and also founded the PFL’s “super-fight pay-per-view division” in which he will also compete in.
      Diaz, 37, meanwhile is a free agent having ran out his contract with the UFC, last beating Tony Ferguson, 38, in September.
      He was ringside in October at Paul’s last fight, to watch the American beat UFC legend Anderson Silva, 47, on points.
      The social media sensation is set to return in February but is still without a named opponent for his seventh boxing bout.
      Jake Paul beat UFC legend Anderson SilvaCredit: REX More