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

    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.”
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    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.
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    “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

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

    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.
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    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.”
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    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

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    KSI reveals his dream next three fights including Tommy Fury, YouTube grudge match and blockbuster with a UFC legend

    KSI has revealed his dream next three fights – targeting stars of the YouTube and UFC world. The social media, music and crossover boxing sensation returns on Saturday against Joe Fournier.
    KSI after beating Faze TemperrrCredit: Getty
    Joe Fournier fights KSI nextCredit: Getty
    But KSI already has some blockbuster names in mind should he defeat Fournier and remain undefeated in the ring.
    He told SunSport: “My next three fights? I mean Jake Paul, obviously. Tommy Fury and who else?
    “I don’t know… Conor McGregor. F*** it, why not?”
    KSI, 29, looked on course to finally settle his bitter feud with arch rival Paul, 26, in a grudge match at the end of the year.
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    But those plans faced the KO when Paul was beaten by Fury, 24, by split-decision in February in Saudi Arabia.
    The American now returns on August 5 against MMA icon Nate Diaz, 38, after snubbing a rematch with Fury or talks to face KSI.
    So now KSI has set his sights on one-upping his great nemesis by trying to finish what he started.
    But the Londoner could not confirm if Fury will be in attendance at Wembley Arena as talks for the pair to fight continue.
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    KSI, with a smirk, said: “We’ll see, we’ll see.”
    Fournier, 40, a nightclub tycoon-turned 9-0 boxer, forced a fight with KSI after gatecrashing his post-fight interview in January.
    Ahead of the biggest test of his boxing career, KSI said: “I was there trying to weigh up a few people and he was the one who was hungry the most.
    “I thought, ‘Cool, you’ve got a great record, you’re a good test for me, let’s go.”

    KSI knocked out gamer Faze Temperrr in his last bout and fears a repeat performance could scare off any future rivals.
    He said: “It’s actually a good point, maybe I should stop winning so emphatically.
    “Maybe I should just start winning through split-decisions and stuff like that!
    “The way I knocked out Temperrr would terrify a lot of people to want to fight me.
    “When I knock out Joe Fournier in spectacular fashion, more people are going to be like, ‘You know what, I think KSI it actually that guy. Maybe it’s not worth fighting him, because I don’t wanna be a meme.'”
    Tommy Fury is in talks to fight KSICredit: Getty
    Jake Paul was beaten by Tommy Fury in his last fightCredit: Getty More

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    Jake Paul claims next fight will be with Conor McGregor as YouTuber describes bout with UFC legend as ‘inevitable’

    JAKE PAUL reckons he’ll trade blows with Conor McGregor after he knocks out the UFC star’s bitter rival Nate Diaz.Social media sensation Paul will welcome mixed martial arts fan favourite Diaz to the boxing world in a Dallas dust-up on August 5.
    Jake Paul will throw down with UFC legend Nate Diaz on August 5Credit: DAZN
    The Problem Child plans to get back into the win column in emphatic fashionCredit: SHOWTIME
    Paul reckons an emphatic KO of Diaz will bag him a showdown with Conor McGregorCredit: SPORTSFILE
    The YouTuber-turned-boxer plans to get back in the win column with an emphatic KO of the 38-year-old, which he hopes will entice UFC superstar McGregor to share the ring with him.
    The Problem Child roared: “I want Conor next after that. It’s inevitable.”
    McGregor, 34, has remained quiet on Paul’s frequent call-outs in recent years but didn’t shy away from tipping old rival Diaz to get the better of the former Disney star.
    Paul said of McGregor’s pre-fight prediction: “I think he’s got trauma from when Nate slapped his head off.”
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    Diaz’s multi-million-pound showdown with Paul will take place just under a year after his final UFC outing.
    Paul said of the fight: “This fight made the most sense and the opportunity was there, he was a free agent.
    “[Nate is] someone I’ve always wanted to fight and someone that’s always been on my list.”
    Paul, 26, isn’t taking Diaz lightly by any means, although he firmly believes adding the MMA legend to his highlight reel will pave the way for a clash with The Notorious.
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    He told ESPN: “I see a roadmap where I knock out Nate and go to Conor McGregor.
    “Do what Conor couldn’t do, knock out Nate, then that would be the biggest fight in combat sports that could possibly be made, me vs Conor.”
    During the presser, he said: “This is a big fight, this is a fight that I wanted for a long time.
    “He got out of his UFC contract and this is probably the biggest fight of the year only topping me versus Tommy [Fury].

    “So I want to make big events, big fights happen and strike while the iron’s hot.
    “He was a free agent, let’s run it, make it happen, settle the s*** talk and I’m ready for war.
    “I’m excited to be here, thank you for having me out.
    “Dallas, I love y’all and I’ma do what Conor McGregor couldn’t do and I’ma knock this man out.” More

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    Jake Paul says ‘I’ve never seen anything like it’ as he is told why Nate Diaz suddenly walked out of press conference

    JAKE PAUL was left stunned when Nate Diaz went AWOL during their pre-fight press conference.The duo went face-to-face on Tuesday night for the first time since the announcement of their Dallas dust-up in August.
    Jake Paul and Nate Diaz went face-to-face for the first time on Tuesday nightCredit: DAZN
    Former UFC star Nate Diaz twice left the presser – once in order to go to the toiletCredit: TWITTER
    Paul couldn’t believe his eyes after seeing Diaz go for a loo break mid presserCredit: TWITTER
    Former UFC star Diaz, 37, was far from impressed by the presser – which he branded a “sketch-ass and f****** rookie” gathering – and left the stage as the media fielded questions.
    Host Ariel Helwani had to encourage the Stockton Slugger to return to his seat – but it wasn’t long before he was off again.
    Diaz left the stage for a second time to nip off to the toilet and eventually returned to take part in a face-off.
    Paul, 26, was left baffled by Diaz’s second departure, asking: “Is this man leaving?”
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    The YouTuber-turned-boxer then put his head in his hands as he said: “Jesus Christ. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
    Boxing and MMA fans were quick to comment, with one saying: “Hahaha. ‘He’ll be right back’, he said.”
    Another said: “‘He’ll be right back.’ That boy garn, you won’t see him until weigh-in.”
    And another said: “I think Nate likes to let his fists and feet do the talking.”
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    One remarked: “He focused on his bag not sum BS talk.”
    Another chimed in: “Jake is disappointed because Nate isn’t sticking to the script!”
    Diaz’s clash with Paul will mark his professional boxing debut, which comes nearly a year after his UFC departure.
    But social media sensation Paul plans to give the fan favourite a rude welcome to the sweet science.
    He said: “This is a big fight, this is a fight that I wanted for a long time.

    “He got out of his UFC contract and this is probably the biggest fight of the year only topping me versus Tommy [Fury].
    “So I want to make big events, big fights happen and strike while the iron’s hot.
    “He was a free agent, let’s run it, make it happen, settle the s*** talk and I’m ready for war.
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    “I’m excited to be here, thank you for having me out.
    “Dallas, I love y’all and I’ma do what Conor McGregor couldn’t do and I’ma knock this man out.” More

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    Jake Paul slammed by Dana White for facing ’40-year-old MMA fighter’ Nate Diaz as UFC boss mocks Tommy Fury loss

    DANA WHITE mocked Jake Paul for his upcoming fight with Nate Diaz and loss to Tommy Fury. The YouTuber-turned boxer returns to the ring on August 5 in Texas against Diaz, who last year walked out on the UFC when his contract expired.
    Jake Paul is set to fight Nate Diaz nextCredit: Reuters
    UFC president Dana White with Nate DiazCredit: AP:Associated Press
    It comes after Paul suffered defeat for the first time in February, losing a split-decision to Fury in Saudi Arabia.
    So UFC president White was quick to aim a dig when asked about the upcoming bout with his ex-fighter Diaz.
    He said on The Jim Rome Show: “I’ve been trying not to [criticise it]. I like Nate. Nate and I have a good relationship.
    “Listen, Jake Paul went out and fought a real boxer who was his age, his weight, and he lost.
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    “So as soon as he loses, he goes back to a 40-year-old MMA fighter who’s smaller than him [and] not his weight.
    “Listen, it’s just one of those fights. I know that some people are into this. It’s just not what I’m into. It’s not my thing.”
    Diaz, who is in fact 38, is the fourth opponent of Paul’s with an MMA background and will make his professional boxing debut.
    It comes after Ben Askren, 38, Tyron Woodley, 41, and Anderson Silva, 48, were all also beaten by the internet personality.
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    But when Paul, 26, faced a recognised boxer for the first time in Fury, 24, he suffered defeat.
    A rematch was expected to follow until Diaz surprisingly signed to face Paul instead.
    But the American – speaking at the Miami Grand Prix – insisted that the celebrity boxing rivals WILL fight again soon.
    Paul told Sky Sports: “It’s going to happen, it’s going to happen for sure.
    “I think it was a great fight, it was entertaining, it was the biggest pay-per-view buys in boxing for the last two years so I think we have to run it back.
    “Tommy is down and I’m excited for that.”
    Tommy Fury beat Jake Paul on pointsCredit: GETTY More

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    Conor McGregor vows to ‘blow Manny Pacquiao’s head off’ in bare-knuckle fight in now-deleted tweet

    CONOR McGREGOR vowed to “blow Manny Pacquiao’s head off” in bare-knuckle fight in a now-deleted tweet. The online rant comes after Pacquiao lost a court battle with Paradigm Sports management, who also represent McGregor.
    Conor McGregor furiously hit out at Manny Pacquiao online
    Manny Pacquiao lost a court battle with Conor McGregor’s management companyCredit: EPA
    Aiming a threat at Pacquiao, McGregor posted in a deleted tweet: “I’ll blow his head off with a back hand in bare knuckle.”
    PacMan in 2020 signed with Paradigm Sports management and was in talks to fight McGregor in the Middle East.
    But the Filipino icon failed to have a bout under Paradigm and was instead sued for breach of contract.
    Following a case in California, Pacquiao was left to owe $8m (£6.3m), with £4m in damages, £1.7m in legal fees and additional 10 percent annual interest on the verdict amount for three years.
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    McGregor, 34, took to social media, reacting to the news by posting: “And don’t let it happen again, @MannyPacquiao.”
    And in another deleted tweet, he added: “Manny owes 8 in all. 5.1 he owes and then 2.1 in legal costs.
    “Legal fees are heavy but that’s what we do. Heavy weight operations.”
    Paradigm signed Pacquiao as a client three years ago and tried to negotiate a fight with both McGregor or Mikey Garcia.
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    But the eight-division boxing champion was later announced to be facing Errol Spence Jr.
    American Spence, 33, pulled out injured and was replaced by Yordenis Ugas, who won the fight and sent Pacquiao into retirement.
    But Paradigm alleged that Pacquiao’s other representatives –  Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions – interfered with their deal.
    It led to Paradigm filing the lawsuit, which Pacquiao, 44, lost when the jury ruled that he acted in bad faith.
    The Orange County jury voted 9-3 in favour of Paradigm in the case.
    Paradigm CEO Audie Attar said in a statement: “We are elated to learn of the jury’s ruling in Paradigm’s favor in our suit against Manny Pacquiao.
    “The jury plainly found that Pacquiao testified falsely in denying Paradigm’s claims against him, and his excuses for his conduct proves our case that a breach of contract was committed.
    “Hopefully, Manny will have learned a lesson from the verdict and will henceforth act with the honesty and integrity that was so lacking in his treatment of Paradigm.”
    Pacquiao retired as a professional following defeat to Ugas, 36, but returned last December for an exhibition bout.

    But he recently revealed his next exhibition is set for the summer while also opening the door to a full boxing comeback. 
    Manny Pacquiao with Paradigm’s Audie AttarCredit: Instagram @audieattar More

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    Conor McGregor reveals key area he would change in second Floyd Mayweather fight and has been ‘thinking’ about rematch

    CONOR McGREGOR revealed the key area he would change in a second fight with Floyd Mayweather – and has been mulling over a rematch. The Irishman was beaten in ten rounds by Mayweather in what was his professional boxing debut in 2017.
    Conor McGregor has teased a rematch with Floyd MayweatherCredit: @TheNotoriousMMA
    Floyd Mayweather during a recent exhibtionCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    But McGregor has talked up a sequel ever since and vowed to “get the job finished” if he had another opportunity.
    Asked about his comments, McGregor told Inside Fighting: “I’ve been thinking about it a long time.
    “I’ve had a long time to think about it and analyse it, happy with how it went the last time.
    “I’d for sure look to (KO Mayweather). I’d like to go back in with my old boxing coaches who I reunited with post-fight. I feel my style has developed.”
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    McGregor, 34, was cornered by his MMA coaches Owen Roddy and John Kavanagh for his defeat to Mayweather.
    But in the years following, he returned to his old amateur boxing coach Phil Sutcliffe, the 1980 and 1984 Irish Olympian.
    Sutcliffe has corned McGregor alongside Roddy and Kavanagh in the cage as well as training the UFC legend in his Crumlin Boxing Club.
    Mayweather, 46, officially retired following the stoppage win but has continued to box in exhibitions since.
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    He has faced stars of the martial arts, social media and celebrity world, returning on June 11 against John Gotti III.
    Last year, Mayweather opened the door to a rematch with McGregor, in a professional or exhibition bout.
    And The Notorious added fuel to the fire by reposting a clip of the ninth round during the Las Vegas fight.
    He posted: “If you don’t think there is some real nice adjustments that can be made and implemented in a second fight, to get the job finished, you’re silly.”
    Floyd Mayweather beat Conor McGregor in 2017Credit: Reuters More