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

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      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.
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      “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.
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      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. 
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      “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

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

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      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. 
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      “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.
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      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

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

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      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.
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      “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.
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      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

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

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      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

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      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

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      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’

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      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

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      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