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      in Boxing

      Nate Diaz officially leaves the UFC but still open to Conor McGregor trilogy as lucrative Jake Paul showdown looms

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      NATE DIAZ’s run with the UFC is officially OVER following the end of an exclusive negotiating period.The former lightweight title challenger fought out his contract with mixed martial arts’ premier promotion in September.
      Nate Diaz is a free agent after fighting out his UFC contract and the end of an exclusive negotiation periodCredit: GETTY
      Diaz closed out his UFC career with a victory over fellow vet Tony FergusonCredit: GETTY
      But the fan favourite hasn’t shut the door on a trilogy fight with rival Conor McGregorCredit: GETTY
      But the youngest Diaz brother was unable to field offers from potential suitors due to an exclusive three-month negotiation period.
      That has now come to an end.
      Diaz’s manager Zach Rosenfield told MMA Junkie: “Nate is going to be looking at the biggest fights possible.”
      A blockbuster trilogy with rival Conor McGregor is, however, still something Diaz wants to complete before hanging up his gloves.
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      Rosenfield continued: “He has stated that completing the trilogy with Conor McGregor is something that interests him, and that has not changed.”
      Diaz is expected to enter the boxing world following his 15-year stint in the UFC – with a showdown against YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul a real possibility.
      But the fan favourite won’t solely compete in the squared circle next year.
      Rosenfield said: “You will see Nate competing multiple times in 2023, and that will include boxing.”
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      Paul wasted no time in calling out Diaz, who was involved in a skirmish at the YouTuber’s clash with Anderson Silva last month.
      He tweeted: “Hi Nate. Finally out of your UFC contract?
      “Let’s see how tough you are in the boxing ring instead of hallway slap contests. @NateDiaz209.
      A lucrative boxing match with Jake Paul could be on the cards for Nate DiazCredit: REX
      “I have a venue booked. Offer is ready when you are. Just need you to sign.”
      Diaz, 37, closed out his UFC career with fourth-round submission victory over fellow MMA vet Tony Ferguson in the main event of UFC 279 in September. More

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      in Soccer

      Canelo Alvarez called out by Argentine UFC star after threatening Lionel Messi following Mexico World Cup controversy

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      ARGENTINA UFC star Santiago Ponzinibbio offered to fight Canelo Alvarez as he jumped to the defence of compatriot Lionel Messi.Argentina beat Mexico 2-0 in their World Cup Group C match with seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi getting a goal and an assist.
      Argentina UFC star Santiago Ponzinibbio has offered to fight Canelo in defence of Lionel MessiCredit: Getty
      Canelo (left) threatened the Argentina footy icon for ‘disrespecting’ MexicoCredit: EPA
      Wild scenes in the Argentine dressing room followed after they kept their qualification hopes alive after they lost their first group match 2-1 to Saudi Arabia.
      A clip was shared of the joyous scenes, but it showed a Mexico shirt on the floor near Messi, and as the Paris Saint-Germain man took his boot off, his foot brushed the jersey – which boxer Canelo found disrespectful.
      And that led to the Mexican boxing legend saying Messi “better pray to God that I don’t find him”.
      Canelo tweeted: “Did you guys see Messi cleaning the floor with our jersey and flag. He better pray to God that I don’t find him.
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      “Just like I respect Argentina, he has to respect Mexico! I’m not talking about the country as a whole, just about the bulls**t that Messi did.”
      However, welterweight Ponzinibbio, who has won 28 of his 34 MMA fights, has now joined the likes of Sergio Aguero by wading into the row and having Messi’s back.
      The grappler, who faces Robbie Lawler at UFC 282 on December 10, told MMA Fighting: “No point threatening Messi. Everybody knows Messi’s career. If [Canelo] doesn’t know he shouldn’t say a thing.
      “It’s normal for players to throw jerseys on the ground, they are all sweaty, but he didn’t do anything disrespectful.
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      “Everybody that knows Messi knows he’s an impeccable athlete and a very respectful person.”
      Ponzinibbio added: “[Messi] had an excellent match. I was upset. Brother, if you want to fight, I’m ready, but leave Messi be,
      “You mess with Messi, you mess with the entire Argentina. Don’t bother the kid.”
      Argentina face off with Poland in the third group game of the World Cup, with the two sides occupying the top two slots in Group C.
      A draw will send Argentina through to the knockouts if Saudi Arabia and Mexico also draw, or if the Mexicans win by up to a two-goal margin.
      Lionel Messi will be hoping to fire Argentina into the knockouts later todayCredit: Getty More

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      Jake Paul hailed by Terence Crawford but pound-for-pound ace wants YouTuber to fight a ‘real boxer’ and NOT an MMA star

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      JAKE PAUL received praise by Terence Crawford but was urged to fight a “real boxer” next and NOT another MMA star. The YouTuber-turned prizefighter has slowly began winning the backing of those in the boxing business.
      Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum with Terence CrawfordCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Jake Paul after beating UFC legend Anderson SilvaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But he is yet to face a seasoned boxer in his 6-0 career despite beating UFC legend Anderson Silva in October.
      Silva, 47, did have a 4-1 record in the ring but it marked another former MMA champion that Paul, 25, had the beating of.
      Now pound-for-pound star Crawford, 35, wants to see the American step up his competition and face a professional boxer.
      He said on The MMA Hour: “When you look at Jake Paul, he’s been training for years.
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      “He’s been fighting without head gear and fighting in the back of his yard. Jake Paul definitely became a professional in this sport.
      “I just want to see him actually fight a real fighter, At this point in time.
      “Any real boxer. Not an MMA fighter that you’re bigger than. Somebody your weight. Get him a real fight. Test him out.
      “Not somebody in the top-10, just a real fighter that we can say, ‘OK, Jake, you fought such and such, he was ranked 15,’ or something, and we can gauge from there.”
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      Paul has signed to fight 8-0 Tommy Fury, 23, TWICE and 13-2 heavyweight Hasim Rahman Jr, 31.
      Fury was withdrawn amid a rib injury and US visa issue while Rahman pulled out due to a weight disagreement.
      Paul confirmed he will return in February and was sending out offers to three different opponents.
      Fury’s side had revealed talks were ongoing to reschedule the celebrity grudge match in 2023.
      Tommy Fury and Jake Paul are still linked with a grudge matchCredit: BT SPORT More

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      Five next opponents for Jake Paul after YouTuber announces boxing return including Tommy Fury and ex-UFC star Nate Diaz

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      JAKE PAUL confirmed his boxing return is impending and has several opponents eyed in the pipeline. The YouTuber-turned boxer is coming off the biggest win of his 6-0 career in October, beating 47-year-old UFC legend Anderson Silva.
      Jake Paul is set to return in FebruaryCredit: Reuters
      It was his one and only fight of 2022 and Paul, 25, will waste no time in making a quick comeback next year.
      He tweeted: “Next fight in February. Offers out tomorrow to 3 potential opponents.”
      So here, SunSport runs down the options for Paul’s next fight.
      Tommy Fury
      The celebrity boxing rivals still have unfinished business after Fury, 23, was forced to pull out of their two prior proposed fights.
      Paul was ringside at Fury’s last bout this month and the pair soon struck an agreement to finally share the ring next year.
      Both teams have confirmed talks were underway, making the fight the most likely to come next.
      Tommy Fury and Jake Paul are still linked with a grudge matchCredit: BT SPORT
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      Nate Diaz
      Paul has long called out Diaz, 37, but the American’s contract with the UFC prohibited the boxing match.
      Now Diaz has left the UFC, opening the door to make an anticipated cross over to boxing.
      Although Paul has maintained he wants to fight a seasoned boxer next, meaning this could be one for the future.
      Nate Diaz has left the UFCCredit: Getty
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      Andrew Tate
      Ex-kickboxing champion-turned controversial celebrity Tate, 35, has confirmed he would be willing to fight Paul.
      And the pair broke the internet, with over TEN MILLION views, when they squared up in Dubai.
      The fight would be a bonafide blockbuster and certainly in the pipeline but it remains to be seen how soon a deal can be done.
      Andrew Tate squaring up to Jake PaulCredit: @jakepaul

      Hasim Rahman Jr
      When Fury was withdrawn from fighting Paul in August amid a US visa issue, Rahman, 31, signed as his replacement.
      But a weight disagreement saw the bout scrapped on just one weeks notice, with Rahman instead returning at heavyweight against Greg Hardy.
      He was beaten over four rounds, making the son of a legend an enticing option for Paul, should he be hellbent on facing an established boxer.
      Jake Paul and Hasim Rahman Jr were due to fight at MSGCredit: GETTY
      KSI
      The pair of social-media stars come prizefighters look on course to finally settle their score in 2023.
      But Paul is adamant KSI will never fight him so he may send out a fight offer to prove it.
      It seems unlikely that the pair will agree terms before the end of the year at the earliest but stranger things have happened.

      KSI and Jake Paul clashing in the ring in 2020Credit: GETTY More

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      Ex-UFC star Paige VanZant to return to bare-knuckle boxing in February in do-or-die fight for BKFC career

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      PAIGE VANZANT is set to return to the bare-knuckle boxing ring early next year.The former UFC star hasn’t fought since losing her showdown with fellow ex-MMA fighter Rachel Ostovich last July.
      Paige VanZant hasn’t set foot inside the BKFC ring in over 16 monthsCredit: GETTY
      But the former UFC star is set to return to action early next yearCredit: GETTY
      VanZant will be back in action at BKFC KnuckleMania 3 on February 27Credit: INSTAGRAM@PAIGEVANZANT
      VanZant has used her time on the sidelines to grow her subscription-based websiteCredit: INSTAGRAM@PAIGEVANZANT
      But the fighter and model will be back in action at BKFC’s third KnuckleMania event on February 27.
      BKFC president Dave Feldman told Curran Bhatia: “She’ll fight on February 27 on our KnuckleMania 3 card and that will take place in New Mexico.
      “We’ve got some sensational bouts for that card. It will be our biggest event, by far, and the most talked about, I believe.
      “We have some really, really big names that are going to be on the top three of that card.”
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      VanZant, 28, has yet to taste victory since inking a lucrative multi-fight deal with BKFC in the summer of 2020.
      The American Top Team ace has suffered consecutive defeats to Britain Hart and Ostovich in her two outings in the promotion, both of which she lost via decision.
      And BKFC chief Feldman recently admitted PVZ’s next fight is a must-win if she’s to continue competing in the promotion.
      He told GiveMeSport: “If Paige loses, her bare-knuckle career is definitely at an end.
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      “I mean, she did an interview and said there was no pressure on this fight.
      “So, you know, if she feels there’s no pressure, then maybe, you know, maybe she’s very confident.
      “But, you know, I can’t keep saying after every fight, we’ll see how she does.
      “And that’s why if she doesn’t do well in this fight, If she doesn’t come out victorious, or at least look very, very good, then she’s probably at the end of her bare-knuckle career.”
      Paige VanZant has yet to taste victory inside the BKFC ringCredit: GETTY
      PVZ’s back is up against the wall following her back-to-back defeatsCredit: INSTAGRAM@PAIGEVANZANT
      Ex-UFC straw and flyweight VanZant was due to be back in action at BKFC’s debut event in London in August.
      But her clash with Charisa Sigala was called off at the eleventh hour – much to her annoyance.
      She said: “I did not pull [out] from my fight!!!! I was pulled!
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      “I am pissed off and heartbroken.
      “I worked my f***ing ass off to be pulled a week before I am supposed to compete.” More

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      Tyron Woodley LEAKS KSI fight contract and accuses YouTuber of trying to weight-drain him with fight set to be OFF

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      UFC legend Tyron Woodley has leaked his fight contract with YouTube star-turned-boxer KSI and accused the Brit of trying to weight-drain him.KSI – real name JJ Olatunji – made his boxing comeback in August when he defeated Swarmz and professional boxer Luis Pineda.
      Woodley (left) has leaked the fight contract with KSICredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The UFC legend has accused KSI of trying to weight-drain himCredit: Getty
      The two wins in one night had fans calling for a fight with Jake Paul, who is forging his own career in boxing.
      And to step up his pursuit of Paul, it was confirmed KSI would return in January, with Paul’s former two-time opponent Woodley in pole position to accept a showdown.
      Woodley recently came face-to-face with KSI at ringside at Floyd Mayweather’s exhibition with Deji.
      Woodley demanded the paperwork be signed – but the fight now appears to be OFF.
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      The former UFC star went on a scathing rant on social media, accusing KSI of trying to weight-drain him, while also leaking the fight contract.
      He first wrote: “Warned this b****! KSI, Why would you offer me a fight vs you then bail? Why would u send me a contract to b**** out and take a lesser opponent?
      “Why would you have my name in your mouth for two years and not step up?
      “Why do a poll of one million people, that all said fight me, and you run.”
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      Woodley continued: “When KSI blames it on Logan Paul and his injury or budget, I have two companies that will fund the purse. Try again. I’m done talking about it. My last post on it.”
      In a leaked screenshot, the contract reads: “Maximum of 175lb at the official weigh-in on the day before the bout, and shall be a maximum of 185lb in the afternoon on the day of the fight.
      “Promoter will use best endeavours to ensure the local commission administer this second weigh-in.
      “If the boxer is overweight at either weigh-in, the promoter will be given the option to terminate the agreement and cancel the bout.”
      A rehydration clause means that a fighter cannot gain more than a pre-agreed weight after the weigh-in and before the bout.
      Woodley – who is considered one of the best 170lb fighters in UFC history – weighed in at 190lb mark for both of his defeats by Paul. 
      KSI is expected to announce a new opponent in the near future. More

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      Tom Aspinall reveals ‘unpopular’ Jake Paul opinion and backs YouTuber against Tommy Fury, Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz

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      UFC heavyweight Tom Aspinall has told Jake Paul’s critics: He’s pretty good at boxing.The YouTuber has caused quite the stir in the boxing world since debuting in January 2020 – although he’s yet to face a professional pugilist.
      Jake Paul has made quite the splash in the boxing world in the last two yearsCredit: SHOWTIME
      Paul also picked up a win over ex-UFC middleweight champ Anderson Silva last monthCredit: Rex
      The Problem Child’s displays have impressed UFC heavyweight Tom AspinallCredit: MEGA
      Paul, however, has registered KO and decision wins over former UFC welter and middleweight champions Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva – victories which have impressed Aspinall.
      The Wigan warrior told Midnite: “I’ve got an unpopular opinion about Jake Paul, I think Jake Paul’s pretty good.
      “I think Jake Paul’s been handling himself pretty well in the boxing stuff that he’s got into.”
      Paul, 25, is seemingly edging closer to a long-awaited grudge match with fellow social media star Tommy Fury.
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      Aspinall knows Fury well having been a regular sparring partner of his brother Tyson and believes the Paul match-up makes sense at this stage of his career.
      He said: “I know Tommy personally, I’ve known Tommy since he was 14-years-old.
      “I know that Tommy is from a fighting family. I know Tommy is a good fighter himself.
      “And I think it’s a great matchup for both guys and from what I can see it seems a pretty even matchup, which we like to see.
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      “We don’t like to see one guy versus a sh*t guy.
      “We like to see young guys both hungry and undefeated fighting each other.
      “That’s where the excitement comes. What’s going to happen?
      “We don’t know. That’s what’s exciting in combat sports.”
      Tom Aspinall wants to see Jake Paul throw down with TonnCredit: BT Sport
      Paul has also flirted with the prospect of fights with MMA superstars Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor, bouts Aspinall thinks he’d do well in.
      He added: “Jake Paul and Nate Diaz or Conor McGregor are even fights, definitely. Both guys have got a lot of experience.”
      The Fury fight, however, is the one Aspinall is eager for The Problem Child to take next.
      He said: “But I want to see Jake Paul against someone young, hungry and fresh rather than someone with lots of miles on clock like he’s been fighting, which is fair enough for where he is in his career.
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      “But sooner or later you’ve got to tick the box of someone in a similar position to where he is.
      “I want to see him and Tommy, that’s who I want.” More

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      Conor McGregor sensationally claims he wants to BUY Liverpool and claims he’s even taken first steps

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      UFC superstar Conor McGregor has revealed he’d “LOVE” to buy Premier League giants Liverpool.The Merseysiders were put up for sale by Fenway Sports Group this week after 12 years of ownership.
      Premier League giants Liverpool have been put up for sale by their American ownersCredit: GETTY
      John W Henry is willing to listen to offers for the MerseysidersCredit: GETTY
      UFC superstar Conor McGregor has publicly expressed an interest in buying the clubCredit: SPORTSFILE
      The Notorious revealed his interest in becoming Kop chief on TwitterCredit: TWITTER
      The Kop club is expected to attract several potential new owners over the coming months.
      And multi-millionaire McGregor claims to have sought out FSG’s asking price for the club.
      When asked if he’d be interested in buying the Reds, The Notorious said: “I WOULD LOVE IT!
      “I requested my information on this, yes. Soon as I heard. What a turn of events! What a club!”
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      Former two-division champion McGregor is no stranger to expressing an interest in buying a Premier League club.
      Mystic Mac revealed he was interested in buying Chelsea earlier this year after sanctions from the UK government forced Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich – a crony of Vladimir Putin – to put the club up for sale.
      He said: “I wish to explore this @ChelseaFC.”
      When pressed on his ability to buy the west Londoners, McGregor said: “I do not speak in jest. I am exploring this, as I said.
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      “Celtic from Dermot Desmond, Manchester United from the Glazers, and now the recently up-for-sale Chelsea football club. All being explored.
      “A football franchise purchase is in my future make no mistake about it.”
      He’s also talked up buying Manchester United and Celtic in the past.
      MMA mogul McGregor has loved football from a young age, with photos of him wearing a retro Manchester United kit as a kid scattered across social media.
      However, despite being pictured wearing a Red Devils top as a youngster, McGregor revealed himself to be a Liverpool fan ahead of the 2018 Champions League final.
      He said: “You know, my family are Liverpool, I’m a supporter of Liverpool.
      “I’m a supporter of Real Madrid also. I hope for a great game but I’ll have to go with the pool [Liverpool] for this one, I’ll have to go for the pool.”
      McGregor, 34, is currently in the final stages of recovering from the horrific broken leg he suffered in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier last year.
      The Irishman is targeting a return to the octagon early next year, although he’s currently out of the United States Anti-Doping Agency’s testing pool.
      During a recent impromptu Instagram Live, he said: “I’m going to be back soon, hopefully.
      “Early 2023 I’m aiming for. Sometime in that first quarter.
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      “That will give me a good couple of months [to prepare].
      “Once I wrap this up in a couple of days, get the camp going [for] a good couple of months. And get going.”
      Conor McGregor was given a Manchester United kit as a youngsterCredit: INSTAGRAM@THENOTORIOUSMMA More