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    Ex-UFC fighter Mike Perry threatens to hit bare-knuckle opponent with a BASEBALL BAT in fiery press conference

    EX-UFC fighter Mike Perry pulled out a BASEBALL BAT during a fiery Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship press conference.The former UFC welterweight went face-to-face with opponent Julian Lane on Thursday ahead of their grudge match at KnuckleMania on Saturday night.
    Mike Perry traded verbal jabs with Julian Lane during the BKFC KnuckleMania 2 presserCredit: BKFC
    Lane repeatedly goaded Platinum during the heated presserCredit: BKFC
    And his taunts led to Perry pulling out a baseball bat midway through the presserCredit: BKFC
    And after being goaded by Lane for the umpteenth time, he pulled a bat out of nowhere and said: “What’s up, little b***h?”
    Ultimate Fighter season 16 contestant Lane immediately mocked Perry, saying: “You’ve got a bat, b****?
    “He needs a bat. What are you going to do with that?
    “My peoples already waiting outside to get your a** but I’ve got to make them wait so I can let you get in the ring and get really f****d up.
    “So with that bat, you might want to watch yourself when you’re walking out of here, you’re going to play like that.”
    Perry, however, lightened the mood by dismantling the bat and showing it was just a prop.
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    Former MMA fighters Perry and Lane, 30 and 34 respectively, were involved in a viral brawl last December.
    The pair clashed after Lane threw an object while Perry was in the commentary booth.
    But Platinum insists he has no serious issue with Nitrane, telling MMA Junkie: “It’s just another fight.
    “I’m here to handle business, make a paycheck, take care of my family – try to do make jokes, do something funny, spontaneous.
    Mike Perry inked a deal with BKFC after the expiration of his UFC contractCredit: GETTY
    “He got an attitude problem, but I’m gonna adjust his attitude on Saturday.”
    Perry inked a multi-fight deal with BKFC last October following the expiration of his UFC contract.
    The Michigan mauler lost four of his last five octagon outings, including his final fight against Daniel Rodriguez.
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    Jake Paul reignites war of words with UFC legend Conor McGregor by pointing out how much Tyson Fury earns for fighting

    JAKE PAUL has reignited his war of words with Conor McGregor – and this time he’s taken aim at the UFC star’s wages.The YouTuber began targeting McGregor with a series of expletive-filled videos 14 months ago before stopping his digs after seeing him break his leg last July.
    Jake Paul has renewed his feud with UFC superstar Conor McGregor
    The YouTuber took at The Notorious after seeing him praise Israel Adesanya’s new UFC contractCredit: TWITTER
    Paul trolled McGregor by saying he and Adesanya make less than Tyson FuryCredit: Getty
    Paul, however, put McGregor back in his crosshairs last month by mentioning him in his Dana White ‘diss track’.
    And now, he’s mocked the former two-division champion’s earnings by claiming they pale in comparison to those of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
    After seeing McGregor congratulate UFC middleweight champ Israel Adesanya for his new bumper deal, Paul tweeted: “Indeed well deserved [sic] for Izzy but unfortunately Tyson Fury still makes more than both of you combined for fighting.”
    The Problem Child then called for McGregor to step up and speak out about fighter pay in the UFC.
    He asked: “Conor, when you gonna [sic] start playing your part to get ALL fighters better pay and healthcare?”
    McGregor, who has yet to respond to Paul, hailed Adesanya’s bumper new deal by saying: “Congrats Paradigm Sports Management Agency.
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    “Number 1 and 2 highest paid on the UFC roster contractually.
    “Myself and Izzy. An excellent feather in the cap of an amazing sports agency. @ParadigmSports!
    “Congrats to all my team and a big congrats last night Israel.”
    Future UFC Hall of Famer McGregor, 33, is currently gearing up for a potential summer return to the octagon.
    The Irishman shattered his left leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier last July but has made a faster-than-anticipated recovery.
    Paul, meanwhile, is currently playing the role of promoter ahead of Amanda Serrano’s clash with Katie Taylor but is eyeing a September return to the ring.
    During an appearance on The MMA Hour, he said: “There’s a lot going on in other aspects of my life.
    “I’m going to do these press conferences over the next two weeks here to help with the promotion around Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano and I’m very busy on the business side of things with my venture capital fund.
    “So I haven’t even got back into the gym or been training at all.
    “I need to have a discussion with my coaches but probably I would say August-September maybe. Maybe later. I’m trying to figure it out.
    “Obviously if the stars align in some sort of way or I have a change of heart, then things can obviously move around but right now I don’t feel like that motivated to just go right back into another training camp.”
    Jake Paul is eyeing a September return to the ringCredit: GETTY
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    UFC boss Dana White refuses to do ‘jack s***’ with Bob Arum amid talk of Tyson Fury’s fight with Francis Ngannou

    DANA WHITE will refuse to do ‘jack s***’ with Bob Arum amid talk of Tyson Fury fighting Francis Ngannou. The UFC president has publicly clashed with Hall of Fame boxing promoter Arum in the past.
    Francis Ngannou and UFC president Dana WhiteCredit: Getty
    Tyson Fury pictured with boxing promoter Bob ArumCredit: Reuters
    And their feuding could rule out a future partnership for Fury, 33, to fight Ngannou, 35.
    White said at the UFC 271 press conference: “I’m not doing jack s*** with Bob Arum.
    “The other two guys I like, I like Al Haymon a lot and I like Eddie Hearn very much.”
    Mysterious American boxing mogul Haymon and White worked together in 2017, when Conor McGregor, 33, lost to Floyd Mayweather, 44.
    And White has long been praised by British promoter Hearn, whose boxers have used the UFC’s Performance Institute in Las Vegas before.
    But Arum’s feud with the UFC boss, which dates back to the veteran matchmaker slating MMA in its early days, shows no signs of being resolved.
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    UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou has publicly called to fight Fury but his current contract prohibits a crossover to the ring.
    Only Irish superstar McGregor was given permission to make the move to boxing for his ten round loss to Mayweather.
    But no other fighter has received the same treatment, leaving Ngannou to consider his future.
    The Cameroonian has no fights left on his UFC deal but as champion, he is still contracted to the promotion for the next 12 months.
    But if he refuses an extension, once the period is up, he will be free to cross over to boxing, where unbeaten WBC champ Fury will wait.
    FURY VS NGANNOU ‘NEXT YEAR’
    The Gypsy King has plans to fight mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte, 33, next and then the winner between Oleksandr Usyk, 35, and Anthony Joshua, 32.
    But Fury has already mapped out a plan to welcome Ngannou to the ring in 2023, predicting a record-breaking pay-per-view blockbuster.
    He told iFL TV: “I am going to fight Francis Ngannou in Las Vegas next year – in March or February.
    “There’s been no talks this year because I have got some boxing to do. But next year we can have some crazy fights. It’s a massive fight.
    “I believe it breaks all pay-per-view records in the United States. Two heavyweight champions going head to head.”
    Francis Ngannou has teased a switch to boxingCredit: AFP
    Tyson Fury wants to fight Francis Ngannou in 2023Credit: Getty More

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    Khabib warns Tyson Fury against fighting Francis Ngannou in UFC but claims Gypsy King is the ‘best’ boxer in the world

    KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV has warned the ‘best’ boxer Tyson Fury against fighting Francis Ngannou in the octagon.The Gypsy King says he is eyeing a ‘massive fight’ against the UFC heavyweight champion next year.
    Khabib has issued a warning to Tyson FuryCredit: Getty
    The Gypsy King wants to face the UFC heavyweight champ in the cageCredit: Instagram / @kronksugarhill
    And the boxing superstar predicts the Las Vegas bout will ‘break all pay-per-view records’.
    Fury, 33, has a busy schedule in 2022 as he prepares to defend his WBC crown against Dillian Whyte on April 23.
    Should he win, Fury is then likely to fight either Oleksandr Usyk or Anthony Joshua to unify the heavyweight division.
    But the Gypsy King is already making plans for 2023 by lining up a mega-scrap with Ngannou, the 35-year-old Cameroonian hitter who successfully defended his belt last month against Ciryl Gane.
    However, during an interview with Sky Sports, now-retired UFC lightweight king Khabib has offered some words of advice to Fury over stepping into the cage with Ngannou.
    He said: “[Fury] is the best right now. I don’t know. I think Fury is on a different level, in boxing.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Sport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    “If they fight in the MMA of course, Ngannou has a chance now – we can see from his last fight.
    “If they fight in the UFC yeah, Fury doesn’t have too many chances. But in boxing, I don’t see anyone even touching his face – maybe Oleksandr Usyk. Usyk is going to be a tough challenge for Fury.
    “But Ngannou? I think he has to stay with the UFC. But if he goes to boxing and he’s making 50 or 60 million dollars – he has to. Why not?”
    Khabib added: “I know Ngannou comes from a very, very poor life in Africa. He was with no money, no home, nothing. So if someone pays you more money then go and take.
    “If you want to make history, become the greatest heavyweight of all time then you have to stay in UFC.”
    Francis Ngannou has been tipped to beat Fury inside the octagonCredit: Getty More

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    ‘I’m going to talk with him’ – UFC legend Khabib vows to convince pal Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Man Utd

    KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV will sit down Cristiano Ronaldo and try to convince his friend to stay at Manchester United. The UFC legend has been close pals with Ronaldo since the forward’s Real Madrid days.
    UFC legend Khabib will sit down Cristiano Ronaldo and try to convince his friend to stay at Manchester UnitedCredit: Instagram / @khabib_nurmagomedov
    And Khabib recently linked up with the United legend during a visit to Old Trafford in October.
    Ronaldo, 37, returned to Manchester in the summer after leaving Juventus but already his future is in doubt.
    So retired ex-UFC champion Nurmagomedov, 33, will do his best to keep the forward at the club.
    He told Sky Sports: “He became 37 years old, this is not his best age but even how he plays, I think affects his whole team.
    “His energy, his experience, his advice. They have a very good, strong, young team.
    “Next year I feel they will do a very good job, right now so many new players they don’t connect well.
    “I think next year Manchester United are going to be big problem for all clubs. I’m going to talk with him.”
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    SunSport recently revealed, with United struggling in fifth, Ronaldo is considering his future.
    PSG, Bayern Munich and Roma – who are led by the star’s former Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho – have expressed an interest in the striker.
    Ronaldo reportedly only wants to stay if United qualify for next season’s Champions League.
    He also has concerns over the attitude of some of his team-mates during their recent struggles.
    SunSport understands Cristiano Ronaldo is considering his futureCredit: EPA More

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    Tyson Fury eyes ‘massive fight’ with UFC champ Francis Ngannou in 2023 and predicts ‘it breaks all PPV records’

    TYSON FURY says he is eyeing a ‘massive fight’ against UFC champion Francis Ngannou next year.And the boxing superstar predicts the Las Vegas bout will ‘break all pay-per-view records’.
    Tyson Fury has revealed plans to fight Francis Ngannou next yearCredit: Rex
    The bout would see UFC heavyweight champ Ngannou take up boxingCredit: Getty
    Fury, 33, has a busy schedule in 2022 as he prepares to defend his WBC crown against Dillian Whyte on April 23.
    Should he win, Fury is then likely to fight either Oleksandr Usyk or Anthony Joshua to unify the heavyweight division.
    But the Gypsy King is already making plans for 2023 by lining up a mega-scrap with UFC heavyweight king Ngannou.
    The Cameroonian hitter, 35, successfully defended his belt last month against Ciryl Gane.
    But he is set to miss the rest of the year as he recovers from knee surgery.
    And with his UFC deal expiring at the end of 2022, Ngannou would be free to take up a fight against Fury in the boxing ring.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Boxing.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    Las Vegas would be the destination for the bout, and it would take place this time next year.
    Fury told IFL: “I am going to fight Francis Ngannou in Las Vegas next year – in March or February.
    “There’s been no talks this year because I have got some boxing to do.
    “But next year we can have some crazy fights. It’s a massive fight.
    “I believe it breaks all pay-per-view records in the United States. Two heavyweight champions going head to head.”
    Indeed, Ngannou is keen to make the transition to boxing, telling TMZ: “This is going to happen either way.
    “Even if I stay, if or when the UFC and I finalise a deal, the boxing part has to be in it. I can’t see myself retiring without boxing.
    NEW EXPERIENCE
    “I would like to test myself to their level. It’s not the same sport but I’m the champion, so I’m top in this division.
    “At the end of the day, it’s just about throwing hands, throwing punches, having a good delivery system to throw those bombs.
    “I’m sure that if I deliver my own punches pretty good, I can do some damage.”
    However, should Ngannou extend his UFC deal, he may find it difficult persuading boss Dana White to set up a fight against Fury.
    White said at the weekend: “The fact that they [the boxing world champions] are even talking about our guys shows you where boxing is at.
    “Boxing’s been a mess for a long time and it’s not going to get straightened out any time soon.
    “I’m not doing jack s**t with [Fury’s promoter] Bob Arum.” More

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    Khabib backing Amir Khan in Kell Brook grudge match but predicts a ‘close fight’ as UFC legend reveals love for boxing

    KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV is backing Amir Khan in his grudge match with Kell Brook – but expects a ‘close fight’. The 35-year-old welterweight rivals finally put their reputations and bragging rights on the line this Saturday in Manchester.
    Khabib Nurmagomedov and Amir KhanCredit: @amirkingkhan
    Kell Brook fights Amir Khan this SaturdayCredit: Getty
    Khan and Khabib – both hugely popular fighters in the Middle East – have formed a friendship in the past.
    So the retired UFC legend will be rooting for his pal in the pay-per-view clash, but knows it will not be easy.
    Khabib, 33, told Sky Sports: “I’m gonna watch. I like boxing, I love boxing. I was watching like boxing, like all big fights I watch live.
    “I know he [Khan] has a tough opponent. And I was like, I don’t think like Amir Khan right now is in his prime time.
    “But it’s going to be a close fight. My opinion is it’s going to be a close fight, a very close fight.
    “He has a tough opponent, but he can beat him, but I think it’s going to be very close fight.”
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Boxing.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    Khabib retired from the UFC in 2020 after beating Justin Gaethje, 33, in what was his first fight after losing his influential father Abdulmanap.
    The Russian refused to return without his mentor and coach, even rejecting a $100million boxing match with Floyd Mayweather, 44.
    Khabib remains a fight fan and has even launched his own MMA promotion, Eagle Fighting Championship.
    But well as boxing, Nurmagomedov is a keen football supporter and recently visited Manchester United.
    Now one of his top priorities is convincing good friend Cristiano Ronaldo, 37, to remain at Old Trafford for next season.
    Khabib joked: “He became 37 years old, this is not his best age but even how he plays, I think affect his whole team.
    “His energy, his experience, his advice. They have a very good, strong, young team.
    “Next year I feel they will do a very good job, right now so many new players they don’t connect well.
    “I think next year Manchester United are going to be big problem for all clubs. I’m going to talk with him.”

    UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov and Man Utd forward Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Instagram / @khabib_nurmagomedov More

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    Jake Paul called out by Brit UFC star Paddy Pimblett… for fight in his mum’s back garden and slams MMA switch claim

    JAKE PAUL has been called out by rising UFC star Paddy Pimblett – who wants to fight the social media star in his ‘mum’s back garden’.YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul has ruffled the feathers of several UFC fighters over the last 14 months – despite his calls for better pay in the promotion.
    Jake Paul has been singing from the rooftops about fighter payCredit: ALAMY
    The YouTuber has also teased a move into mixed martial artsCredit: INSTAGRAM@JAKEPAUL
    And UFC star Paddy Pimblett has challenged Paul to a fight in his mum’s gardenCredit: GETTY
    But Pimblett isn’t buying Paul’s claim that he wants to fatten fighters’ pockets, nor does he believe The Problem Child is keen on a transition to MMA.
    During an appearance on the Chattin’ Pony podcast, the former Cage Warriors featherweight champ said: “The way he’s saying, ‘I’m gonna end up getting in the cage.’
    “You’re not, lad. You’re not. Stop lying. If you want to have an MMA fight, I’ll fight you in my ma’s garden tomorrow. You know what I mean?
    “He’s going on, he’s trying to act like a martyr – like he’s helping MMA fighters.
    “He’s not, lad. He’s just doing that for his own publicity.”
    Pimblett is adamant Paul’s rants about fighter pay are just an attempt to make UFC president Dana White look bad.
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    The Liverpudlian added: “That’s why the only thing what’s p me off about it, people are like, ‘Ah, he’s actually being good for MMA fighters.’
    “He’s not. He just wants to make a show of Dana White, and that’s the perfect way of doing it.”
    Next Generation’s Pimblett revealed his dislike of Paul days after the former Disney star’s first victory over Tyron Woodley last August.
    He said: “I don’t waste my time with s*** like that. The only thing I’ve seen is where Woodley catches him with a punch and nearly knocks him out.
    “I’ve heard off a few people that Woodley got robbed.
    “You need to finish people like that, or you’ll get robbed.
    Pimblett is preparing to make his second octagon outing at UFC London next monthCredit: Getty
    “He’s a sausage. I’d fight him tomorrow and I’d beat him tomorrow.”
    Lightweight prospect Pimblett is currently gearing up for a March showdown with Kazula Vargas at UFC London.
    Paul, meanwhile, is eying a September return to the ring after he finishes promoting Amanda Serrano’s monumental clash with Katie Taylor.
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