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    Francis Ngannou claims UFC threatened to sue his agent over ‘talks with Jake Paul’s team about boxing match’

    THE UFC have threatened to SUE the agent of heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou for alleged talks with Jake Paul’s manager.Ngannou, 34, flirted heavily with the prospect of a switch to boxing before his successful UFC 270 title defence against former team-mate Ciryl Gane last weekend.
    Francis Ngannou retained his heavyweight title last weekend at UFC 270Credit: Getty
    The Predator defeated former team-mate Ciryl Gane via unanimous decisionCredit: AFP
    But the UFC have threatened to sue their heavyweight king for alleged talks with Jake Paul’s manager Nakisa Bidarian, seen here in blackCredit: AFP
    But hours before the bout, the Cameroonian’s manager Marquel Martin received an email from the promotion claiming he’d held talks with Paul’s manager Nakisa Bidarian about potentially boxing under Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions banner.
    During an appearance on The MMA Hour, Ngannou revealed: “I walked into the room waiting for my manager, my coach.
    “And they were like, ‘Wow.’ I’m like, ‘What’s going on?’
    “They told me they just received an email from the UFC saying they’re going to sue [Martin] for talking with this guy, Nakisa.
    “Yeah. I’m like, ‘Who is Nakisa?'”
    Ngannou insists he has no knowledge of who Bidarian, the UFC’s former chief financial officer, is.
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    He said: “I wouldn’t recognise him if you put him in front of me.”
    Bidarian, Martin and the UFC all declined to comment when approached by ESPN.
    Heavyweight king Ngannou is set to become a free agent in December and will be able to entertain offers from interested parties.
    The Predator wants to continue his stint in the UFC but would like his contract to be amended so he’s paid more and can have the freedom to box as he’s an ‘independent contractor’.
    He said: “The term of the contract, everything that they put into [it], they hold you like in captivity.
    Ngannou wants to sign a new, improved and less limiting deal with the UFCCredit: Alamy
    “You can’t do anything, you have no rights. The contract is one-sided.
    “You don’t even have health insurance while you’re doing this, putting your body on the line to put on the show. Risking everything.”
    He later added: “You can be free and fight for the UFC. I just want to be free.
    “We are supposedly independent contractors. [An] independent contractor is technically a free person.
    “That’s the reason why they need some adjustments in that contract. That’s what I’ve been fighting for.”
    Ngannou believes his contract with the UFC is very ‘one-sided’Credit: AFP
    UFC president Dana White opted not to wrap the heavyweight title around Ngannou’s waist after the Cameroonian’s successful title defence and missed the post-fight press conference.
    And according to Ngannou, the promotion have yet to reach out to discuss the possibility of him signing a new deal.
    He said: “It doesn’t look like they want to talk to me any more.”
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    Jon Jones joins Jake Paul in blasting ‘BORING’ UFC 270 main event just days after Dana White makes U-turn on YouTuber

    JON JONES joined Jake Paul in blasting Francis Ngannou’s ‘BORING’ win over Ciryl Gane at UFC 270. Ngannou retained his heavyweight title over five rounds against interim champion Gane.
    Francis Ngannou during his win over Ciryl GaneCredit: Getty

    The winner was touted as a potential opponent to welcome back UFC legend Jones, planning to return this year.
    But the man himself was less than impressed and hinted at continuing to sit on the sidelines.
    Jones, 34, tweeted: “Lol S*** I may just enjoy retirement.”
    And YouTube star-turned prizefighter Paul, 25, posted: “Boring fight.”
    The 5-0 boxer has built up a bitter feud with UFC president Dana White recently, accusing him of underpaying his stable.
    Ngannou, 35, only walked away with a £440,000 payday but will earn more due to his pay-per-view bonuses.
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    But figures released after UFC 272 revealed only £1.3million was spent on the whole card.
    In contrast, WBC heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, 33, reportedly earned a massive £22m for his trilogy fight against Deontay Wilder, 36.
    Paul blasted: “I can’t stress enough how bad this is..
    “My next step for helping with this situation will be announced tomorrow. PAY FIGHTERS MORE.”
    Paul has knocked out and beaten two of White’s former fighters, Ben Askren, 37, and Tyron Woodley, 39.
    Ex-UFC champion Woodley initially lost on points in August but was KO’d in their December rematch.
    I don’t hate the guy like people think I hate him. You know, he’s out there doing his thing. Dana White on Jake Paul
    Paul’s over two wins came against online rival ‘AnEsonGib’ and ex-NBA point guard Nate Robinson, 37.
    As a result, White has mocked the social media sensation for failing to fight an opponent who has boxed professionally before.
    But the UFC boss recently talked down a feud with Paul, telling Manouk Akopyan: “He really hasn’t been a thorn in my side.
    “I don’t hate the guy like people think I hate him. You know, he’s out there doing his thing.
    “He’s a young guy who’s got a fanbase and is trying to make some money. I don’t ever fault anybody for that.”
    Francis Ngannou and UFC president Dana WhiteCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Pay fighters more’ – Jake Paul slams UFC 270 purses with Francis Ngannou earning £440k compared to Tyson Fury’s £22m

    JAKE PAUL hit out at the UFC 270 purses and demanded Dana White ‘pay fighters more’. Figures released after the pay-per-view event – headlined by heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou – revealed £1.3million was spent on the whole card.
    Francis Ngannou after beating Ciryl GaneCredit: Getty
    Tyson Fury following his trilogy bout win over Deontay WilderCredit: Rex
    In contrast, WBC heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, 33, reportedly earned a massive £22million for his trilogy fight against Deontay Wilder, 36.
    YouTuber-turned prizefighter Paul, who made £33m for his three-fight 2021, blasted the recent UFC 270 purses.
    He tweeted: “I can’t stress enough how bad this is..
    “My next step for helping with this situation will be announced tomorrow. PAY FIGHTERS MORE.”
    Ngannou, 35, was paid £440,000 for his win over Gane, 31, but as champion he is entitled to a PPV bonus.
    Even so, the Cameroonian has demanded a pay rise and clause in his contract that would allow him to also box at the same time.
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    As it stands, Ngannou is a free agent having failed to extend his UFC deal, enabling his dream move into boxing.
    Fury tweeted: “Congratulations @francis_ngannou but if you want to make some real money come see the GK.”
    Ngannou fuelled speculation he will walk out on the UFC and crossover to boxing after being quizzed post-fight.
    He said: “As I always say, boxing is always in the back of my pocket. It’s something that I must do before the end of my career.
    “And right now, I’m really looking towards any opportunity to get that because it’s not like I had a lifetime here. So I better start thinking about it.”
    Francis Ngannou at the UFC 270 post-fight press conferenceCredit: AFP More

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    Tyson Fury urges UFC champion Francis Ngannou to ‘come see the Gypsy King’ and ‘make some real money’ in boxing fight

    TYSON FURY urged UFC champion Francis Ngannou to ‘come see the Gypsy King’ and ‘make some real money’ in a boxing fight. Ngannou is now a free agent after beating Ciryl Gane, fighting out the last bout on his current UFC contract.
    Tyson Fury urged UFC champion Francis Ngannou to ‘come see the Gypsy King’Credit: Reuters
    Francis Ngannou after beating Ciryl GaneCredit: AFP

    And Fury appears ready to welcome the Cameroonian star over to the boxing ring for a lucrative crossover clash.
    He tweeted: “Congratulations @francis_ngannou but if you want to make some real money come see the GK.”
    The disparity in fighter pay between the UFC’s Ngannou and unbeaten boxing champion Fury was laid bare.
    Ngannou, 35, walked away with £440,000 after beating Gane, 31, but does receive bonuses when pay-per-view sales are calculated.
    Whereas Fur, 33, reportedly earned £22m alone for his brutal 11-round knockout in his trilogy bout with Deontay Wilder, 36, in October.
    YouTuber-turned 5-0 prizefighter Jake Paul – embroiled in a feud with UFC boss Dana White – hit out at the UFC 272 purses.
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    Paul, 25, posted: “I can’t stress enough how bad this is..
    “My next step for helping with this situation will be announced tomorrow. PAY FIGHTERS MORE.”
    UFC fighters are prohibited from competing outside of the promotion unless given a special exemption.
    Conor McGregor, 33, was given so in 2017 against boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, 44, losing in ten rounds.
    No fighter has been given such permission, leaving Ngannou contemplating walking out on the UFC.
    He has previously asked for a pay rise and clause in his contract that would allow him to box at the same time.
    With his demands yet to be accepted, Ngannou admitted at the UFC 272 press-conference his future remains up in the air.
    He said: “It’s been a long time I’ve been wondering about my future in the company. So nothing has changed. I’m still in the same position.
    “I’ve been going to the UFC a lot so I’d kind of like exhausted all my options.”
    Francis Ngannou admitted his UFC future remains in doubtCredit: AFP More

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    Five next boxing fights for Francis Ngannou after UFC star teases switch to ring including Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte

    FRANCIS NGANNOU has moved closer than ever to pursuing his dream boxing switch. The heavyweight, 35, retained his UFC title against against Ciryl Gane, 31, in what was the final fight in his contract.
    Francis Ngannou has moved closer than ever to pursuing his dream boxing switchCredit: Getty
    Now a free agent, Ngannou has the ability to crossover to boxing, which is something the Cameroonian always wanted.
    Having called out some of the boxing’s biggest stars already, here SunSport runs down five potential opponents for Ngannou.
    Tyson Fury
    The WBC and UFC champions have long been locked in a verbal feud, with Ngannou claiming there is a ‘9/10’ chance they fight eventually.
    Fury, 33, also teased a ‘clash of the heavyweight titans’ only shortly after calling for a boxing match with 4oz UFC gloves.
    Following Ngannou’s points win over Gane, Fury posted on Instagram: “If you want to make some real money come see the big GK.”
    Tyson Fury called out Francis NgannouCredit: Getty
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    Dillian Whyte
    In the summer of 2020 Whyte and Ngannou were linked with a sensational two-fight deal, one in the cage and ring.
    The pair even recorded a virtual conference call but without UFC president Dana White’s knowledge, meaning it was never released.
    With Whyte, 33, already opening the door to facing Ngannou in the past, and words having been traded, it sets up the crossover clash nicely.
    Dillian Whyte was in talks with Francis Ngannou in 2020Credit: Getty
    Deontay Wilder
    The American former WBC champ was named by Ngannou as one of the reasons he wanted to lace up the gloves.
    Ngannou told TMZ in December: “Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder. I would like to test myself to that level.”
    Wilder, 36, is yet to return since his trilogy bout loss to Fury in October but a fight with Ngannou would pit two of the biggest punchers ever.
    Deontay Wilder is yet to return since his trilogy bout loss to Tyson FuryCredit: Reuters
    Joe Joyce
    Unbeaten British contender Joyce, 36, is one of the only heavyweights in the world to truly know the extent of Ngannou’s boxing ability.
    The pair in 2020 enjoyed some Las Vegas sparring sessions and Joyce was left impressed by the MMA powerhouse.
    Secret sparring sessions have long been used to fuel demand for a fight and this could be no different.
    Francis Ngannou pictured with Joe Joyce
    Derek Chisora
    The veteran fan-favourite has teased an MMA switch before and is always open to risky but money-making fights.
    With his reputation of exciting British supporters, Ngannou could have the prefect ready-made boxing opponent in Chisora.
    Chisora has already called out Wilder recently so will have no problem welcoming Ngannou to the ring.
    Derek Chisora after loss to Joseph ParkerCredit: Reuters More

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    ‘Never say never’ – Dana White refuses to rule out signing Jake Paul to UFC and vows to end verbal feud with YouTuber

    DANA WHITE has refused rule out signing Jake Paul to the UFC and vowed to end the verbal warfare between them. The UFC president has been locked in an online spat with YouTube star Paul recently.
    Dana White has refused to rule out signing Jake Paul to the UFCCredit: Getty
    White was largely accused of underpaying his UFC stable, while he himself hit out at the American celebrity’s boxing record.
    But if Conor McGregor’s crossover super-fight with Floyd Mayweather has taught the UFC boss anything, it is to ‘never say never’.
    As a result, with Paul teasing a switch to MMA, White did not close the door on offering the American celebrity a UFC deal.
    He said on the Nelk Boys’ podcast: “I don’t know. I don’t think that would ever happen, but listen – I never say never anymore.
    “You know, I didn’t think Floyd and Conor, or that I would end up doing any of my guys against Floyd. Because that just makes absolutely no sense.”
    Paul, 24, has knocked out and beaten two of White’s former fighters, Ben Askren, 37, and Tyron Woodley, 39.
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    Ex-UFC champion Woodley initially lost on points in August but was KO’d in their December rematch.
    Paul’s over two wins came against online rival ‘AnEsonGib’ and ex-NBA point guard Nate Robinson, 37.
    As a result, White has mocked the social media sensation for failing to fight an opponent who has boxed professionally before.
    Their feud also turned sour when Paul accused the MMA promoter of using cocaine.
    But White refuted the accusation and offered to be tested for the recreational drug over a TEN YEAR period.
    In return, he asked to drug test Paul for two years, accusing the 5-0 prizefighter of using steroids.
    Paul later hit back and denied the allegations and agreed to be tested by United States Anti Doping Agency – the UFC’s drug testing partners.
    I don’t think that would ever happen, but listen – I never say never anymore. Dana White on signing Jake Paul to the UFC
    White admitted during his interview with Canadian prank group Nelk Boys that it would be the final time he addresses Paul.
    He said: “Well it’s not that he doesn’t have my respect.
    “You know, I don’t even know the kid. At the end of the day, I don’t even know the kid.
    “And you know what? To be honest with you, I’ll tell you right here right now, this is the last time you will hear me talk about him.
    “I’m done with it. I put out the challenge, he said, ‘You do coke’, I said, ‘I think you use performance enhancing drugs’, he never responded to it.
    “So fire away kid, do your thing. I’m sitting here arguing with this kid who doesn’t even fight for me, and is never going to fight for me.
    “So what’s the point with him and I going back and forth with each other?”
    Jake Paul has teased a switch to MMACredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    Jake Paul will make MMA debut at middleweight and slams UFC stars for destroying ‘their bodies and minds’ cutting weight

    JAKE PAUL revealed he would debut at middleweight in MMA and slammed UFC stars for destroying ‘their bodies and minds’ cutting weight. The YouTuber-turned-prizefighter has teased a switch to the cage having gone 5-0 as a boxer.
    Jake Paul revealed he would debut at middleweight in MMACredit: AFP
    Conor McGregor pictured in 2014 at featherweightCredit: Corbis
    . @danawhite when I make my MMA debut, I could cut 20 pounds & do it at Welterweight / 170 pounds. That’s what all UFC fighters do and many have destroyed their bodies & minds doing it.But I’m gonna do it at Middleweight (185). Health first. PS Conor walking around at 190 pic.twitter.com/ifR8ed3FTE— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) January 21, 2022

    And in a social media post to UFC president Dana White, Paul claimed he would only drop 5lb to fight at the 185lb middleweight limit in MMA.
    He also highlighted Conor McGregor’s featherweight days as an example of drastic weight cutting in the sport.
    Paul tweeted White: “When I make my MMA debut, I could cut 20 pounds & do it at Welterweight / 170 pounds.
    “That’s what all UFC fighters do and many have destroyed their bodies & minds doing it.
    “But I’m gonna do it at Middleweight (185). Health first. PS Conor walking around at 190.”
    Paul, 24, most recently knocked out former UFC champion Tyron Woodley, 39, in their December rematch.
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    Woodley, 39, who had lost on points four months earlier, only filled in on short notice after Tommy Fury, 22, pulled out with a broken rib.
    Paul has now KO’d all of his opponents, also beating online rival ‘AnEsonGib’, ex-NBA star Nate Robinson and retired UFC welterweight Ben Askren, 37.
    But despite not yet fighting an opponent with prior professional boxing experience, Paul already has his eye on move to MMA.
    And even though he has feuded with UFC boss White lately, the promoter refused to rule out one day signing him.
    White said on the Nelk Boys’ podcast: “I don’t know. I don’t know. I don’t think that would ever happen, but listen – I never say never anymore.
    “You know, I didn’t think Floyd and Conor, or that I would end up doing any of my guys against Floyd. Because that just makes absolutely no sense.”
    Floyd Mayweather, Dana White and Conor McGregor in 2017Credit: Getty More

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    Jake Paul hints at fighting Conor McGregor in tweet to Dana White with YouTuber and UFC star both weighing 13st 15lb

    JAKE PAUL hinted at fighting Conor McGregor in a tweet to Dana White – with the pair currently weighing the same. Paul opened up on plans to debut at middleweight in MMA opposed to welterweight, which would mean dropping 20lb.
    Jake Paul hinted at fighting Conor McGregor in a tweet to Dana WhiteCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Conor McGregor weighing 190lbCredit: Instagram @thenotoriousmma
    . @danawhite when I make my MMA debut, I could cut 20 pounds & do it at Welterweight / 170 pounds. That’s what all UFC fighters do and many have destroyed their bodies & minds doing it.But I’m gonna do it at Middleweight (185). Health first. PS Conor walking around at 190 pic.twitter.com/ifR8ed3FTE— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) January 21, 2022

    Paul’s five professional boxing bouts have all been around the 190lb mark, which is 13st 15lb.
    And he made a point that is the current weight of Irishman McGregor, aligning the pair for a potential fight.
    Paul tweeted UFC president White: “When I make my MMA debut, I could cut 20 pounds & do it at Welterweight / 170 pounds.
    “That’s what all UFC fighters do and many have destroyed their bodies & minds doing it.
    “But I’m gonna do it at Middleweight (185). Health first. PS Conor walking around at 190.”
    McGregor, 33, himself has been known to shrink down while campaigning at both featherweight and lightweight in the UFC.
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    But in a social media post uploaded in December, he captioned: “190lbs of granite.”
    That means McGregor has piled on over TWO STONE of weight since his last fight, at the 11st UFC lightweight division.
    McGregor has not returned since July, when he broke his tibia seconds before the end of round one in his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier, 33.
    It meant he was handed a doctor stoppage, just six months after being knocked out by Poirier, the American who he initially beat in 2014.
    McGregor is still in recovery from the horror leg break but eyeing a UFC return this year.
    Whereas Paul, 24, most recently improved to 5-0 as a boxer after knocking out former UFC champion Tyron Woodley, 39, in their December rematch.
    Woodley, 39, who had lost on points four months earlier, only filled in on short notice after Tommy Fury, 22, pulled out with a broken rib.
    It means Paul is still yet to fight an opponent with prior professional boxing experience.
    But he has now KO’d all of his opponents, also beating online rival ‘AnEsonGib’, ex-NBA star Nate Robinson and retired UFC welterweight Ben Askren, 37.
    Jake Paul knocked out Tyron Woodley in their rematchCredit: Getty Images – Getty More