Tag: boxing

Joe Rogan believes Francis Ngannou, Tyson Fury boxing fight was fixed: ‘They could pull it off’

Joe Rogan claims Francis Ngannou and Tyson Fury fight wad fixed they could pull it offVeteran UFC color-commentator, Joe Rogan has speculated that last year’s professional boxing match between former undisputed WBC heavyweight champion,…

Joe Rogan claims Francis Ngannou and Tyson Fury fight wad fixed they could pull it off

Veteran UFC color-commentator, Joe Rogan has speculated that last year’s professional boxing match between former undisputed WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, and ex-UFC champion, Francis Ngannou was fixed – believing the latter likely should have been awarded the victory.

Sharing the squared circle in October of last year, former UFC heavyweight kingpin, Ngannou made his professional boxing debut against the then-unbeaten WBC gold holder, Fury, sharing the ring over the course of 10 rounds in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Francis Ngannou calls for rematch with Tyson Fury in next fight it's what I want next
Mandatory Credit: Justin Setterfield

And landing huge plaudits for his stunning, upset performance against storied Morecambe native, Fury in his first-ever outing in professional boxing, Ngannou even managed to score a massive knockdown on the WBC champion, sending him to the canvas flush.

However, dropping a hugely controversial split decision loss come the culmination of the bout, Ngannou stressed his belief that he should have actually prevailed with a win, before admitting he was never going to be able to score a judges win in their crossover.

Francis Ngannou issues tribute to late son Kobe after tragic funeral he came like a king and he left as a king
Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez – USA TODAY Sports

Joe Rogan claims “fix was in” on Francis Ngannou, Tyson Fury fight

And reflecting on the huge boxing clash, the above-mentioned, Rogan boldly claimed during a recent podcast appearance that he believes the “fix was In” on Ngannou’s clash with Fury, and insisted the Cameroon striker should have won.

Joe Rogan set for commentary call at UFC 302 for lightweight title fight in New Jersey homecoming

“I thought he (Francis Ngannou) won that fight,” Joe Rogan said. “But, you know, they were setting up that [Oleksandr] Usyk fight [for Tyson Fury]. They were not gonna let – yeah, it just seemed like the fix was in a little bit.”

“It was close enough that they could pull it off,” Joe Rogan explained. “You could go, ‘OKay, maybe. Maybe you could see him winning that,’ but i don’t think so. I thought Francis won it. A lot of people thought Francis won it.”

Making his sophomore outing in professional boxing in March of this year, Batie knockout ace, Ngannou was felled with a hellacious second round knockout loss to former two-time world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua in the Middle East. 

Do you agree with Joe Rogan’s thoughts on Francis Ngannou – Tyson Fury?

Ariel Helwani Pitches KSI As Next Opponent For Jorge Masvidal After Boxing Loss To Nate Diaz

Ariel Helwani recently floated the idea of online personality KSI (real name Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji) as the next potential opponent for Jorge Masvidal following his defeat to Nate Diaz in their boxing match. This past Saturday, Masvidal came up short on the judges’ scorecards in a rematch of their Octagon clash from UFC 244 […]

Continue Reading Ariel Helwani Pitches KSI As Next Opponent For Jorge Masvidal After Boxing Loss To Nate Diaz at MMA News.

Ariel Helwani recently floated the idea of online personality KSI (real name Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji) as the next potential opponent for Jorge Masvidal following his defeat to Nate Diaz in their boxing match.

This past Saturday, Masvidal came up short on the judges’ scorecards in a rematch of their Octagon clash from UFC 244 in November 2019. This time, the bout took place in a professional boxing ring, headlining a pay-per-view event at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

After a showdown marked by intense, back-and-forth action, two of the three judges awarded the victory to Diaz with scores of 98-92 and 97-93. The third judge, however, saw it as a dead heat, scoring the fight a 95-95 draw.

Following the loss, the former BMF titleholder contended that he had done enough to secure the victory and claimed that the judges were prejudiced against him. Although Masvidal immediately called for a rematch, Diaz promptly dismissed this request during the post-event press conference.

“Gamebred” has previously mentioned that he has a three-fight contract with Fanmio, granting him the opportunity to pursue high-profile boxing matches. Considering Masvidal’s recent passion for the sweet science, it seems highly probable that he will seek a swift return to the squared circle.

While Helwani may not be an official matchmaker, he has an intriguing contender in mind for Masvidal’s comeback fight…

Helwani Sees KSI As Prime Matchup For Masvidal’s Next Boxing Bout

During a recent episode of The MMA Hour, Helwani explored potential opponents for Jorge Masvidal’s next boxing match, ultimately suggesting the possibility of pitting YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI against the former two-time UFC welterweight title challenger.

The Canadian combat sports journalist suggested that a fight with Masvidal would be significantly more intriguing than the scheduled 1 vs. 2 matchup against Slim Albaher and MMA veteran Anthony Taylor.

“I’ll tell you what, with all due respect, I would much rather see Jorge against KSI than KSI in this, you know, whatever, [1 vs.2],” Helwani said. “Actually, Jorge versus KSI is really interesting to me.”

Helwani further noted that the bittersweet past between Masvidal and KSI makes this matchup a more logical and compelling choice for both fighters.

“Remember, that was a thing that kind of happened a year and a half ago on the show, where they suggested it and they were kind of looking into it. I’m pretty sure KSI is on the okay list; you know, like, there’s this list that the UFC gave Jorge that he’s allowed to take fights with X, Y, and Z.”

Last July, in a conversation with Masvidal, Helwani broached the notion of arranging a boxing match with KSI. However, the 39-year-old Miami native swiftly dismissed any interest in squaring off against the British social media influencer.

Despite announcing his retirement from MMA after a loss to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287 in April 2023, Masvidal recently disclosed that he is still under contract with the UFC.

The organization has granted him special permission to pursue boxing opportunities, and Masvidal has hinted at an inevitable return to the Octagon in the future.

Continue Reading Ariel Helwani Pitches KSI As Next Opponent For Jorge Masvidal After Boxing Loss To Nate Diaz at MMA News.

Darren Till Roasts Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal Boxing Match: ‘Fluffy Hands, Not A Lot Of Power, In No Fit Physical Shape…’

This past weekend was a big one for former UFC stars making their way into the boxing world as Saturday night’s major contest saw Nate Diaz take on Jorge Masvidal inside the ring. On the same night, former UFC title challenger Darren Till also stepped through the ropes for the first time when making his […]

Continue Reading Darren Till Roasts Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal Boxing Match: ‘Fluffy Hands, Not A Lot Of Power, In No Fit Physical Shape…’ at MMA News.

This past weekend was a big one for former UFC stars making their way into the boxing world as Saturday night’s major contest saw Nate Diaz take on Jorge Masvidal inside the ring.

On the same night, former UFC title challenger Darren Till also stepped through the ropes for the first time when making his long awaited return to competition at Social Knockout 3.

Whilst he took this fight just to try and stay active after his bout on the undercard of Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fell off, Till hopes to mix it up with the big names in this scene in the near future.

With both Masvidal and Diaz being potential opponents for him inside the ring, he was sure to have a keen eye on their rematch that went down in California…

Darren Till Not Impressed By What He Saw From Nate Diaz & Jorge Masvidal

The general consensus seemed to be that the boxing clash between Masvidal and Diaz ended up being a better watch that some may have expected.

Till didn’t see the fight that way, however, as he outlined during his appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani.

“The Gorilla” wasn’t particularly impressed by what he saw from either man but didn’t want to discredit them too much due to the respect he has for them both.

“I wasn’t impressed mate. Just like, fluffy hands, just not a lot of power, both looked like they wasn’t in no fit physical shape. But as I say, Masvidal, I fought and he beat me fair and square. Diaz, I don’t ever like to diss Diaz too much, I’ve always been a fan since a kid. I think he’s a f****** G of the sport, he’s one of your real ones. Whether you want it in the ring or outside, he’s that guy and that’s what I respect.”

Till, meanwhile, emerged victorious in bizarre fashion after his opponent claimed to be unable to continue following a shot to the back of the head.

After a brawl between the pair was split up, the Liverpool native was awarded the victory by way of TKO, marking his first combat sports win since 2019.

Continue Reading Darren Till Roasts Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal Boxing Match: ‘Fluffy Hands, Not A Lot Of Power, In No Fit Physical Shape…’ at MMA News.

Kamaru Usman plays down Nate Diaz’s ability after boxing win: ‘He’s not a world class fighter. Are you crazy?’

Kamaru Usman plays down Nate Diaz's ability he's not world class are you crazyFormer undisputed welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman has played down the ability of former UFC star, Nate Diaz in the…

Kamaru Usman plays down Nate Diaz's ability he's not world class are you crazy

Former undisputed welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman has played down the ability of former UFC star, Nate Diaz in the aftermath of his boxing win over common-foe, Jorge Masvidal over the weekend – claiming a host of 170lbs fighters would have their way with him – relatively easily.

Diaz, an alum of the UFC and a former lightweight title challenger, made his return to combat sports over the course of the weekend in Anaheim, taking on inaugural symbolic BMF champion, Masvidal in a boxing match re-run. 

Nate Diaz reacts to Conor McGregor's $1,625.000 bet win after Jorge Masvidal fight that's cool

Landing a majority decision win over Masvidal to avenge a prior doctor’s stoppage TKO loss to the Floridian veteran, Diaz has already set his sights on a return to the Octagon – eyeing a title fight rematch with current champion, Leon Edwards.

“It was just off the top of my head,” Diaz said after his win against Jorge Masvidal. “I would like to whoop (Jake Paul’s) ass. I would like to get a win against Leon Edwards, who is the best fighter in the world right now at 170 [pounds].”

kamaru usman ufc

“And I think that’s something that I can take and put in a credential box,” Diaz explained. “That’s what I’m going for. I’m not trying to go for any fun fights because that sh*t ain’t fun.”

Kamaru Usman plays down Nate Diaz’s ability after boxing win

However, a common-foe of Edwards, the above-mentioned former pound-for-pound number one, Usman has questioned the ability of Diaz when it comes to other world class fighters under the banner of UFC – something he believes the Stockton native is severely lacking.

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“He was a [world class fighter],” Kamaru Usman said on Pound 4 Pound. “And don’t get me wrong – shout out to Nate DIaz, he is still – he can still, you know, fight. But he’s not a world class fighter. Are you crazy? Throw Nate Diaz in there with Shavkat Rakhmonov. Throw Nate Diaz in there with myself. Throw Nate Diaz in there with JDM (Jack Della Maddalena. Throw Nate Diaz in there with Justin Gaethje. Come on.”

Do you agree with Kamaru Usman’s thoughts on Nate Diaz’s ability?

Jorge Masvidal Calls For Nate Diaz Trilogy In ‘Neutral’ Location After Claiming Crowd Influenced Judging In Boxing Defeat

Jorge Masvidal appeared to out-land Nate Diaz in the statistics at the conclusion of their boxing match on July 6, but it was not enough to get the win. And “Gamebred” feels the hometown advantage his opponent had played a role in that. Diaz scored the win over Masvidal by majority decision in the main […]

Continue Reading Jorge Masvidal Calls For Nate Diaz Trilogy In ‘Neutral’ Location After Claiming Crowd Influenced Judging In Boxing Defeat at MMA News.

Jorge Masvidal appeared to out-land Nate Diaz in the statistics at the conclusion of their boxing match on July 6, but it was not enough to get the win. And “Gamebred” feels the hometown advantage his opponent had played a role in that.

Diaz scored the win over Masvidal by majority decision in the main event of a card that took place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA.

The fight proved to be an exciting one that seemingly could have gone either way. The Stockton native had a notable volume-based attack and took over the fight as the former UFC BMF champion’s energy decreased during the middle portion of the fight. In the eyes of many, Masvidal landed the cleaner, more effective, and damaging strikes.

But one judge scored the bout an even 95-95, while the other two scored the fight 97-93 and 98-92 in favor of Diaz.

“I definitely know the judges were influenced by the crowd because a lot of those shots were landing in the corner,” Masvidal said at the post-fight press conference. “I was just getting my timing. He’d throw three or four shots that wouldn’t land, and then I’d throw a good power shot. I’d see that I’d hurt him and I’d back him up or he would start goofing around. (I) hurt him to the body numerous times.”

Jorge Masvidal Feels Nate Diaz’s Hometown Advantage Led To Lopsided Scorecards Against Him

Masvidal felt he landed the better strikes in the fight, noting the number of times that he seemed to hurt Diaz. However, “Gamebred” claimed the roars of the crowd whenever his rival landed a shot proved to be his downfall and led to two judges scoring the contest in lopsided fashion for Diaz.

Masvidal feels that if a potential trilogy bout is to go down, then that fight needs to take place in a location where neither man will be a hometown hero.

“I think one or two of the judges only gave me two rounds. There’s just no way,” Masvidal insisted. “We were looking at the fight right now in the locker room, the meaningful shots, and a lot more of the meaningful shots were landed by me. I just feel that it didn’t go my way, but whatever. We’re 1-1, we can run it back some place like Vegas. Make it a neutral place and let’s f*cking throw down.

“From what I saw, I definitely hurt him more than he ever hurt me. I got way cleaner shots, especially to the body. He never even did anything to my body. I definitely hurt his body, and a couple times that I hurt him, he backed up,” Masvidal continued. “He put a lot of pressure and he was coming forward but he never hurt me. I don’t think he landed any meaningful punches. Eight rounds to two is f*cking nuts. Whatever, it’s California. I knew I had to get a knockout or some sh*t like this (would happen).”

Masvidal expressed a desire for a third fight in the ring, too, prior to the press conference. The pair exchanged heated words during that time, needing to be separated.

“Gamebred” previously scored the win in their first outing in the UFC five years ago, defeating Diaz via third-round doctor’s stoppage in the main event of UFC 244 to win the inaugural BMF championship.

Continue Reading Jorge Masvidal Calls For Nate Diaz Trilogy In ‘Neutral’ Location After Claiming Crowd Influenced Judging In Boxing Defeat at MMA News.

Nate Diaz Targets Two Other Rematches After Boxing Win Over Jorge Masvidal

Now that Nate Diaz has avenged his previous loss to Jorge Masvidal, he has other names in mind that he’d like to get wins back on. Diaz scored a majority decision win over Masvidal in the main event of a boxing card at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA, on July 6. This served as […]

Continue Reading Nate Diaz Targets Two Other Rematches After Boxing Win Over Jorge Masvidal at MMA News.

Now that Nate Diaz has avenged his previous loss to Jorge Masvidal, he has other names in mind that he’d like to get wins back on.

Diaz scored a majority decision win over Masvidal in the main event of a boxing card at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA, on July 6. This served as a rematch — albeit in another sport — five years from their first encounter at UFC 244. Masvidal won the initial fight by doctor’s stoppage, making him the first-ever BMF champion of the UFC.

Diaz scored the win in the closely contested boxing match with a volume-based attack, despite Masvidal landing the harder and arguably cleaner strikes.

Following the fight, despite Masvidal’s wishes for a trilogy bout and an exchanging of words, Diaz expressed a desire to get back in the ring with Jake Paul and to return to the UFC to face current welterweight champion Leon Edwards.

Nate Diaz Calls Out Jake Paul & Leon Edwards After Avenging Jorge Masvidal Defeat

Diaz doubled down on these thoughts at the post-fight press conference.

“Just off the top of my head, I would like to whip (Paul’s) ass,” Diaz said. “I would like to get a win against Leon Edwards, who’s the best fighter in the world right now at 170 (pounds). I think that’s something major who actually brings something that I can take and put in a credential box. That’s what I’m going for. I’m not playing for no f*cking fun fights, because that sh*t ain’t fun.”

Diaz made his professional boxing debut against Paul last year. “The Problem Child” dealt some big damage to Diaz in the opening rounds before going on to win a decision.

Paul called Diaz out on social media after the fight, claiming that the Stockton native has been ducking him despite the callout. As he noted on X/Twitter this weekend, Paul has previously offered Diaz upwards of $15 million for a rematch in the PFL MMA cage, not in the boxing ring.

In his second-to-last UFC fight, Diaz dropped a decision to Edwards at UFC 263.

Continue Reading Nate Diaz Targets Two Other Rematches After Boxing Win Over Jorge Masvidal at MMA News.