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Kevin Lee vs. Diego Sanchez Booked For March 11 Eagle FC Event

Kevin Lee has his first fight under the Eagle FC banner booked against another former UFC mainstay in Diego Sanchez.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Kevin Lee found himself a new home following his sudden UFC release. He announced that he …

Kevin Lee, Diego Sanchez

Kevin Lee has his first fight under the Eagle FC banner booked against another former UFC mainstay in Diego Sanchez.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Kevin Lee found himself a new home following his sudden UFC release. He announced that he would be joining Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Eagle FC promotion after a relatively brief free-agency period. At the time, the only additional details revealed was that it was a multi-fight contract and that he would be compensated entirely in bitcoin. There was no word on who his first opponent would be.

Diego Sanchez
Diego Sanchez, Image Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Fast-forward to Christmas weekend and multiple sources have now confirmed that Lee will debut in the promotion against the original Ultimate Fighter, Diego Sanchez. Like Lee, Sanchez will also be competing for the first time since his UFC release. This bout will be contested at 165 lbs.

Between the two of them, these competitors are 0-3 in their last three fights. In Lee’s case, he is 1-4 out of his last five, with losses to Al Iaquinta; Rafael dos Anjos; reigning UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira; and most recently, Daniel Rodriguez. Prior to these struggles, Lee once put himself in a position to challenge for the UFC interim lightweight championship and strung together five consecutive UFC victories at one point.

Diego Sanchez made headlines this year for his tumultuous split first from the UFC and then from his mentor and trainer Joshua Fabia. There were talks of Sanchez potentially joining Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, but now we have learned that “The Nightmare” has decided to take his talents to the Eagle FC instead. This news comes after Sanchez’s recent health scare in his battle against COVID-19. He most recently competed in September 2020 in a loss to Jake Matthews.

MMA News will bring you full coverage of this March 11 Eagle FC card as well as any relevant updates in connection to this bout.

What do you think of the matchmaking of Kevin Lee being paired against Diego Sanchez?

Continue Reading Kevin Lee vs. Diego Sanchez Booked For March 11 Eagle FC Event at MMA News.

Archives: McGregor: I Am Going To Break Mayweather’s Face (2016)

One year prior to the blockbuster MayMac event, Conor McGregor was already calling his shot when envisioning a superbout against Floyd “Money” Mayweather.

As we know, McGregor did not emerge victorious from this historic bout, but he no doubt picke…

Conor McGregor Floyd Mayweather

One year prior to the blockbuster MayMac event, Conor McGregor was already calling his shot when envisioning a superbout against Floyd “Money” Mayweather.

As we know, McGregor did not emerge victorious from this historic bout, but he no doubt picked up thousands if not millions of additional fans for his promotional work leading into the fight and his valiant effort inside the boxing ring.

Here is a look back to when McGregor was hyping up a boxing match that no one ever thought would or even could happen. Yet, McGregor was arguably the biggest driving force that made it a reality. And that, in itself, is a victory.

The following article was published five years ago to this day, and it is presented to you in its original, unaltered form, courtesy of the MMA News Archives.

On this day five years ago…

[ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED DECEMBER 25, 2016,11:57 AM]

Headline: McGregor Posts Another Mayweather Tease: “I Am Going To Break His Face”

Author: Matt Boone

As 2016, one of the craziest years in MMA history, comes to an end, two-weight UFC World Champion Conor McGregor checks in with one last “Notorious” tweet to hype up the fantasy boxing match that fans are chomping at the bit for.

Featured below is the latest Twitter offering from UFC’s Irish-born mega-star. As seen in the tweet embedded below, McGregor posted a photo of himself wearing boxing gloves in a new split-screen shot that also features boxing’s pound-for-pound king, Floyd Mayweather.

The caption for the photo reads: “I am going to break his face.”

As noted, “The Notorious” Conor McGregor recently acquired his boxing license for the state of California. As Mayweather pointed out, this means very little, as “Money” Mayweather typically fights in Las Vegas, Nevada, a city that McGregor has claimed he will never fight in again after what he felt was unfair treatment he received as a result of his “Bottle Gate” fiasco with Nate Diaz ahead of their UFC 202 rematch earlier this year.

As 2017 approaches, the fight world continues to wait for any real sign that a McGregor-Mayweather showdown is possible. For now, we’ll have to continue to find enjoyment out of the small teases that both McGregor and Mayweather continue to strategically keep going in the media.

Continue Reading Archives: McGregor: I Am Going To Break Mayweather’s Face (2016) at MMA News.

César Chávez Jr. Says He Would Retire, Reject Fight Purse If He Lost To Paul

Former WBC Middleweight Champion Julio César Chávez Jr. would retire from boxing and not take his fight purse if he were to lose to Jake Paul.

César Chávez Jr. was recently asked his thoughts on a fight against Paul. This comes after Paul’s managem…

Jake Paul, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr

Former WBC Middleweight Champion Julio César Chávez Jr. would retire from boxing and not take his fight purse if he were to lose to Jake Paul.

César Chávez Jr. was recently asked his thoughts on a fight against Paul. This comes after Paul’s management claimed he asked for a bout against the prizefighter.

The experienced boxer set harsh penalties for himself if he were to lose but also mentioned his expectation to defeat the celebrity-turned-boxer.

“I hope I can get a few million with Jake Paul. If he beats me, I’ll retire, I don’t get paid. I don’t want money if I don’t beat him,” said César Chávez Jr. in an interview with TV Boxeo. “Retirement – not interested in his money if I do not win.” (h/t DAZN).

César Chávez Jr. And Paul Riding Momentum

Jake Paul, Tyron Woodley
Jake Paul, Tyron Woodley, Credit: AP Photo

César Chávez Jr. sees a fight against Paul as something that could be lucrative and successful for him. While acknowledging the viral success that Jake and his brother Logan have generated, he doesn’t see Paul’s fighting style as a problem for him.

“[The Pauls] generate a lot of expectations and money, a match with me would be good. They haven’t learned how to fight well and I can take advantage of that. Jake Paul can punch, but he’s not a boxer,” he said.

César Chávez Jr. was a successful boxer for nearly an entire decade, although he has struggled in recent years. The 35-year-old has lost three of his last five fights, including a bout against former UFC Champion Anderson Silva in June.

César Chávez Jr. returned to the win column earlier this month, scoring a unanimous decision win over David Zegarra in Mexico.

Paul, still undefeated, is also coming off a win. He scored a highlight-reel knockout earlier this month, knocking out former UFC fighter Tyron Woodley over a week ago.

Would you like Jake Paul to face Julio César Chávez Jr. next?

Continue Reading César Chávez Jr. Says He Would Retire, Reject Fight Purse If He Lost To Paul at MMA News.

Joe Rogan Describes McGregor’s Bulked Physique As “Deceptive”

Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor recently made waves by showing what appeared to be an incredibly bulked-up physique, but Joe Rogan doesn’t think all is as it originally seemed.

For the first time since 2016, McGregor entered the Oct…

Conor McGregor, Joe Rogan

Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor recently made waves by showing what appeared to be an incredibly bulked-up physique, but Joe Rogan doesn’t think all is as it originally seemed.

For the first time since 2016, McGregor entered the Octagon twice in the same calendar year in 2021. But while he avenged a loss to Nate Diaz and became the first-ever simultaneous UFC double champ five years ago, his fortunes have been less favorable across the last 12 months.

Having re-visited his rivalry with Dustin Poirier, whom he defeated back in 2014, McGregor saw his score with “The Diamond” fall from 1-0 to 1-2 in the space of six months. On Fight Island in January, the Irishman was knocked out for the first time. Fast-forward to July and a trash-talking iteration of McGregor left the cage on a stretcher after breaking his leg.

Since his injury at UFC 264, McGregor has continually updated fans on his healing process and teased a return; in-between his antics outside the cage, of course. Earlier this month, the 33-year-old posted an image that appeared to suggest he’d packed on a significant amount of muscle. The upload even led many to believe he could be gearing up for a return to the welterweight division next year.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXh9PErtm5F/

Discussing the image of McGregor and the Irishman’s current physical state during an episode of the Joe Rogan Experience, renowned UFC color commentator Rogan suggested the picture was slightly “deceptive.”

According to the 54-year-old, who has been a consistent figure at the commentary desk since 2002, McGregor may have been lifting weights at the time, something which would have accentuated his physique when the photo was taken.

“That’s him now, he’s super jacked. USADA’s gonna take a visit to him very soon. It’s a weird picture, honestly. I mean, he’s definitely jacked, but it looks to me like he’s in the middle of lifting. If you see a guy’s body in the middle of lifting, it’s a little deceptive… He’s still jacked. He still looks great. But when you lift weights, as you do it, like those bodybuilders go on stage before those big Mr. Olympia things, they all get pumped… He looks good though.”

McGregor Targets A Return To The Octagon In 2022

McGregor’s increased training and noticeable muscular gain appears to be in preparation for a return to the Octagon in 2022. With his fast-healing leg getting closer to full recovery, the Irishman appears as eager as ever to make the walk again, something he’s consistently expressed on social media.

While an opponent is far from being decided, McGregor has ambitiously set his sights on the gold. Prior to UFC 269, he suggested he’d make his comeback against whoever is holding the lightweight title at the time. That’s despite his #9 spot in the rankings.

After Charles Oliveira successfully defended his gold against McGregor’s rival Poirier, “The Notorious” megastar posted a series of tweets signaling his intent for a title clash with “Do Bronx” and another edition of Ireland vs. Brazil.

But if his so called “special treatment” doesn’t land him an immediate return to championship fights, McGregor has a number of other options.

As well as a potential trilogy clash with Nate Diaz, the likes of Michael Chandler and Max Holloway have also made their desire to face MMA’s biggest superstar well known.

Who would you like to see Conor McGregor face in his return fight?

Continue Reading Joe Rogan Describes McGregor’s Bulked Physique As “Deceptive” at MMA News.

Flashback: Silva Promises To Slap McGregor After Jesus Comments

Wanderlei Silva was not having any part of Conor McGregor’s comments about Jesus Christ six years ago, which the Brazilian considered to be blasphemous.

The always-on-a-mission “Axe Murderer” took to social media two weeks after McGregor defeated …

Wanderlei Silva, Conor McGregor

Wanderlei Silva was not having any part of Conor McGregor’s comments about Jesus Christ six years ago, which the Brazilian considered to be blasphemous.

The always-on-a-mission “Axe Murderer” took to social media two weeks after McGregor defeated Silva’s compatriot José Aldo at UFC 194 to release a video taking aim at the Irishman. Wanderlei Silva had plenty to say about McGregor’s comments about fighting Jesus, as well as the possibility of Aldo not getting an immediate rematch.

Prior to Silva’s video, McGregor had made the following comments about a fight with Jesus Christ inside the Octagon.

“Me versus Jesus in the Octagon? I tell you what, there’s not a man alive that can beat me,” McGregor told TMZ before UFC 194. “But Jesus ain’t alive so I don’t f—ing know. Maybe he can come back from the dead, I don’t know. I’d still whoop his ass.”

Silva responded with the following comments in the new video released on his official Facebook page.

“And this promotion, if they don’t give (Aldo) the immediate rematch, we will criticize them,” Silva said. “How? Everybody saw it was an accident, this a–hole was lucky. And when I meet this guy, for everything he said about Jesus, I will slap this motherf–ker in the face. You can’t do that. You can’t play with our God. When I meet you, raise your hand because you’re getting slapped in the face, you punk.”

The rest of Silva’s comments in the video reads as follows:

“I’m here to support one of the greatest champions, our greatest champion, Jose Aldo,” he said. “You continue to be our great champion. Wanderlei Silva continues to be your fan. I like you, I know what you can do, and I know you know that too. That has happened to be too, I’ve been through a moment like this you’re going through now.

“I’ll tell you this: it hurts. It hurts. A warrior feels this pain with the loss. I know you will walk through this and show you still are the best fighter in the world. Don’t listen to the critics. I want to ask Brazilians to support our champion. Hold back the jokes. If you have any garbage inside your heart, don’t throw it outside. Keep it to yourself. Don’t criticize our champion. Our champion needs support.

“He represents us for a long time. A guy that lived in a gym, had nothing, and became the best fighter in the world, deserves out respect to say the least. Aldo, I’m with you. You’re our champion, and that won’t change anything.”

Of course, as we know, the rematch with McGregor and Aldo never took place. And as far as the public knows, Silva never had the opportunity to slap McGregor on sight.

In 2021, McGregor and Aldo seem to be on good, or at least cordial terms, though, which wasn’t necessarily visible prior to UFC 194 or even immediately after the fight from Aldo’s side.

You can check out Silva’s full video below.

Continue Reading Flashback: Silva Promises To Slap McGregor After Jesus Comments at MMA News.

Jake Paul Teases Potential NFL Tryout After Boxing Career

Jake Paul may be still in the infancy of his boxing career, but he’s already thinking about what could be next in another athletic journey.

Paul is just one week removed from his vicious knockout over Tyron Woodley to remain undefeated in boxing. A…

Jake Paul

Jake Paul may be still in the infancy of his boxing career, but he’s already thinking about what could be next in another athletic journey.

Paul is just one week removed from his vicious knockout over Tyron Woodley to remain undefeated in boxing. After he was originally slated to face Tommy Fury, he fought Woodley on short notice after Fury withdrew due to an injury.

Jake and his brother Logan have always been athletes, dating back to their time competing in high school wrestling in Ohio. But Jake has big ambitions, including a potential attempt at making it in the National Football League at some point.

During a recent episode of the IMPAULSIVE podcast, Paul explained why a tryout in the NFL may not be far-fetched down the line.

“I wanna go to NFL after this,” Paul said. “Like legitimately, just to play like safety and just deck people. I swear to God, I’m about to bring hella ratings to whatever team I’m on.” (h/t Sportskeeda)

Paul later alluded to a potential tryout with his hometown team, the Cleveland Browns.

“Would you have ever thought that I would play for the Cleveland Browns? No, right? That would be crazy. I could run a 4.34. I have the size, I have the power, I can knock people out with one punch. So why can’t I play free safety?”

Jake Paul Has Also Hinted At A Move To MMA

Paul has garnered quite a high amount of star power in the boxing world but has also teased a transition to MMA in the future. During the lead-up to his rematch with Woodley, he claimed that he’s been in talks to train at the American Kickboxing Academy alongside some of the all-time MMA greats, including Khabib Nurmagomedov. However, the YouTuber may have just been joking in making this claim.

Paul appears to just be getting started in this post-YouTube venture, and the next few years could go a long way at determining how his story may ultimately end.

What are your thoughts on Jake Paul as an athlete?

Continue Reading Jake Paul Teases Potential NFL Tryout After Boxing Career at MMA News.