Conor gets his fight & the UFC heavyweight who won’t quit
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CONOR GETS HIS COAT (AND FINALLY, HIS FIGHT)
When Conor McGregor tweets, the MMA world listens. Ever since his "See ya’s later, thanks for the cheese” ‘retirement’ tweet ‘The Notorious’ one’s tweets - just like his fights - always draw a huge audience.
This week he took to Twitter to confirm that yes, he'll be swapping UFC's octagon for the boxing ring. His bout with Mayweather is on. His tweet was of course incredibly respectful to his opponent.
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Oh. Perhaps not.
While the world prepares itself for the most ridiculous fight of them all, we can also take a look at what McGregor tweeted in the build up to the announcement.
There was this...
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Which at the time had us all thinking it was nothing more than a plug for a winter coat brand.
But he did also take time out of his training and potential coat designing schedule to post another sarcastic jab at his arch rival:
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The Mayweather v McGregor bout has seen both men going back and forth over social media and in interviews, with Mayweather insisting that he’s “The A-Side” in the equation.
But despite Mayweather's huge bankroll and 49-0 boxing record, UFC star McGregor has undoubtedly been the more relevant, active competitor of the two over the past year.
Indeed, when Forbes released their 2017 list, external of the 100 biggest earners in sport McGregor appeared, tied for 24th place with Real Madrid and Wales star Gareth Bale, thanks to earnings of $34million over the past year.
Floyd, having not fought since September 2015, didn’t actually make the list which was topped by football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo ($93million).
MARK HUNT REIGNS SUPREME AT 110
Heavyweight legend Mark Hunt defied his 43 years with a thrilling performance to halt the momentum of charging contender Derrick Lewis at UFC Fight Night 110.
Fighting in his birthplace of Auckland, New Zealand, the hard-hitting Kiwi broke down the bigger, stronger Lewis, eventually stopping him against the cage with a punishing flurry of punches and elbows.
Be warned the clip below includes all the strong violence you'd expect to see in the octagon.
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It was just the latest stoppage win for one of MMA’s most respected veterans, who has built a career on taking on bigger men and chopping them down with his fists., external
ONE STAYS, ONE HANGS UP THE GLOVES (PROBABLY)
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Hunt is currently challenging the UFC in the courts, external for damages after the man who defeated him at UFC 200, WWE superstar Brock Lesnar, failed drug tests on the night of their fight.
But despite his legal battle with his employer, Hunt said he wasn't quite finished with the sport just yet.
While Hunt vowed to carry on, Lewis surprised everyone by strongly hinting that he might be done with the sport.
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Talking to UFC analyst Brian Stann in the Octagon after his defeat, the American said his bout with Hunt may well turn out to be his last.
It’s probably my last fight,” the 32-year-old said after the bout. “I’m getting married next week, and I don’t like to put my family through this".
'THE HANGMAN' GETS HIS MAN
It was also a night to remember for another Kiwi, Dan ‘The Hangman’ Hooker, who moved up a weight class to lightweight and delivered a knockout performance, stopping British veteran Ross Pearson mid-way through the second round with this perfectly-timed knee.
TORRES FINDS LIFE TRICKY ON THE WAVES
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UFC strawweight contender Tecia Torres may be one of the best 115lb fighters in the world, but she looked anything but comfortable when she swapped her four-ounce gloves for a wakeboard as she tried a spot of water-skiing this week.
While her fiancee - and UFC bantamweight contender - Raquel Pennington watched in hysterics, Torres faced a battle with the line that was every bit as tough as the bouts she’s faced in the octagon so far.
WEIDMAN CHANNELS HIS INNER ULTIMATE WARRIOR
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Former UFC middleweight champ Chris Weidman set the bar pretty high with his choice of get-up for his son’s birthday party this week.
Weidman arrived at the party dressed as former WWE legend The Ultimate Warrior and proceeded to stage a mini-match with his teammate Gian Villante, who was dressed as Hulk Hogan as he entertained the kids at his son’s party.
SINGAPORE SHOWDOWN
Once again, we're warning you that this UFC footage includes strong violence...
Three former UFC world champions are set for action in Singapore on Saturday night as former women’s bantamweight champion - and the first fighter to defeat Ronda Rousey - Holly Holm returns to action against Brazilian Bethe Correia in the night’s main event.
Ex-heavyweight champ Andrei Arlovski takes on Marcin Tybura in the co-main attraction, while former lightweight belt-holder Rafael dos Anjos moves up to welterweight as he kicks off the main card against Tarec Saffiedine.
