Jake Paul and Mike Parry will square off on Saturday inside Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida in a boxing match that headlines the DAZN Pay-Per-View fight card.
Paul is coming off a first-round knockout win over Ryan Bourland in March. He’s 9-1 in his professional boxing career. Perry rejuvenated his career after leaving the UFC in 2021. He was signed by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship and is undefeated in the fight promotion with wins over former UFC champions Eddie Alvarez and Luke Rockhold. Perry last fought in April, stopping Thiago Alves in the first round.
The fight came together after a medical issue forced Paul’s original opponent, Mike Tyson, to push the bout back until Nov. 15. In stepped Perry.
Paul and Perry officially weighed in on Friday ahead of Saturday’s throw down. Perry walks around under the 200-pound limit and weighed in at 196.6 pounds. Paul had to cut weight to get down to that mark and weighed in twice to hit it. The Ceremonial Weigh-in begins at 6 p.m. ET.
A women’s strawweight bout between 3rd ranked Amanda Lemos (14-3-1) and 5th ranked Virna Jandiroba headlines Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 60 fights card at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
On Friday, the two women officially weighed in ahead of Saturday’s showdown. Lemos weighed in at 116 pounds while Jandiroba tipped the scales at 115.5 pounds.
Despite giving up a sizeable age advantage, Mike Tyson is comfortable competing against a young, power-striker like Jake Paul.
While he is considered one of the greatest boxers to ever exist, Tyson is almost 60 years old and decades past his prime. This hasn’t stopped him from challenging himself against a much younger opponent, though the knockout artist doesn’t feel threatened.
During a recent interview, Mike Tyson revealed that he believes his potential future opponent doesn’t have the skills to hurt him in the ring.
“Can I be honest?” Tyson said when interviewed by Esquire. “I don’t think he can hurt me.”
“I’m a glory junkie. I love people thinking about me all day. I’d rather live a short life of glory than a long life of obscurity. It’s just who I am.”
“This is all I started fighting for; to get all this f***ing status. I’m going to be chasing it for the rest of my life, I know that. I’m never going to get what I want, because I’m one of those gluttons for pain. I can never get enough.”
Related: Mike Tyson pictured in wheelchair following serious health scare
What’s next for Mike Tyson?
After a health scare forced Mike Tyson to withdraw from his huge fight against Jake Paul, it’s unclear what could be next for the boxing icon.
While many are expecting Tyson and Jake to run it back, a huge hurdle stands in their way in the form of Mike Perry.
‘Platinum’ Perry signed on the dotted line to face ‘The Problem Child’. Should the BKFC standout win — which is a big possibility given his love for violence — then any future clash between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson could be in doubt.
Mike Perry vs. Jake Paul will unfold on Saturday as both men look to build on an impressive run of victories inside their respective sports.
Jake Paul takes the next step in his boxing career in Tampa, Fla. on Saturday against Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship standout Mike Perry. The two will clash inside Amalie Arena with the fight being aired on DAZN Pay-Per-View.
On Thursday, the venue hosted the event’s pre-fight press conference and Paul said that he plans to embarrass Perry and Bare Knuckle Fighting with an emphatic win over “Platinum.”
“He’s big up in the BKFC but you’re going to see what I’m going to do to their best fighter on Saturday night,” Paul said. “I’m going to embarrass their whole, entire league. This guy has no skill. They’re just brawler, idiot, street fighter dudes show have no idea what the sweet science is.”
In April, it was announced that former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor and McGregor Sports & Entertainment has become part owners in BKFC. During a BKFC press conference in Marbella, Spain earlier today, McGregor appeared and discussed Perry’s boxing match against Paul.
“Look at what’s happened to Michael Perry. One of our big stars here. ‘The King of Violence’ he titles himself. He’s had such a rise in the sport, now he’s up against a little dweeb of a thing this weekend. We’re all rooting for him,” McGregor said.
Related: Conor McGregor interested in fighting Bare Knuckle
Paul responded to McGregor and issued a challenge. “Conor McGregor can say what he wants, but he won’t fight me in either. Once I knock out Mike Perry, Conor McGregor, let’s run it. But you won’t do it because you know what’s going to happen.”
“You saw what I did to Nate Diaz, who you went toe-to-toe with. So, Conor McGregor, lay off the cocaine, get in the gym, and start winning fights and maybe we can have a conversation,” Paul continued.
McGregor has two fights left on his UFC contract and is expected to return to the octagon later this year. He was scheduled to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 last month but was forced out of the fight due to a toe injury. McGregor has been out of action since breaking his leg in a trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.
Dana White was the introductory speaker for former President Trump, who asked the UFC president two weeks ago if he’d do him the honors. The UFC boss revealed a piece of the thank you text that President Trump sent him after he accepted the offer.
“Two weeks ago I got a call from President Trump,” White said, “Asking if I’d be willing to speak tonight. As usual – there was no pressure, no demands, he asked me as a friend – and of course I said yes. Then, after I accepted his offer, he sent me a text message. And I just want to read to you a little piece of what President Trump wrote to me. ‘Dana, I’m so honored that you’ll be doing the introduction and the National Republican Convention. Think of it as the biggest fight you’ve ever had. A fight for our country, or even the world. I only wish you didn’t have to interrupt your family trip. But I hope they understand. They love you and they know how important this is.’”
White went on to defend Trump against the mainstream media for their accusations against his reputation, using his 25-year friendship with the billionaire as evidence that he can truly vouch for Trump’s character. He then doubled down that the best man to lead the “fight for our country” is none other than President Trump.
“The mainstream media likes to push the narrative that he doesn’t care about anyone but himself. I absolutely know that’s not true because I’ve been friends with the man for 25 years,” White said. “And for the people who know me, they’ll know this is true, I just want to make something very clear. Nobody in the Trump campaign has ever told me what to say – nobody tells me what to say – and I’m nobody’s puppet. And I’m not telling you what to think, I’m telling you what I know, and I know President Trump. I know President Trump is a fighter. I’ve been saying this since 2015. Now look at what has happened over the past 10 years. We have all seen it with our own eyes. I’m in the tough guy business, and this man is the toughest, most resilient human being that I’ve ever met in my life. The higher the stakes, the harder he fights, and this guy never ever gives up. So what’s at stake here? The answer is in President Trump’s text. And I quote ‘A fight for our country.’”
President Trump was the victim of a failed assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania this past weekend. The shooter fired eight rounds from the roof of a nearby building that hit President Trump in the ear, killing an audience member, and wounding two others in process. White and various others within the mixed martial arts (MMA) community have since offered up their own reactions to the incident. Today during his introductory speech, White suggested that Trump is “literally putting his life on the line” for the country.
“I know President Trump is literally putting his life on the line for something bigger than himself,” White said. And he’s willing to risk it all because he loves this country. And I know he wants what’s best for the American people. All American people. I know he’s running for president to save our American dream. I’m living the American dream, and I know the American dream is very real. Whether you were born in this country or you came from someplace else – this is the last real land of opportunity. President Reagen once said ‘Government’s first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.’ And if you’re buried in government red tape, how will you ever start your own business? And if you’re struggling to pay your bills, how will you ever afford to start a family? And if you don’t feel safe in your own town, why would you ever buy a house?”
“I know President Trump is fighting to save the American dream, and that’s what’s at stake in this election. We are choosing who we want to lead us in this fight. I know President Trump is a proven leader, a fearless leader, and this country was in a much better place when he was in the oval office.”
“In my mind, the choice is clear. But this election – we all get to choose. I know I’m going to choose strength and security. I know I’m going to choose opportunity and prosperity. I know I’m going to choose real American leadership, and a real American badass. And I’m not telling you what choice to make, and I’m not telling you what I think. I’m telling you what I know. I know America needs a strong leader, and the world needs a strong America. I know Donald J. Trump is the best choice for president of the United States.”
Trump, who later took the stage to accept the Republican nomination for the upcoming United States Presidential Election, praised White for his speech; revealing the UFC boss nearly turned down the offer before being convinced otherwise by his wife.
“And how good was Dana?” Trump asked. “He was on probably the only vacation he’s had in about – maybe ever. In about 10 years – with his wife – I won’t tell you where, very far away. Very very far away, beautiful place. And my people called and he said ‘I won’t be able to do it. Its been many many years and I’ve promised my wife – I can’t do it.’ And they came and they said Dana won’t be able to do it. Because he was my first, second, and third choice. And I said, well, you know, that’s too bad but I understand. He’s away and that’s good, that’s good for him.”
“About 30 minutes later she comes back and says ‘Sir, Dana just called. He’s going to do it.’ And his wife, she said ‘You can’t turn him down, you have to go.’ That’s a good wife. So he got on a plane, he got here a little while ago, now he’s going to go on a plane in a little while and he’s going to go back to his wife. I just want to thank her and him and his whole family because it’s not easy.”
Daniel Cormier has somewhat surprisingly ran to Jon Jones’ side in the midst of his two misdemeanor charges.
Jones and Cormier have a heated past and both men have openly made it clear of their disdain for one another. Over the years, that feud has started to fade and the Olympic wrestler is now siding with his old rival.
After news surfaced of Jon Jones being handed two misdemeanor charges — and his subsequent not guilty plea — many questioned his reliability outisde of the cage. While the verdict of the case remains unresolved, Daniel Cormier has shared his thoughts on the situation.
Instead of belittling his long-term rival, DC opted to side with ‘Bones’.
“My boy Jon Jones,” Cormier stated on his YouTube channel. “Guys, he got served two misdemeanors for the incident with the drug-testing lady.”
“If I’m being completely honest, though, the whole time I kind of thought that whole deal was BS.”
“I feel like he was approached very early, right? Or, if I recall correctly, it was either really early in the morning or late in the evening where he could have been at home, having some drinks.”
“We all rush to judge Jones because of his past issues, but the reality is, if a man is at his house and he’s having some drinks in the confines of his own home, so what? It’s his right to do that.”
“If the drug-testers come and he might be a little bit tipsy or messed up, maybe the interactions aren’t as fun or as easy as they may have been in other occasions.”
Cormier continued, insisting that Jones has been an easy person to target due to his past.
“I kinda always thought it was BS. I don’t think much is going to come of it. Because he is who he is, it’s always a story, regardless of what happens to this guy. And honestly, that’s kind of like living in the spotlight.”
“I think because of everything he’s done in the past, the light shines a little brighter on him. Even in situations where it shouldn’t.”
Related: Jon Jones pleads not guilty to misdemeanor charges
“So, I don’t really think that this is that big of a deal. I think it was always going to be a misdemeanor, but some of the things that has happened in the past are much more serious…”
“I think this man was bombarded a little bit and I think that a misdemeanor is only the court’s way of taking some action.”
Cormier ended by saying that despite their relationship and history, he still believes the charges to be wrong.
“I’m not the judge, I’m not the jury, so it doesn’t really matter. I’m just a guy that doesn’t like a guy, that is actually standing up for that guy because I know that’s bullsh*t.”
Conor McGregor became the part-owner of BKFC earlier this year, but he has his sights set on more than just the business side of the sport.
‘The Notorious’ remains sidelined due to an injury he sustained leading into his scheduled return at UFC 303. While he has hopes of making his comeback later this year, the Irishman is still looking toward his UFC exit once his contract expires.
During a BKFC press conference in Marbella, Spain earlier today, Conor McGregor made an appearance. McGregor expressed his belief in the product and shared his ambitions with those in attendance.
“Any real true fighter inside of them knows that to have a bare-knuckle fighting world championship is a real feather in the cap,” McGregor said at the BKFC Spain press conference.
“I don’t just back the product, I back the people behind the product and Dave Feldman has done a tremendous job, a stellar job…”
“This is a sport on the rise and with my backing, I’m confident I can strap it to a rocket ship and send it right to the moon.”
“Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship is number one in this space, there is no one on this level with us. We are separate from any other entity in combat sports, and that is a beautiful, beautiful place to be in this time.”
McGregor then urged fighters to test themselves in the BKFC ring in hopes of becoming a star, similar to Mike Perry’s rise.
“We do not want to see mixed martial artists go from one mixed martial arts organization to another organization, we’ve seen it.”
“We wish for them to take their chances. Come and try it here at Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. Make a new name for yourself.”
“Look at what’s happened to Michael Perry. One of our big stars here. ‘The King of Violence’ he titles himself. He’s had such a rise in the sport, now he’s up against a little dweeb of a thing this weekend. We’re all rooting for him.”
Related: Michael Chandler wants Nate Diaz as Conor McGregor replacement
Conor McGregor later revealed his shock plan. Once his contract with the UFC comes to an end, McGregor expressed an interest in competing inside the BKFC ring.
“For me, I have a bit of business left with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, two fights left on my contract.”
“But for sure, we’ve got three lightweights up here on the deis, and you know, I have my eye on all of these.”
“I’m not up here just as an owner. Player/manager I will title myself on this one.”
Jake Paul and Mike Perry will appear at the Paul vs. Perry Pre-Fight Press Conference in Tampa, Florida on Thursday at 2 p.m. ET.
Paul is coming off a first-round knockout win over Ryan Bourland in March. He’s 9-1 in his professional boxing career. Perry rejuvenated his career after leaving the UFC in 2021. He was signed by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship and is undefeated in the fight promotion with wins over former UFC champions Eddie Alvarez and Luke Rockhold. Perry last fought in April, stopping Thiago Alves in the first round.
Paul was scheduled to faced Mike Tyson on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas but a medical issued forced Tyson to push the bout back until Nov. 15.
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones appeared virtually in court in New Mexico on Wednesday and entered a not guilty plea to misdemeanor charges stemming from an alleged incident with drug testing agents in March.
Jones, along with his lawyer Christopher Dodd, appeared at the virtual hearing in front of Judge Brittany Maldonado Malott. Jones’ charges include a petty misdemeanor for assault and a misdemeanor for interference with communications.
Jones will next appear in court on Aug. 22 for a bench trial. The charges stem from a visit to his residence by two Drug Free Sport agents to collect a sample as part of the UFC anti-doping policy. One of the agents, Crystal Martinez, alleges that Jones grew “agitated” after failing to be able to provide a urine sample and was given the option of providing a blood sample instead.
She also claimed Jones took her phone and began recording the agents. The incident left Martinez “terrified,” she told police. Jones has denied the account provided by Martinez. In April, he released a statement giving his account of what occurred.
“I was recently visited by testers while I was celebrating a birthday and taking a nap. Upon waking up, I was caught off guard by the unprofessionalism and protocol by one of the testers which caused frustration, leading me to use some profanity [that] I regret.”
“However, I want to emphasize that at no point did I threaten, get in anyone’s face, raise my voice to anyone, or engage in any form of assault,” Jones wrote on social media.
Hello everyone, I wanted to address some misinformation that has been circulating this morning . I woke up to false reports that I had been arrested . I have not been arrested. In fact, I am currently in Texas with my daughters at a volleyball tournament.
I must admit, it's…
— BONY (@JonnyBones) April 7, 2024
Jones is expected to make his return to the octagon in November against former two-time campion Stipe Miocic. While preparing to face Miocic last November, Jones tore a pectoral tendon that sidelined the all-time great.
Jones returned after three years away from competition in March 2023 to fight for the heavyweight championship against former interim titleholder Ciryl Gane. Jones defeated Gane to become a two-division UFC champion adding to his already Hall of Fame resume. The expected match against Miocic will be Jones’ first title defense.
Amid his push to be reinstated as the United States President, Donald Trump was the target of an assassination attempt. The bullet that hit Trump was just fractions away from ending his life, and UFC veteran Tim Kennedy has pinned the blame on the Secret Service.
News of Trump’s shooting shook the nation and support has been pouring in for the presidential candidate ever since. With the election just four months away, the 78-year-old’s chances are thought to be higher now after July 13.
Tim Kennedy believes Donald Trump needs to make changes to his security detail or he will remain in danger. According to the former UFC star, Trump’s life was in danger because of the lack of protection that he is being offered.
“Look at the actions on Saturday,” Kennedy said while interview by Chris Williamson. “Which clearly had inept, negligent, incompetent, stupid people, that did an abhorrent, dangerous job of doing the one thing, which is keeping their principle alive.”
“They did nothing. The only reason that man is not dead — that the former president Trump is not dead — is because his head at the very last second changed a few degrees and the bullet went past his ear instead of hitting his temple and taking out the back portion of his brain, which is not survivable.”
Tim Kennedy highlights who’s investigating Trump assassination attempt pic.twitter.com/87774LnB59
— MMAWeekly (@MMAWeeklycom) July 17, 2024
Kennedy then gave insight on why US presidential security needs to be improved.
“What’s supposed to be is this is the most premier security detail on the planet. This is the standard that everybody looks to. The competence, the selection, the training, the personnel…”
“If they were so undermanned, and they were so ill-prepared, and they were so untrained, and the people that were there were following or were hiring with DEI practices, and they were too overweight to be able to get their own weapon in their holster.”
“They’re the ones that are cowering behind the stage or cowering behind the president, while other people that are not even part of that organization are running up the staircase with their guns at the high-ready, looking out into the audience and towards the direction of the gunfire.”
“Completely opposite reactions. It starts becoming very evident about how dangerous this situation not just was but currently is, because it’s not fixed. The same Homeland Security Director is in place, the same Secret Service Director is in place, every single one of those people who have been hired and trained in the past three years are still part of that organization. The group that investigated January 6th and then raided the President’s own home- they’re the ones that are doing the investigation around the assassination. Think about that for a second and the people that are doing that are of the opposing party that’s running for president in November. This is wild.”
Related: Donald Trump gets shot at rally, UFC fighters react
“I’m not disparaging the people that were on the ground on Saturday… I bet you if we lined them up right here and I started interrogating them, they’re like, ‘I did my best.’ And I believe that.”
“They truly are public servants. They’re trying their hardest with the resources they have, with the training that they have, with their god-given gifts and the current physical condition that they’re in, and they were doing the best that they could with what they had. Which just wasn’t enough.”
Tim went on to give props to Joe Biden’s Secret Service detail. “I was just in France with President Biden’s Secret Service detail a month ago. They are so good. They are the A Team to put it mildly. All of those men, all of those guys where the best and the brightest.”
Tim Kennedy later shared an opinion that may be hard to hear for some, but may be needed to keep Donald Trump safe.
“I think for President Trump to survive the next four months to the election and the next six months to the inauguration, he has to bring in private security.”
Watch Kennedy discuss the Trump assassination attempt below.
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