Latest news with #DillonDanis
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tony Ferguson goes off on 'washed up' criticism for Salt Papi fight: 'That's more fuel for my fire'
Tony Ferguson is ready to turn over a new leaf as a boxer. One of the most beloved MMA fighters of the past decade, Ferguson moved on from the UFC after his August 2024 fight against Michael Chiesa. The former interim lightweight champion initially planned to kick off 2025 by sticking to MMA with a matchup against Dillon Danis for the startup Global Fight League (GFL) promotion, however the GFL hit a snag prior to its debut events and now appears to be dead. Ferguson hasn't given up on his combat journey though, as "El Cucuy" instead shifted his focus to professional boxing. He's set to meet Nathaniel "Salt Papi" Bustamante at Misfits Boxing 22 on Aug. 30. "With the GFL and everything that was kind of going on, it was hit and miss," Ferguson said. "We would get a date and we would get a location, then nothing. Something would fall through. "I told Lloyd [Pierson], my agent, 'Hey, we've got to stay busy.' We reached out, we did some networking and made this happen [with Misfits]. "I've been wanting to box since I was little, and I was never allowed," Ferguson continued. "My dad said, 'You're going to have to play a sport where you can get a scholarship, and you can go do that because I'm not going to pay for that s***.' I wasn't able to box with UFC. Nothing against that. The focus was all on that. Now I get to put shoes on, I get to put on boxing gloves, and I get to not worry about other things I used to not worry about. This is fun because it's a whole new sport." Ferguson, 41, has been on a rough stretch since compiling one of the greatest runs in UFC lightweight history — a 12-fight undefeated streak from 2013 to 2020. The former interim champ has since lost eight straight, and parted ways with the UFC having set a new promotional record for its longest losing skid. Boxing will be a new foray for him, but Ferguson's violent striking style was a staple of his MMA game throughout his rise to prominence. And the chirping has already begun, as Ferguson and his debut opponent attended Wednesday's Misfits Boxing 22 pre-fight press conference in London. "I saw this guy face to face — he did not talk about knocking me out face-to-face," Ferguson said of Bustamante. "He didn't say the same thing when I was in front of him. I made sure I sized my hand up with his, and I made sure that he understood where I was coming from, that I'm not f***ing joking around. He has eight fights underneath his belt. I have zero [in boxing], but I'm going to take that one and it's going to be mine. "I'm excited because my weight has been low. I've been keeping it [low] instead of 200, 205, where I'm usually comfortable. Pops gave me the best recommendation when GFL was on the way — keep your weight low, so that way you don't have to keep making weight all the time and fluctuating weight. So I've been at 175 [pounds] steady, f***ing hungry and I'm ready to go. ... I don't f*** around." Despite going winless over the past six years, Ferguson's confidence doesn't appear to have wavered one bit. Instead, he's fueled by the new opportunity. And though the MMA community has pleaded with "El Cucuy" to call it a career, it's only motivated him further to pursue what he believes he's capable of. "90% of the f***ing comments out there are saying that I'm washed up, I'm old, and I should f***ing retire and all this other bulls***," Ferguson said. "They're saying that because they can't f***ing do this s*** that I'm doing. It's crazy. The other 20% is saying that 'Salt Papi' is going to knock me out. So 100% of you b****es are out there hating on me. You know what? That's more fuel for my fire. "I wouldn't say I feel completely disrespected because this age group is completely different, right? I'm talking to dudes that are interviewing me that started watching me when they were five, now they're 23. I'm old. I'm 41 years old and halfway to 82. When it comes down to it, I'm still moving like I'm f***ing young, and I'm not going to quit moving, dude. I've been doing this since I was four or three years old."
The Sun
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
‘I'm his perfect target' – Piers Morgan challenges Jake Paul and brother Logan to fight with him and MMA star
PIERS MORGAN has challenged Jake Paul to a boxing fight while his brother Logan takes on an MMA star. The journalist clashed with Paul during an episode of Piers Morgan Uncensored last week. 5 5 The argument caused the Problem Child to storm out of the interview, in which he was wearing a sombrero. Morgan has now challenged Paul to fight following a few months of training in boxing. During an episode of Piers Morgan Uncensored on YouTube with MMA star Dillon Danis he called out the YouTuber-turned-boxer. He said: "I've been doing boxing training now for a few months. "I'm in his right age wheelhouse, I'm 60 years old with zero professional boxing experience, so I'm pretty much his perfect target for his next fight. "I think we should suggest a double header - you have the re-match with Logan, which would be the real fight between two proper fighters. "I will take on Jake Paul, in a pay-per-view to end all pay-per-views. "I fancy my chances, I honestly would." JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS Danis joked back: "I do too, but don't think you're old enough for him." Morgan has since doubled down on the challenge on social media. Jake Paul storms out of Piers Morgan interview wearing a sombrero after claiming he would beat peak Mike Tyson He posted: "You and me Jake Paul - any time, any place. "I'm in your preferred opponent wheelhouse - 60yrs old and barely any boxing experience. "But I make up for it with ferocity, resilience, fearlessness and a burning will-to-win. Let's do this." Fans are up for seeing the rogue match-up as they reacted to Morgan's post. 5 5 One posted: "Bring it." A second wrote: "Go get him Piers." A third commented: "I would actually pay to see this." A fourth said: "My money's on tie." Another added: "The Grumble in the Jungle." Danis, 31, also spoke about the boxing quality of both Paul brothers and insisted that Logan is the better of the two. He added: "I think Logan is a better boxer than him, I've been through my s**t after losing to Logan. "Jake sucks and Jake knows that. "These guys, I knew them before they did boxing, he was such a wannabee. He is trying to be something he is not, you know. 'He's trash, I will fight him MMA, any rules that he wants.'
The Sun
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Is KSI fighting on Misfits 21?
MISFITS 21 comes LIVE from Derby tonight - just under two months after the original card was delayed. The rearranged card will see Darren Till headline against Darren Stewart, as the two former MMA specialists go toe-to-toe in a boxing ring. 5 5 5 5 Misfits 21 was originally scheduled to take place at the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday, March 29, but KSI pulled out of his fight with Dillon Danis. Derby will also be treated to two title fights, as Chase DeMoor defends his Misfits heavyweight championship against Tank Tolman, and Idris Virgo clashes Ty Mitchell for the Misfits middleweight pro championship. Tommy Fury will also see his pal Curtis Pritchard step into the ring, as he debuts against Temp Arts, Big Tobz and Godson in a Survivor Tag match. SunSport can reveal whether or not KSI will be in action on Misfits 21. Is KSI fighting on Misfits tonight? KSI will NOT fight on Misfits 21. "The Nightmare" was scheduled to fight on the original card on March 29 against Dillon Danis, but pulled out of the fight. KSI said he would not be able to fight Danis due to illness, but he is yet to confirm a date for his return to action. He said at the time: "It's so annoying, man. I was so ready, I legit f***ing cried at some point last week, man. "I was just so angry because I've literally killed myself for so many weeks putting myself through so much s***. "And then to just get sick right at the final bit, I'm like just trying to push on, push through and I'm still just getting more and more sick. "It just got to a point where I'm sparring and I can't even breathe. I can't even punch properly, I just feel weak." When did KSI last have a boxing match? KSI's fight with Dillon Danis in late March was set to be his first in-ring appearance for over a year. He has not fought since he lost to Tommy Fury in October 2023. KSI last won a boxing match against Thomas Oliveira in January 2023, over TWO years ago. 5 When is Misfits 21? Misfits 21 will take place Friday, May 16. The original card was set for March 29, before KSI pulled out of his clash with Dillon Danis. It will be held at the Vaillant Live Arena in Derby. The card is set to start at 5pm with DAZN coverage from 7pm BST. The ring walk for the main event is expected at 10.30pm BST. How to watch Misfits 21 and is there a live stream? Misfits 21 will be aired on DAZN TV and streamed on their website and downloadable app. DAZN costs £14.99 month or £119.99 annually, or £24.99 on a flexible deal that can be cancelled at any time. Alternatively, SunSport will live blog all the action as it happens. Misfits 21 full card
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Dillon Danis Fires Back at Eddie Hall After 334-Pound Strongman Calls Him Out for MMA Fight
Dillon Danis tells "Fatty" Eddie Hall to stay in his lane after the strongman's MMA challenge (Image Source: Getty Images) Dillon Danis has turned down former World's Strongest Man Eddie Hall's recent challenge for an MMA bout, responding harshly to the heavyweight as a 'fatty' and questioning his motives. Eddie Hall 's dominant 30-second knockout win over Mariusz Pudzianowski last weekend has emboldened the strongman to take on new opponents despite huge weight differences. Eddie Hall's weight difference raises questions about a competitive matchup There would be a massive physical difference between the two fighters, as Eddie Hall is listed at around 334 pounds (151.5 kg) for his last fight, while Dillon Danis normally fights around 195 pounds (88.5 kg). Earlier this year, Dillon Danis was even scheduled to fight KSI (185 pounds) and Tony Ferguson (165 pounds) at lighter weights under a controversial jiu-jitsu specialist. Dillon Danis had previously expressed curiosity about facing bigger opponents despite the size difference. In a February interview with Ariel Helwani, Dillon Danis referenced classic MMA matchups like Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira versus Bob Sapp, stating: "I always wanted to know what it would be like fighting someone that big and see if my jiu-jitsu would work." Conflicting accounts and industry challenges plague potential bout Both fighters presented previous fight negotiations in contradictory ways. Dillon Danis says discussions were '100 per cent legit', but were sanctioned issues, while Eddie Hall told reporters that Misfits Boxing told him the fight was unsanctioned before they even made him an offer. Beyond sanctioning, the potential matchup has to overcome hurdles. Bellator MMA sources indicate that Dillon Danis is still under contract with the organisation even after not competing for it since 2019. However, Eddie Hall is looking into opportunities with several promotion companies following his recent win. This developing feud between the two fighters will be something fans of the fight can follow updates on both fighters' social media accounts, as Eddie Hall is active on Instagram (@eddiehallwsm) and Dillon Danis is active across multiple platforms. Also Read: Mike Malott Mixes Knockouts and Canadian Pride on the Road to UFC 315 This unusual callout would be possible if regulatory hurdles could be cleared, with both fighters having their cancellations and looking for high-profile opportunities, but many fighting experts are sceptical of competitive fairness.
USA Today
04-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Photos: KSI vs. Dillon Danis press conference in London
Check out these photos from the KSI vs. Dillon Danis press conference in London ahead of their March 29 fight that headlines Misfits Boxing 21 in Manchester, England. (Photos courtesy of Wasserman Boxing) ksi-misfits-boxing-21-press-conference Share Share this image gallery on Facebook on Twitter via text message via email dillon-danis-misfits-boxing-21-press-conference Share Share this image gallery on Facebook on Twitter via text message via email ksi-dillon-danis-misfits-boxing-21-press-conference-4 Share Share this image gallery on Facebook on Twitter via text message via email ksi-dillon-danis-misfits-boxing-21-press-conference-7 Share Share this image gallery on Facebook on Twitter via text message via email ksi-dillon-danis-misfits-boxing-21-press-conference-2 Share Share this image gallery on Facebook on Twitter via text message via email ksi-dillon-danis-misfits-boxing-21-press-conference-8 Share Share this image gallery on Facebook on Twitter via text message via email ksi-dillon-danis-misfits-boxing-21-press-conference-3 Share Share this image gallery on Facebook on Twitter via text message via email dillon-danis-misfits-boxing-21-press-conference-2 Share Share this image gallery on Facebook on Twitter via text message via email ksi-dillon-danis-misfits-boxing-21-press-conference Share Share this image gallery on Facebook on Twitter via text message via email ksi-dillon-danis-misfits-boxing-21-press-conference-6 Share Share this image gallery on Facebook on Twitter via text message via email ksi-dillon-danis-misfits-boxing-21-press-conference-9 Share Share this image gallery on Facebook on Twitter via text message via email ksi-dillon-danis-misfits-boxing-21-press-conference-5 Share Share this image gallery on Facebook on Twitter via text message via email dillon-danis-misfits-boxing-21-press-conference-1 Share Share this image gallery on Facebook on Twitter via text message via email dillon-danis-misfits-boxing-21-press-conference-3 Share Share this image gallery on Facebook on Twitter via text message via email ksi-dillon-danis-pancake-misfits-boxing-21-press-conference Share Share this image gallery on Facebook on Twitter via text message via email Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts.
