Sport
Tyson Fury reveals he has received an offer to fight Jon Jones in the UFC — and wants to do it
This would be absolute carnage, surely?
Ahead of his next boxing bout against MMA fighter Francis Ngannou, Tyson Fury has revealed that he has received an offer to fight in the UFC and is seriously considering accepting it.
Fury takes on a fellow heavyweight title winner from a different discipline in Saudia Arabia on 28 October after completing his trilogy of fights against Derek Chisora in June and his intended fight against Oleksandr Usyk falling through.
However, while many have criticised the ‘Gypsy King’ for naming an MMA fighter as his next opponent instead of an orthodox boxer, several of the same fight fans have now had their ears pricked up at the idea of Tyson getting in the octagon after reportedly receiving an offer from the UFC.
And if that wasn’t already a juicy enough prospect, it’s apparently to take on none other than Jon Jones, with Fury already making clear it’s something he’s up for.
Speaking in an interview with The Sun, the 35-year-old said it’s “100% true” that he’s already received an offer to fight Jon Jones and that promoter Frank Warren and his team know all about it.
“It’s still ongoing and we’re looking to move forward on that for sure. Me and Jon have even spoken about it. It’s definitely a real thing”, Fury added.
The revelation came after he said that, regardless of the result next month, he’d be more than willing to have a rematch with Ngannou on his turf in 2024.
Expanding on the subject, he told IFLTV: “I want challenges, I don’t want easy bait. They’re all bums, the boxers. I’ve already proved myself as the best boxer that’s ever lived. Now I’m gonna prove myself as the best fighting man that’s ever lived.” As it turns out, he’s already had a bit of practice at MMA too.
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Fury has said that he knows if he doesn’t beat Ngannou, both the boxing world and everyone who follows MMA will mock him, insisting: “If I lose to an MMA guy I’ll never be able to show my face in public again. It’s going to ridicule me – people will chuck it at me forever.”
During the interview, the now-Netflix documentary star also went on to discuss whether there is any possibility that his match against Oleksandr Usyk could be resurrected.
Admitting that it isn’t a priority for him right now, Fury said, “If he takes a small percentage we might make it happen. But if he wants a large bag I’m gonna say, ‘No thank you'”, adding, “I think Francis Ngannou is gonna be a tougher challenge than these other guys. These other guys are just boxers, this guy’s more than that.”
Do you reckon there’s any chance the 37-year-old striker could get one over on Fury and would you event want to see him try his hand at UFC?
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Featured Image — Tyson Fury (via Instagram)/Wikimedia Commons
Sport
England head coach Shaun Wane quits ahead of 2026 Rugby League World Cup
Danny Jones
England head coach Shaun Wane has stepped down from his role as the national team setup after more than half a decade in the post.
His resignation comes as the Rugby Football League (RFL) looks to pivot and set out a long-term vision ahead of the World Cup later this year.
The Wigan-born former Warriors manager’s replacement is expected to be merely a part-time appointment as future planning begins.
Announced on Wednesday, 14 January, Shaun Wane’s tenure has ended “effective immediately”.
Sharing an official update online, the RFL wrote: “Wane, who has led England since February 2020, has taken time to reflect on the programme and believes the timing is right for new leadership to guide the team into the next phase, including the upcoming World Cup.
“During his tenure, Wane oversaw memorable series victories over Tonga in 2023 and a star-studded Samoa a year later, as well as a semi-final in the World Cup. He finishes with 14 wins from 19 matches.”
Crediting him as one of “a very small elite number of coaches to have won the full suite of domestic club honours and achieved World Club Championship success”, hailing his experience and longevity both as a player and as a coach.
As for Wane himself, he said: “It has been the honour of my life to coach England Rugby League over the last six years, but after careful reflection, I believe the time is right to step aside and allow the programme to move forward into its next chapter.
The 61-year-old ex-pro goes on to add, “The privilege of leading my country in a World Cup, an Ashes Series on home soil and securing victories over Tonga and Samoa will live long in the memory.
“I’m incredibly grateful to all the players, coaches and staff I’ve worked alongside during that time; their commitment and professionalism made those moments possible. I wish everyone involved with England Rugby League the best going forward and for the World Cup later this year.”
According to the latest reports online, St Helens boss Paul Rowley is now said to be the favourite to take over in the interim.
The 2026 Rugby League World Cup is still months away (scheduled to take place in October and November), but the governing body will want to get the new setup and coaching in place as soon as possible to prepare for the tournament.
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Featured Images — Fleets (via WikiCommons)/England Rugby League (screenshot via YouTube)
Sport
Manchester City Women finally secure transfer target after months of pursuit
Danny Jones
Manchester City Women’s team have finally secured their long-sought-after new signing, Sam Coffey, after months of courting her.
She is Andrée Jeglertz’s first new addition of the January transfer window.
The American midfielder joins Man City Women on a three-and-a-half year contract after having been with National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) outfit, Portland Thorns, for the best part of four years.
Officially arriving at the Joie Stadium and wider Etihad Campus this week, she will wear the 17 shirt.
Already a well-established US international, the 27-year-old helped her now former team to the playoff semi-finals as club captain last term and has featured in the NWSL’s team of the season for the last four campaigns running.
The club went after her this past summer but was ultimately unable to get an agreement over the line.
Sam Coffey came through the youth academy ranks in New York, going on to play her college football in Boston and then at Penn State before making her full senior debut for the Thorns back in 2022.
Fast coming on 50 caps for her country and having won Olympic Gold and a SheBelieves Cup in 2024, she pulls on the sky blue of Jeglertz’s current league-leading side, having already won silverware.
Man City never hesitate when it comes to bringing in top talents to further increase their title chances, and an acquisition like this could help them stay the course towards their first-ever Women’s Super League (WSL) trophy.
Commenting in an official club statement, Coffey said: “It’s a club with so much history, so much success, so much influence in the city. Manchester is not somewhere I’ve been before, but there’s something about it that I felt I was led to and called to.
You can find her first full interview as a City women’s player down below.
She goes on to add: “I think it’s also a place that has just proven its investment in women’s soccer and being a part of this movement that is going on.
“Seeing the facilities, the support the team gets, and all the efforts they’re putting in for the women’s side is such a huge and positive side and something I’m honoured to be a part of.”
City face Bournemouth next in the Women’s FA Cup on Sunday, 18 January, before facing fellow title contenders and serial domestic winners Chelsea in the League Cup next week; it remains to be seen when her first appearance will come.
Happy with the business, Blues?
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Featured Images — Hameltion (via Wikimedia Commons)/Manchester City Women’s Football Club
