Logan Paul is a big favourite to beat Dillon Danis this weekend.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer has boxed three times previously and never emerged victorious ahead of his co-main event bout with Danis in Manchester on Saturday night.
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In 2018, Paul fought to a draw with KSI at amateur level before being outpointed by his PRIME business partner a year later when they both made their professional debuts.
An exhibition bout with boxing legend Floyd Mayweather followed and while the internet celebrity did well to survive eight rounds, it was clear who won the fight even though an official winner was not declared.
Despite that he’s fancied to beat Conor McGregor’s teammate and footage from his MMA debut shows why so many people are backing Paul to get a first squared circle victory.
In April 2018, Danis made his highly anticipated transition from Brazilian jiu-jitsu to MMA on a Bellator card headlined by heavyweight legends Fedor Emelianeko and Frank Mir.
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The 30-year-old fought Kyle Walker – not the one you’re thinking about – a 2-4 MMA fighter who lost three consecutive fights before his clash with Danis.
Walker looked capable of springing an upset early on.
The 31-year-old shrugged off Danis’ first takedown attempt before going to work with his boxing skills that tested the man billed as MMA’s next big thing.
Walker, who fighting at a 175lbs catchweight, landed a stiff jab on Danis before connecting two massive overhand lefts on his jaw.
Both knocked Danis off balance and while how easy he was to hit is worrying, the fact he was able to take power shots to the chin and not flinch will fill him with confidence ahead of his boxing debut.
After a minute, the submission specialist had enough of being punched and pulled Walker to the ground before quickly locking up a toe hold to earn the tap.
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Danis’ dazzling submission skills distracted from the fact a low-level opponent was able to find his chin with strikes – although, it’s likely to have been picked up on by Paul during camp.
Following months of social media trolling aimed at his fiancée, Nina Agdal, Paul will be hoping he’ll land as clean as Walker did during his fight with Danis five years ago.
However, that may be easier said than done as ‘El Jefe’ has recently linked up with former UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira, who is a decorated former kickboxer, to work on his striking offence and defence.
Only time will tell if Danis is more elusive than he was during his first MMA bout.