KSI was rejected by four ex-UFC stars including Conor McGregor’s ex-rival in pursuit of Wayne Bridge fight replacement

KSI attempted to take on four ex-UFC fighters but came back empty handed when trying to replace Wayne Bridge.

The YouTuber-turned-boxer looked set to meet former Chelsea star Bridge in a stunning crossover boxing clash in Manchester on March 29, but the 44-year-old elected to withdraw.

Bridge was left anguished after 'The Nightmare' sent a face-off into chaos, by making comments regarding his ex-wife Vanessa's affair with former teammate John Terry.

As a result, KSI was forced to try and find a late-notice replacement consulting a number of options.

But he will now renew his rivalry with Dillon Danis on the night, hoping the controversial MMA fighter will show up this time, with their previous planned bout in 2023 cancelled.

Although the Misfits Boxing CEO has revealed that Danis wasn't a primary option with a number of former fighters of the UFC contacted.

He revealed : "I know I'm not even supposed to say this, but f*ck it, bro: Dillon Danis wasn't even my fourth choice.

"We went to Nate Diaz, he said no. We went to Donald Cerrone, he said no. We went to Tony Ferguson, he said no.

"These guys said no to me. I'm there confused as to why a footballer wants to fight me, but these top UFC, ex-UFC fighters don't want to fight me.

"Even Jorge Masvidal. We went to Masvidal to fight, and he couldn't do it because he's under UFC contract.

"Like, guys, we've been trying to find people to fight."

Diaz is perhaps the most high-profile star on the list, and most realistic option, given Conor McGregor's former rival has already stepped into boxing.

The Stockton slugger has previously fought and lost to KSI's rival Jake Paul, and even against Masvidal who was also considered on the list.

Masvidal also has a huge profile and his own boxing promotion, on which he has laced up his gloves and made his debut on.

Cerrone is now retired but has also fought McGregor, while going down as a UFC fan favourite.

Tony Ferguson is a veteran of the UFC, but likely rejected the fight given he has recently inked a deal with the Global Fighters League to compete in more MMA.

For now it will be Danis for KSI, a teammate of McGregor, who was brutally beaten by Logan Paul last year in his boxing debut.