NFL's Cardale Jones: No Way I'd Fight Paige VanZant ... She'd Destroy Me

The war over the "12 Gauge" nickname ain't about to be settled in the Octagon -- with Cardale Jones telling TMZ Sports ... Paige VanZant would "destroy" him in an MMA fight.

Remember, Paige called out Jones earlier this month -- saying the two should fight over the nickname they both use ... winner gets the "12 Gauge" title once and for all.

Well, we saw the Buffalo Bills rookie at LAX Monday and he told us he still intends to battle Paige over it -- however, he knows better than to accept a real scrap with a UFC star.

"I'm not about to get in her profession ... she would destroy me."

Jones does have another idea in mind about how to settle the issue -- it's wayyyy less violent.