UFC's Kamaru Usman Breaks Down Woodley Vs. Covington ... I Beat 'em Both!!!

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FROM MY EXPERIENCE

Who better to analyze the Tyron Woodley vs. Colby Covington fight than the only guy who beat 'em both -- Kamaru Usman!!

So, here's the reigning UFC welterweight champ telling TMZ Sports why this fight could be epic ... while not wearing a shirt.

Don't hate. Be honest -- if you were shredded like this dude, you'd do interviews without your shirt on, too.

Funny moment when he's reflecting on his match with Colby -- telling us, "What a jaw-breaking performance that was, wasn't it?"

Get it?! Because he broke Colby's jaw! Good times ...

But, we digress ... besides breaking down the strengths and weaknesses of both fighters, Kamaru also reveals he'll be in the building at the UFC Apex center in Las Vegas for Saturday night's big fight!

"If any one of these guys wanna get flippant at the mouth, ya know I'll be right there front and center. So they can say it to my face."

You pumped yet!?

Conor McGregor Detained for 'Attempted Sexual Assault' ... Denies Allegations

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UPDATE

11:48 AM PT -- McGregor’s manager, Audie Attar, issued a statement to MMA Fighting, saying, "I am irate and putting out a warning loud and clear: Conor McGregor is not and will not be a target for those seeking to score a headline or a payday."

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10:30 AM PT -- Conor's legal rep in Corsica, Emmanuelle Ramon, told AFP ... NO charges have been filed against the UFC star.

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Ramon also ripped the complaint against McGregor -- calling it "abusive."

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8:50 AM PT -- A rep for McGregor tells TMZ Sports ... "Conor Mcgregor vigorously denies any accusations of misconduct."

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"He has been interviewed and released."

Conor McGregor was taken into police custody and questioned in Corsica on Saturday over an allegation of attempted sexual assault, French officials say.

The UFC superstar had been sailing around the Mediterranean on his yacht recently with his fiancée, Dee Devlin ... but McGregor allegedly flew off the handle on Thursday.

A court official in Corsica sent a statement to the Agence France-Presse confirming police had taken Conor into custody.

"Following a complaint filed on September 10 denouncing acts that could be described as attempted sexual assault and sexual exhibition, Mr. Conor Anthony Mac Gregor was the subject of a hearing by the gendarmerie services,” prosecutors said.

Another report out of France says the alleged incident took place at a bar.

Earlier this week, Conor was teasing a UFC comeback -- saying he let the UFC's drug-testing agents on his yacht to take a sample.

McGregor proposed to his longtime girlfriend Dee Devlin just last month ... and was even spotted on a photo shoot with her this week.

Conor and Devlin have 2 kids together.

Of course, Conor has a long history with the law ... he was arrested and prosecuted for throwing a steel dolly through a UFC bus window a few years ago. He was also arrested for felony robbery for taking a man's cell phone at a Miami hotel in 2019.

And, don't forget the time he punched an elderly man in the face for no reason at a pub in Ireland in April 2019.

Originally published -- 8:48 AM PT

Steven Spielberg's Daughter Domestic Violence Case Dismissed ... After Completing Counseling Classes

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Steven Spielberg's daughter no longer has to worry about her domestic violence case ... because TMZ's learned it's been tossed.

A spokesperson with the Office of the Attorney General in Nashville tells TMZ ... Mikaela Spielberg successfully completed court-ordered counseling classes after her February arrest. We're told Mikaela had already been attending counseling since October 2019, but the focus of her weekly classes changed following her arrest. We're told the final report was very good ... resulting in the judge dismissing her domestic violence case.

As we reported ... Mikaela was arrested following an argument with her BF after returning home from a bar. She allegedly erupted and hurled objects at him after he said something "rude" to her.

Cops observed a visible injury on the BF -- dry blood on his hand and a swollen wrist -- and determined Mikaela was the aggressor.

The arrest came on the heels of Mikaela announcing her solo career in porn.

Saquon Barkley I Took My Logo .. Turned It Into 18-Karat Gold Pendant!!!

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Saquon Barkley loves his personal Nike logo so much, he decided to get the thing decked out in a brand new baller chain ... and man, does this thing shine!!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... the New York Giants superstar running back wanted to treat himself before the start of the new season ... so he hit up his go-to guy, celeb jeweler Leo Frost, to whip up a diamond copy of his signature bolt emblem.

We're told the piece is made up of 18-karat white gold and VVS diamonds ... which means it's super high quality.

Of course, you've seen Frost's work in the past -- dude's done awesome chains for Joe Burrow, Henry Ruggs, Justin Jefferson, Errol Spence, Jr. and more.

No word on how much the piece cost ... but Frost's work usually starts at a 5-figure minimum.

Florida Panthers NHL Investigating Ex-GM Dale Tallon ... Over Alleged Racist Comments

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The NHL has launched a probe into ex-Florida Panthers general manager Dale Tallon over allegations he used racist language as recently as the past few months.

One source with knowledge of the investigation tells us the league is looking into multiple alleged incidents -- including a recent exchange that took place during Tallon's final few weeks as GM of the team.

The Panthers parted ways with Tallon earlier this month -- after the team's season came to an end following a loss to the Islanders.

But, according to FloridaHockeyNow.com, the league is actively looking into allegations Tallon used racial language while the Panthers were still competing in the Toronto hub.

We're told the scope of the investigation goes beyond the most recent alleged incident -- there are accusations he's used offensive language in years past.

There was no mention of racial allegations from the Panthers when the team let Tallon go on August 10.

In fact, team owner Vinnie Viola praised Tallon on the way out.

"For the last decade, Dale raised the team’s profile, attracted key players to South Florida and brought character and class to our franchise."

We're out to the NHL and the Panthers for comment-- and will update as information comes in.

Joe Burrow Gets Sick Diamond #9 Chain ... 18K Gold!!!

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JOEY ICE

Cincinnati Bengals rookie quarterback Joe Burrow just got himself an amazing welcome-to-the-NFL gift ... a diamond chain of his jersey number!!

TMZ Sports has learned ... the Heisman Trophy winner wanted to do something special after inking his massive, $36 million rookie deal, so he hit up celeb jeweler Leo Frost to whip up the one-of-a-kind piece.

We're told the awesome #9 pendant is made of 18k white gold and VVS diamonds ... sitting on an 18k white gold prong-set Cuban chain with VVS diamonds.

In other words, the rook's got taste!!

For those who paid close attention to our pre-draft jewelry roundup back in February, this should come as no surprise. As Leo told Burrow at the time, "After the draft, I'm thinking we make this a fat ass piece for you, #9? A fat #9."

Leo delivered on his promise ... flying to Cincinnati this week to hand over the final product ... and Joe loved it!!

It's been one crazy year for the Ohio boy -- he won a natty, won the Heisman, helped raise $500k for his hometown food bank, and went #1 overall in the Draft.

So yeah ... the dude earned some ice.

Antonio Brown Leads $20K School Supply Giveaway ... Catch This Laptop!!!

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BACK TO SCHOOL

Ya can't have ABCs without AB!!

Antonio Brown is doing his part to help the kids in South Florida ... by leading a school supplies drive in the Miami area -- an event that helped out 500 families in need.

32-year-old Brown wrote some generous checks to help cover the cost for book bags, notebooks and other supplies ... and some kids even got new laptop computers to help with the distanced learning situation during the COVID pandemic.

You can see in the video ... the kids are stoked -- and so is Antonio!!

We spoke with 103.5 FM's Papa Keith -- one of the organizers of the event -- and he raves about the NFLer's involvement.

"AB is from Liberty City which is where the event was held and the fact that he’s coming back to help his hometown even at this point in his career is something we love to see."

It's some good publicity for AB, who is still trying to get back into the NFL after a slew of off-field issues over the past year.

As we previously reported, Brown has been suspended the first 8 games of the 2020 season -- but that could make him a target for a team looking for some help at WR in the second half of the season.

Cleveland's Carlos Santana Wears Banned 'Chief Wahoo' Gear ... During Game & Presser

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Maybe Carlos Santana didn't get the memo ...

The Cleveland Indians star 1st baseman rocked a "Chief Wahoo" shirt under his jersey during Tuesday's game -- despite the team BANNING that logo back in 2019.

Remember, the team -- along with Major League Baseball -- put out a grand statement back in 2018 saying the club would officially do away with Chief Wahoo, explaining the logo was "no longer appropriate."

Critics have long said the logo felt like an insensitive, racist caricature of a Native American.

MLB and the Indians put out a joint statement saying they had "thoughtful and productive discussions" and ultimately agreed to move on from the logo by the start of the 2019 season.

The last time Wahoo was on an official Indians uniform was Oct. 2018.

So, you can imagine the shock when Santana wore the shirt during Tuesday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates ... in a monster game for Santana in which he had 2 hits and 5 RBIs. Lots of camera time.

Plus, he wore the undershirt -- without his jersey -- at the post-game presser where Wahoo was more prominently displayed.

Our MLB sources tell us ... the league is aware of the shirt -- and there are plans to talk with the Indians organization about the issue so it won't happen again.

We reached out to the Indians for comment -- so far, no word back.

Roy Jones Jr. Not Backing Out of Mike Tyson Fight ... Hammered Out Issues

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Roy Jones Jr. is NOT pulling the plug on his scheduled fight with Mike Tyson ... but there is some truth to rumors of tension behind the scenes.

Here's what we know ... Roy wasn't happy when Tyson's camp agreed to push back the date of the fight from Sept. 12 to Nov. 28.

Roy already had begun training and was on a strict timeline to prepare himself. So, when the date changed ... we're told he was frustrated and vented his issues to Tyson's camp and the people organizing the fight.

We're told there were other minor issues ... but it all boils down to this -- Roy wants to be treated like an equal partner in the fight and after he laid out his concerns, we're told he was happy with the way they were addressed and agreed to proceed with the fight on Nov. 28.

In fact, Roy even posted an IG video this week saying straight up, he'll be ready and looking for a real deal victory over Tyson when they clash.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

One thing that's bothered both fighters is the insinuation from the California State Athletic Commission that the fight will be more of a playful show than a violent fight.

Sources from both Tyson's camp and Roy's camp tell us both men are approaching the event like they would any other fight in their respective careers.

Tyson and Roy have said to TMZ Sports on camera the goal is a knockout ... and they will be COMPETING once the bell rings.

Roy Jones Jr
TIME TO GET TO WORK

Jon Jones Vacates UFC Light Heavyweight Belt ... In Talks for Heavyweight Fight

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4:54 PM PT -- New developments ... Jon now says he's had a "positive conversation" with the UFC about fighting at heavyweight.

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So, maybe not retired after all?!

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"Sounds like there will be negotiations for my next fight at heavyweight. All good news, the weight gaining process begins."

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Jon says based on the size of his NFL star brothers Chandler and Arthur, "I really do believe putting on a little extra weight is going to bring out my true genetic/athletic potential."

UPDATE

The saga continues ...

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2:24 PM PT -- We spoke with Dana White who says he believes Jones is retiring.

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"I think he has accomplished everything he wanted to accomplish and beat the who’s who of the sport."

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"And he's gonna spend his time doing other things he wants to do."

UFC superstar Jon Jones just announced he's officially vacating his light heavyweight title -- and suggested he's done fighting. Forever.

"Just got off the phone with UFC," Jones said ... "Today I confirm that I’m vacating the light heavyweight championship. It’s officially up for grabs."

"It’s been an amazing journey, sincere thank you to all my competition, Ufc and most importantly you fans."

Jones says the UFC made it clear there was "no negotiating" moving forward -- so he's just going to hang it up instead.

"If that ever changes, I’d love to come back and compete again as a heavyweight. Until then, I’ll be enjoying Ufc has a fan and doing my best to take care of my family and community."

We recently spoke with UFC honcho Dana White about the contract issues with Jon Jones -- and he told us there was a chance JJ meant it when he suggested retiring in the past.

Still, Dana told us he hoped Jon would fight in the Octagon again because he's one of the all-time greats and the sport is better with him in it.

33-year-old Jones is without a doubt one of the greatest UFC fighters ever -- with victories over guys like Daniel Cormier, Alexander Gustafsson, Anthony Smith, Rampage Jackso and many many more.

He had flirted with a move to heavyweight for months ... because that's where the bigger fights are for him at this point in his career.

Jones had recently commented about fighting Francis Ngannou and most recently turned his attention to Stipe Miocic. Unfortunately, it seems he's closing the door so we won't ever get to see those fights.

Jon is 26-1 as a pro MMA fighter -- but most consider him undefeated because the 1 loss was due to an illegal strike in a fight he was dominating against Matt Hamill back in 2009.

Originally published -- 2:16 PM PT

Magic and Cookie Johnson Hit Croatia On Annual Baller Summer Trip ... COVID Can't Stop Us!

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Magic Johnson and his wife Cookie refuse to let that whole global pandemic thing stop them from their annual super-expensive, ballerrific Euro-Trip -- because they've just touched down in Croatia!

We've been covering Magic's summer trips for years -- he typically spends MILLIONS to rent fancy yachts for MONTHS to sail around the Amalfi Coast with his rich and famous friends.

But, with COVID still rearing its ugly head, the Johnson's are keeping more of a low profile this time around -- even rocking masks to try and limit their exposure. Smart!

Still, Magic and Cookie were spotted by fans in Dubrovnik -- and naturally, they smiled and posed for pics with anyone who asked while trying to keep a safe distance.

In previous years, we've seen Johnson Family Trip cameos from superstars like Samuel L. Jackson, LL Cool J, Holly Robinson Peete, Steve Harvey and more.

Unclear if the same crew will make it out this time around with the pandemic still affecting parts of the world.

Magic's vacations usually last around 6 weeks and can cost anywhere from $4 mil to $6 mil just on yacht fees!

In 2019, Magic's yacht featured a dining room area, movie theater, hot tub and massive outdoor deck.

Here's hoping everyone stays safe!

NBA's DeAndre Jordan Surprises COVID-19 Frontline Workers ... With 200 Meals!!!

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Brooklyn Nets star DeAndre Jordan is doing his part to personally assist those combating the coronavirus -- by surprising 200 frontline workers with free meals!!

TMZ Sports has learned -- the 6'11" center popped up at the myCovidMD in Los Angeles on Thursday ... teaming up with Postmates to provide the large group of workers administrating COVID tests with food from one of his favorite local joints -- Harold & Belle’s.

We're told Jordan hooked the workers up with chicken creole and his personal fav -- veggie jambalaya.

Of course, it's a great gesture coming from Jordan -- who was unable to compete in the 2020 NBA restart after testing positive for COVID-19.

Awesome move from the All-Star ... and now we're hungry for some Louisiana creole cuisine.

Isiah Thomas Claims '84 All-Star Trophy Was 'Stolen' ... Auction House Pulls Item

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2:40 PM PT -- The auction house is now working with law enforcement to get to the bottom of the alleged theft.

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Heritage Auctions says a rep has spoken with both Thomas and the Westchester Police Dept. ... and the trophy will remain in H.A.'s Dallas office pending the results of an official investigation.

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"Thomas said he loaned the MVP trophy, along with several other items that were stolen from the trophy case in recent years, out of respect and affection for Coach Pingatore, who died on June 26, 2019, at the age of 82," Heritage Auctions says.

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Thomas also issued a statement essentially thanking Heritage Auctions for working with him on the matter.

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"For me and my family, the silver lining in all of this is that it showed up at your house [Heritage Auctions]. We never would have known, so we are grateful and I am thankful that the item was found and will be returned."

Isiah Thomas was furious when he saw his 1984 NBA All-Star Game MVP trophy hit the auction block recently -- claiming it's "stolen" property that was heisted from his old high school.

The trophy itself is a pretty cool item -- Thomas won the award after posting 21 points, 5 rebounds and 15 assists while playing against guys like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Thomas says he allowed the trophy to be displayed at his old high school in Illinois, but claims it was stolen back in June 2019.

So, when he saw it up for auction with the Heritage Auctions website, Thomas was not pleased.

"This trophy was stolen from St. Joseph High School the night Mr. Pingatore my coach died," Thomas posted on Twitter ... "It belongs to me."

"You stole my trophy please return it! Let it be known."

Heritage Auctions responded to Thomas -- saying, "We take the concerns and allegations of Mr. Thomas very seriously. We will investigate them as expeditiously as possible."

A rep for the auction house tells us the item was "immediately removed" -- noting, "We are working at this very moment to find out the real story behind this trophy."

In the meantime, watch the highlights of Thomas from the game ... dude was BALLIN!!!

Originally Published -- 8:37 AM PT

Brian Austin Green Lunch Date w/ Cyber-Crime Guru ... Givin' Each Other the Business!!!

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Brian Austin Green might look like he's getting cozy with a new female in his life -- but turns out, she's not all that new ... and this is far from romantic, 'cause they're hatching a plan.

Here's BAG meeting Jennifer Flynn this week for a lunch date, where they were deep in conversation about a business they've been working on for 3 years. There's no PDA -- although you might think there is -- we've learned they're not dating.

Jennifer and Brian met 3 years ago at a July 4th party thrown by her mom, actress Jane Seymour. Jennifer and Brian started a company together called InteliQore, which helps people combat cyber-crimes as they happen in real-time. Sources close to the pair tell us they booted this up a few years back after both experienced online bullying and harassment in their respective fields.

They've developed products and services related to cybersecurity, and they're about to release their first product on the market, called TRIPP.

BTW ... Jane Seymour is in on the action ... she's a partner in the venture.

'Vanderpump Rules' Star Danica Dow's Ex-BF Gets Restraining Order ... She Tore Up My Neck!!!

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"Vanderpump Rules" star Danica Dow's ex-BF is responding to her restraining order against him by getting his own against her ... claiming she clawed his neck over a "90 Day Fiance" episode.

Brett Willis beelined it to court in L.A. seeking a temporary restraining order against Danica, and claims she most recently got violent with him in July when an argument erupted between them.

In the docs, obtained by TMZ, he says Danica was pissed he wouldn't clean his dish until after a "90 Day Fiance" episode ended. He says he went outside to let her cool off, but claims when he came back the argument continued ... “until Danica grabbed my neck twice, each time digging her nails deep and pulling hard enough to scratch off some skin from my neck.”

Willis claims she drew blood, just like she allegedly did in a February fight about a woman he'd hooked up with before they were together. According to the docs, Danica was so pissed she "ran across her bed to claw my neck and rip my shirt apart." He also alleges she bit his arm when he tried to get away.

He also claims she went off on him at a "Vanderpump Rules" premiere party. All that was enough for the judge, who granted his restraining order for Danica to stay at least 10 feet away when they're both working at Pump ... and 100 yards away outside the bar.

For her part, Danica claimed earlier this week that Brett broke into her home and cut up her clothes -- and she too was granted a restraining order.