Fights

Evander Holyfield says Deontay Wilder is the best heavyweight in the world ... and he believes that because the most skilled guy, Anthony Joshua, is too scared to put it on the line to be the best.

We got the Real Deal at LAX, and asked the former 4-time Heavyweight champ who he thinks is the best fighter out of Wilder, Joshua, and the unkillable Tyson Fury.

Holyfield seems to think the argument is between Wilder and Joshua and gives Deontay the edge because of one HUGE problem he has with AJ.

"Skills-wise, I can say Anthony Joshua, but he won't fight. Until you fight somebody it don't really make a difference."

Evander isn't the only one critical of Joshua's matchmaking ... AJ has been widely mocked for ducking Wilder, and now some people don't think he's in any rush to fight Fury either.

Random boxing Twitter peeps are one thing ... criticism from a top heavyweight fighter of all-time? That might be enough to make Joshua pay attention.

Conor McGregor is scared. Scared of Khabib, and scared of a rematch ... and they ain't fighting, at least according to Khabib's manager.

Manager Ali Abdelaziz told TMZ Sports his superstar fighter wants to return to the Octagon in September ... so we asked, is there a shot Khabib fights Conor in a rematch of their record-setting UFC 229 bout?

Ali's answer ...

"Conor McGregor did not ask for the rematch. He don't want to have nothing to do with the rematch."

In fact, Ali says it ain't just Conor who's shook ... his whole family and homeland is terrified of Khabib.

"His father don't wan't nothing to do with rematch. His mother don't want nothing to do with rematch. His kids. His wife. The whole country of Ireland. They don't want to spell the word rematch. They are fear. It's fear going around Ireland."

"They don't wan't to see anything that starts with 'K.'"

So, if it's not Conor ... who will Khabib fight?

Well, Ali says it could be Tony Ferguson -- but the Eagle's down to fight anyone ... or anything.

"[Khabib] will fight a camel. A donkey. He will fight a bear. He will fight a tiger. But, I know one thing, we're gonna let Conor live rest of his life in peace."

Ali left us with a message for McGregor ... "If you can't inhale the smoke, don't talk about the smoke."

UFC champ Tyron Woodley says he tried like hell to get a fight deal done with Georges St-Pierre behind-the-scenes FOR YEARS -- but the Canadian superstar just wouldn't sign a contract.

Woodley says he has tremendous respect for GSP -- and is congratulating him on an incredible run in the UFC ... but Tyron admits he's sad he never got an opportunity to test his mettle against one of the greatest of all time.

Tyron says he initiated the talks with the UFC -- and they went to Georges to try and make a deal -- but GSP ultimately felt like there was too much risk and not enough reward to accept the challenge.

Remember, Tyron had GSP as a guest on 'The Hollywood Beatdown' in 2017 and asked Georges straight-up to agree to a fight ... but GSP wouldn't commit.

Woodley says he completely understands why GSP ultimately never gave him the fight -- and tells us he's not even mad at the guy.

It's over ... UFC legend Georges St-Pierre just officially announced his retirement from mixed martial arts -- saying, "It takes a lot of discipline, though, to retire on top."

The 37-year-old is widely considered one of the greatest UFC fighters of all time -- some say the best -- racking up a 26-2 record and 3 UFC titles in his 17-year career in the Octagon.

GSP has signature victories over stars like Nick Diaz, Matt Serra, Matt Hughes, Carlos Condit, B.J. Penn (twice)... and most recently Michael Bisping.

During his press conference, GSP thanked Dana White, Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta and other key UFC people.

He also thanked UFC legend Royce Gracie for inspiring him to start MMA back in the day, and thanked Wayne Gretzky for being such an influential Canadian role model.

"I always wanted to be like Wayne Gretzky."

GSP says he's not sad about retiring -- "No tears, I'm very happy to do it."

"It takes a lot of discipline to retire on top ... you should retire on top and that is very hard to do."

As for one final fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov, Georges said he started negotiating with Khabib's camp but "the UFC had other plans."

"I wish Khabib the best of luck. I think he's the best fighter right now ... he's a great guy. I love to watch him fight and I can't wait to see what's next for him."

Anthony Joshua says Jarrell "Big Baby" Miller shouldn't worry about that "bitch ass rematch clause" in their fight contract ... because after AJ beats him down, Miller won't want to do it again anyway!

The UK boxing superstar was in a GREAT mood in NYC on Wednesday -- despite getting pushed around by Miller during their press conference on Tuesday.

When asked if Miller crossed a line when he put his hands on Joshua, the heavyweight champ told Adam Glyn it's "just playground stuff" ... and Miller will get his beating on June 1.

"I don't take that stuff too seriously," Joshua said.

As for the rematch clause, Miller told TMZ Sports ... Joshua required him to put it in the contract just in case Miller knocks him out. Miller told us he's already preparing to beat Joshua twice.

But, Joshua says he ain't scared -- and it's "Big Baby" who should be worried.

"To be honest, after I finish him, I don't think he'll want a rematch anyway ... so I'm not gonna focus on that."

Khabib Nurmagomedov ain't happy with reports about Georges St-Pierre retiring from MMA on Thursday -- and wants the UFC legend to enter the Octagon one last time ... so they can finally fight!!!

ESPN's Ariel Helwani says GSP has made up his mind and will end his 15-year run with the UFC -- during which he racked up an amazing 26-2 record while winning multiple titles.

But, Khabib wants him to reconsider -- saying, "Let’s do it in November. After this fight you can retire."

Khabib added, "I grow up on your fights, and have nothing but respect for you, and I believe showed that to you George when you were in Moscow."

"But, it would be honor for me to share Octagon with one of the greatest fighters of all time."

"Let’s do it 155 lbs, or I give away 5lbs to you, cause you newer done 155. Well, it’s your choice 155 or 160, Montreal, NYC, Moscow or Abu Dhabi. Send me location my Friend."

Helwani says GSP had hoped to get a fight deal done with Khabib -- but it never materialized. And, instead of looking for another opponent, Georges decided to retire.

Jarrell "Big Baby" Miller says Anthony Joshua forced a "bitch ass rematch clause" into their fight contract ... telling TMZ Sports, he's already preparing to knock the dude out TWICE!!!

We spoke with "Big Baby" after his clash with Joshua in NYC on Tuesday -- where Miller straight SHOVED Joshua while promoting their June 1 championship fight at Madison Square Garden.

Miller knows he's the underdog in the fight ... but says the critics can "kiss my ass" -- telling us he's 100% confident he'll hand Joshua his first L when they throw down.

There's a lot of trash talk in this clip too -- Miller says a bunch of AJ's wins (from early in his career) were "given to him" by corrupt refs who would stop fights early to ensure a Joshua victory.

In other words, Miller says AJ's perfect 22-0 record is a sham -- and he's looking to expose Joshua in a big way.

Miller has an impressive resume too -- he's 23-0-1 -- and famously knocked out TWO DUDES IN 6 WEEKS in 2018.

He KO'd Tomasz Adamek in the 2nd round of their Oct. 6 fight -- and then took down Bogdan Dinu on Nov. 17.

Mark Geragos reportedly is close to becoming Jussie Smollett's new criminal defense lawyer, and all signs were pointing to it Monday night.

Geragos appeared on CNN and made a ferocious case supporting Jussie and throwing major shade on the Chicago Police Department. Geragos suggested the leaks coming from the police were a thinly veiled attempt to skewer the actor.

We realized what was up the second Geragos appeared on Anderson Cooper's show and made repeated contacts with Geragos trying to find out if he was representing him -- it was the only way to read his comments. Geragos did not get back to us.

There are now reports he is close to representing the actor who is now in the crosshairs of the police department.

TMZ broke the story, a grand jury is about to convene to hear evidence as to whether Smollett should be indicted on the felony charge of filing a false police report.

Smollett has vehemently maintained the attack was real.

Floyd Mayweather is TRIPLING DOWN on Gucci ... rocking the brand from neck-to-toe -- but he ain't about to hear comments on the matter -- dude disabled 'em from his social media!!!

Gucci has faced major criticism over the past month after the apparel giant released a sweater that many called "racist" because it appears to be blackface -- but Floyd's still riding with them.

Mayweather backed them on a massive shopping spree last week ... he backed them on his private jet just a day later ... and on Monday, he took it one step even FURTHER.

The boxing legend posted a pic in a Gucci shirt, Gucci socks AND Gucci shoes -- writing, "BORN A LEADER."

The most interesting part of the post? Floyd disabled all comments.

Remember, Floyd's been ripped by all kinds of celebs for backing the brand ... with 50 Cent attacking the guy on social media and T.I. making a whole rap song devoted to the issue.

Seems Mayweather's done hearing their take.

For Gucci's part, François-Henri Pinault -- the guy who runs the brand's parent company Kering -- explained, "We didn’t understand the sensitivities of the African-American community, which is reflected in that mistake."

Normally, UFC fighter Vicente Luque wouldn't give two craps how his face looked after going to war in the Octagon -- but this time it's different, he's getting MARRIED next month!

Luque was the winner of that INSANE 3-round brawl with Bryan Barberena on "UFC on ESPN 1" on Sunday night ... a fight that was so violent, each guy won a $50,000 fight of the night bonus!

Luque tells TMZ Sports ... he was in A LOT of pain after getting home Sunday night and could barely fall asleep because his face hurt so much.

"I was in a lot of pain, man. So, I would sleep like 10 minutes on one side and then my face was hurting and I would move!"

The 27-year-old -- who born in New Jersey -- says his fiancee has been encouraging him to ice his face in the hopes that his bruising and swelling will go away by the time he's got to pose for wedding pics ... but we think the damage will make the pics look that much cooler!!!

"I'm not gonna have the best face for the wedding, but we're gonna have a good time."

Despite the damage, Luque says he had a BLAST during the fight and can't wait to get back in the Octagon again as soon as possible.

We asked if he'd be down for a rematch with Barberena -- but he told us he wants to get a shot at a Top 10 fighter first ... and then maybe a rematch down the line.

He's got a ton of respect for Barberena -- telling us no one has hit him as hard as that guy -- but his main focus is climbing the ranks and getting a title shot.

Good luck!

Conor McGregor vs. Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone is NOT a done deal, as some reports have indicated -- Dana White tells TMZ Sports, "Not true. Not even close."

Both Conor and Cowboy have publicly shown interest in the fight -- and White recently said he's down to make it happen. Fans are excited.

In fact, UFC announcer Joe Rogan was talking about the matchup on "The Joe Rogan Experience" podcast Sunday night ... and said, "It's a done deal, as far as I know."

But, White tells TMZ Sports ... that's just not the case, "It's not even close to being done."

McGregor hasn't fought since October 6 when he lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229. Conor has been posting photos and videos showing himself training in his MMA gym while everyone anxiously awaits the UFC to officially announce his next opponent.

White has previously told TMZ Sports he expects Conor and Khabib to rematch in 2019 -- after they each fight other opponents.

White has suggested Khabib's next fight could be Tony Ferguson, who's an absolute monster in the Octagon.

Conor has previously talked about fighting Anderson Silva -- but it seems he's on a collision course with Cowboy first.

If Floyd Mayweather wants to do business with undefeated boxing star Ryan Garcia (17-0) ... he's gonna have to break out the checkbook!!

Garcia just watched our video where Floyd tells TMZ Sports he wants the 20-year-old to fight one of his rising stars, Rolando "Rolly" Romero, if he wants to get the BIG money fight with Gervonta "Tank" Davis.

Garcia says he's down to scrap with Rolly -- but he's got demands of his own ... namely a $1 MILLION bonus if he knocks Rolly out.

"On the Floyd situation, you have always been the biggest mouth in the room," Garcia says ... "Talk is real real cheap!!!!"

"No more talk," he added ... "actions speaks louder then words I will fight your fighter but I’m going to need 1m if I knock him out and I’ll take that 200k to beat him."

Hey, it's progress!!

Remember, in Floyd's offer ... he told us he's willing to cut Ryan a $200k bonus check if he beats Rolly -- plus, he'd greenlight the "Tank" Davis fight.

But, Garcia's counter is the "knockout bonus" -- a cool $1,000,000 if he ends the fight early with a K.O. -- in addition to the $200,000 victory money.

Floyd Mayweather is warning Ryan Garcia -- if the 20-year-old boxing star actually steps in the ring with Gervonta "Tank" Davis, "He's gonna get f*cked up."

Garcia and Davis have been talking TRASH to each other for months and it seems the super featherweight stars are on a collision course to fight in the very near future.

With Davis being a Money Team fighter, we asked Floyd if that fight is actually going to happen -- and that's when Mayweather laid out the terms.

"Ryan Garcia says he wants to fight 'Tank' ... well, I'm putting up the money right now."

Long story short, Mayweather says Garcia must fight TMT boxer Rolando "Rolly" Romero first ... and if Garcia wins, Floyd will give Garcia a $200,000 check plus he'll make the Davis fight happen.

But, if Garcia loses against the undefeated Romero (7-0), "I don't want him to ever say Tank's name again."

Mayweather added, "If [Garcia] gets through Rolly, he gets Tank."

WWE superstar Matt Riddle thinks a major change is coming ... saying 'NXT' is on a trajectory to explode and take over as the No. 1 show in the WWE Universe.

For years, 'NXT' has been viewed as WWE's developmental brand -- used to springboard up-and-coming wrestlers on to shows like 'Raw' and 'Smackdown Live' ... where the top stars play.

But, Riddle -- along with other young stars like Ricochet, Adam Cole and Johnny Gargano -- have turned 'NXT' into arguably the most must-see WWE show ... and it only seems to be getting better.

Riddle says 'NXT' is "different" and "fresh" -- and not "the same kind of watered-down child's product that WWE's kind of turned into a lot."

He adds, "People watch us, even though it's scripted a lot of the time, it's more real. It's more believable."

Riddle says he can feel the momentum behind 'NXT' -- and it's affected the way he sees his career with the WWE.

"Funny enough, I was thinking about that the other day. And, I want to get to the main roster, but then I was thinking, 'Maybe I'm thinking about it wrong,' because 'NXT' is so hot, maybe we should stay and try to build 'NXT' and make it bigger than 'Raw' and 'Smackdown' and just be the big guy, which isn't impossible."

There's more ... Riddle -- a former UFC fighter -- also says he'd LOVE a shot to go 1-on-1 with John Cena, but not in a traditional pro wrestling match ...

"I think I wanna fight John Cena. He might wanna wrestle, but I kind wanna fight him."

The death of Anthony Myrie, a NY state prison inmate, has become a cause celebre -- with Cardi B and Meek Mill suggesting a cover-up -- which is forcing the prison to release new details about the mystery.

New York Department of Corrections spokesperson Thomas Mailey tells TMZ ... the death of Anthony Myrie on February 11 at the Greene Correctional Facility near Albany "appears to be consistent with sudden cardiac arrest."

Mailey says the prison typically doesn't provide facts about an ongoing investigation, but it's making an exception due to "the abundance of misinformation in circulation."

After news of Myrie's death came out ... Cardi and Meek both shared a message from Myrie's family, alleging prison guards may have been responsible for hurting him. They also accused prison officials of lying about where his body was being held to "buy time to cover this up."

According to Mailey ... Myrie was involved in a 3-on-1 fight with other inmates, but officers broke it up without using force. Mailey says Myrie was examined after the incident and the medical staff found no injuries.

However, Mailey says Myrie complained of chest pain shortly afterward while he was waiting to be interviewed by prison staff. When they took him back to the medical unit, he collapsed ... "unconscious and unresponsive."

He was given emergency medical services by the staff before being transferred to Albany Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Geez, Miranda Lambert dumps ONE salad on a woman, and Nashville cops get flooded with frantic 911 calls ... and the recordings are damn entertaining.

The first call came from a staffer at Stoney River steakhouse, where saladgate went down. TMZ broke the story ... Miranda was out to dinner with her mom and a male friend and got into a heated argument with another table of patrons.

As the restaurant staffer put it to the 911 operator, "I have 2 guests about to get into a fistfight. Miranda Lambert got into it with another couple."

She goes on to describe the yelling and cussing and then dropped a dime on the country star, saying ... "Miranda's trying to hit people and she's flipping over on 'em!"

As we told you ... the showdown climaxed with Miranda dumping her salad in the lap of a woman at the other table.

Later, the restaurant's manager placed his own 911 call, begging cops to send help because the fight had totally disrupted his dining room.