Fights

The Houston Astros and Texas Rangers nearly got into a bench-clearing brawl after a beanball incident during the 8th inning of their Friday night championship game.

The teams were going head-to-head in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series when Houston relief pitcher Bryan Abreu wound up and hurled a 98.9 mile-per-hour fastball, striking Rangers batter Adolis Garcia in his left arm.

Check out this video posted on X ... Garcia looks furious as he pushes Houston catcher Martín Maldonado, while the umpire gets between them.

Both teams then pour onto the field and run toward each other, gathering in one big heap near home plate.

The players start yelling and shoving one another, but the tense situation never escalates into a full-scale fight.

Still, Garcia continues to blow off steam as his teammates hold him back -- and eventually escort him off Globe Life Field in Arlington, TX.

The umpires ejected three people: Abreu, Garcia and Astros manager Dusty Baker.

When the game resumed, the Astros went on to beat the Rangers 5-4. The Astros now hold a 3-2 lead in the series as they travel back to Houston for Game 6.

Bummed Khamzat Chimaev vs. Paulo Costa ain't happening on Saturday?! Don't be ... 'cause UFC legend Chuck Liddell says he's actually more pumped for the fight vs. Kamaru Usman!

"I'm excited about it. That card fell apart, and I'm actually more excited about the card now [with Usman fighting Chimaev] than I was before [when Costa was fighting Khamzat]," the UFC legend told TMZ Sports this week at LAX.

Of course, both the main and co-main events of UFC 294 were lost last week ... when Charles Oliveira -- scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev -- and Paulo Costa were both forced out with injuries.

Thankfully, Alex Volkanovski and Kamaru are bonafide badasses ... and both guys agreed to travel thousands of miles and fight on less than two weeks' notice.

(We also talked to Liddell about "Dad Bods" ... hence this ⬇)

We followed up with The Iceman, asking him about the wisdom of stepping in the Octagon with an undefeated fighter on 10 days' notice.

"Kamaru Usman is always ready. He trains all the time. He stays in shape. He's a good guy. I'm excited about this fight. If he took it on 10 days' notice he thinks he's going to win."

Khabib Nurmagomedov was one of, if not the most dominant UFC fighter ever, but the retired, undefeated, former champion wants someone to actually be better than he was ... Islam Makhachev!

Of course, Makhachev is fighting Alex Volkanovski in just a few hours in the main event at UFC 294 ... and we recently spoke with Ali Abdelaziz, Islam and Khabib's manager and close friend, about their relationship.

"Khabib wants Islam to be better. That's what's beautiful about it," Ali said of Nurmagomedov's desire for his pupil to surpass his accomplishments.

Whether 31-year-old Makhachev is better in certain areas (striking, for example) is up for debate ... but when it comes to pure dominance of an opponent, Ali doesn't believe Islam's quiet on Khabib's (29-0) level just yet.

"Islam lost, Khabib never lost. Islan might be all the way technically better, but dominance, I don't think anybody can be as dominant as Khabib is. You see Henry lose, Kamaru. A lot of guys lost. Khabib never even have one blood leave his body. When you have a guy who never bled in 29 fights, it's very hard to match him. It's a very tall order to match him. It's almost impossible."

But, that's exactly what Khabib wants for Islam ... who has a record of 24-1. His sole loss came in 2015.

Abdelaziz does think there's another fighter who is closer to Nurmagomedov's dominance ... Umar Nurmagomedov, Khabib's cousin.

Umar is 16-0, and 4-0 in the UFC ... and the 12th ranked bantamweight.

"The guy who is closer to Khabib than anybody is Umar. I truly believe Umar is the closest to Khabib's dominance."

For Islam, the #3 ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the entire UFC, a win over #2 ranked Volkanovski would be another step towards fulfilling Khabib's wish.

Anthony Joshua is going all Aaron Rodgers ... the heavyweight boxing star is in the midst of a four-day darkness retreat with little to no technology!

AJ recently revealed his plan to Men's Health Magazine ... telling them he was beginning the retreat all by his lonesome starting October 16.

"Four days in the dark," Joshua said in the interview. "Alone with your mind."

"By October 20th, I will be one of the coolest people, coming out after sitting for four days in the dark."

The 34-year-old explained the process ... there's no internet access whatsoever and he just hopes to have a decent bed after paying $2k (chump change to him).

"There is a door, they open the door, slide in your food on a tray, you eat. You don’t see them," AJ said.

"No phone. No TV. No radio. No audiobooks. Nothing."

Joshua -- who won his 26th fight against Robert Helenius in August -- said he's looking forward to the interesting experience with the intention of gaining more character.

Obviously, Anthony isn't the first athlete to do this. New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers sent the internet into a frenzy when he did the same thing earlier this year ... as he was contemplating his NFL future.

There's only one man breathing who has been in an Octagon with Kamaru Usman and Khamzat Chimaev -- Gilbert Burns -- and now "Durinho" is breaking down the highly anticipated UFC 294 co-main event!

37-year-old Burns joined Babcock on the "TMZ Sports" TV show (airs nightly on FS1) ... and having shared the cage with both title contenders, he told us where each man has the advantage.

For Khamzat, Burns says it's a plus he had a full camp -- even though he was training for a different opponent in Paulo Costa. Still, Usman didn't have any camp ... save for a few days before he left for Abu Dhabi.

When it comes to Kamaru, Gilbert believes his vast array of experience can't be discounted. Usman has been in virtually every situation ... and that can't be said for Chimaev (this will be his 7th UFC fight, and Kamaru's 18th in Dana's promotion).

Two of those fights came against Burns.

Kamaru and Gilbert's scrap was the main event at UFC 258 in February 2021 ... a fight Usman won by 3rd round TKO. The fight was very competitive, especially early, until KU took over, and ended things, retaining his title.

Khamzat and Gilbert fought a year and change later at UFC 273 in April 2022 ... a fight Chimaev won by unanimous decision. Despite the judge's scorecards, many believe Burns actually won the razor-close fight. It was without any doubt the first time Borz was pushed ... and while he certainly bent, he didn't break.

Burns breaks down much more about the looming fight ... touching on everything from speed and punching power to strength and ability on the ground.

Usman, who took the fight on 10 days notice, is a sizeable underdog ... around +250 at most sportsbooks (wager $100 to win $250, whereas you'd risk around $300 to win $100 on Chimaev).

Gilbert didn't exactly pick a winner -- at least not straight up -- but given his expertise, and the odds ... he had this to say.

"I think you should put a lot of money on Kamaru Usman," Burns said.

Sólo hay un hombre que ha estado en el octágono con Kamaru Usman y Khamzat Chimaev—Gilbert Burns— y ahora "Durinho" está analizando el esperado evento co principal de la UFC 294.

Burns, de 37 años de edad, se unió a Babcock en el programa de televisión de TMZ Sports (se emite todas las noches en FS1) y después de haber compartido la jaula con ambos contendientes al título, nos dijo donde está la ventaja de cada hombre.

Para Khamzat, Burns dice que es una ventaja haber tenido un tiempo de entrenamiento completo, a pesar de que estaba entrenando para un oponente diferente (Paulo Costa). Sin embargo, Usman no tuvo ningún tipo de entrenamiento, salvo unos días antes de partir hacia Abu Dhabi.

En lo que respecta a Kamaru, Gilbert cree que no se puede descartar su vasta experiencia. Usman ha estado en prácticamente todas las situaciones y eso no se puede decir de Chimaev (esta será su 7ª pelea en la UFC, y la 18ª de Kamaru en la promoción de Dana).

Dos de esas peleas fueron contra Burns.

La pelea de Kamaru y Gilbert fue el evento principal en UFC 258 en febrero de 2021. Una pelea que Usman ganó por TKO en la tercera ronda. La pelea fue muy competitiva, especialmente al principio, hasta que Kamaru tomó el control y terminó las cosas, reteniendo su título.

Khamzat y Gilbert pelearon un año y pico después en UFC 273 en abril de 2022. Una pelea que Chimaev ganó por decisión unánime. A pesar de las puntuaciones de los jueces, muchos creen que Burns en realidad ganó la pelea. Fue sin duda la primera vez que Borz fue empujado. Ciertamente, se dobló, no se rompió.

Burns desglosa mucho más sobre la inminente pelea, tocando todos los tópicos, desde la velocidad y el poder de golpe hasta la fuerza y la habilidad en el suelo.

Usman, que tomó la pelea en 10 días, es un subestimado considerable ... alrededor de +250 en la mayoría de las casas de apuestas deportivas (apuesta $ 100 para ganar $ 250, mientras que arriesgaría alrededor de $ 300 para ganar $ 100 en Chimaev).

Gilbert no eligió exactamente a un ganador, al menos no directamente, pero dada su experiencia y las probabilidades dijo lo siguiente.

"Creo que deberías apostar mucho dinero por Kamaru Usman", dijo Burns.

Nate Diaz is letting Jake Paul know his calendar is WIDE OPEN on December 15 ... and what better time for a rematch, according to the MMA superstar from Stockton!

The Problem Child announced he was returning to the ring in mid-December, but didn't name an opponent. 38-year-old Diaz clearly wants the fight ... and even went as far to post a flyer promoting the fight.

"Rematch December," Diaz said in the IG caption. "You ain’t got nobody to fight."

"So I’ll beat your ass Dec 15th."

Of course, the men fought in August ... a fight Nate lost by unanimous decision. Paul knocked Diaz down in the fight, but overall, it was an entertaining fight.

Still, reaction seems mixed over the idea of a second scrap. But, there are some notable MMA fighters who seem eager to watch the guys go at it again, including Anthony Pettis, Roy Nelson, and BJ Penn.

"Easy money 💰!!!!!!," Penn wrote in the comments, "Nate will hurt him when they step in the ring again."

Paul did respond to Diaz's offer on Thursday, instead suggesting he fight Derek from Betr, who has clashed with Nate in the past.

Alex Volkanovski was literally holding his adorable newborn Reign when he got the call -- Charles Oliveira was out and Islam Makhachev needed an opponent -- and the 145 lb. champ almost instantly knew it was time for daddy to go to work!

Volkanovski joined Michael Babcock on the "TMZ Sports" TV show (airs daily on FS1) on Wednesday ... where Alex "The Great" talked about the phone call he received late last week from his manager.

"I think I might've had Reign, my newest addition to my family, my newborn Reign," Alex said ... "I might've been holding her, and [my manager] gets on the phone and says, 'Mate, you wouldn't believe it.' And I'm like, 'What's up?' Did not cross my mind one bit. I'm thinking it's for something else. He goes, 'It's looking like Charles isn't going to make it and they need someone.'"

Volkanovski was obviously shocked ... and after conferring with his coach, Joe Lopez, and wife Emma, the decision was clear -- we've got a fight in less than two weeks, and it's going down halfway across the world.

Of course, Makhachev was originally scheduled to fight Oliveira -- a rematch of UFC 280 (Islam won by 2nd round submission).

In some ways, Volkanovski, who lost by unanimous decision to Islam in February (although many people think he actually won), believes the lack of a training camp could actually be beneficial.

"I'm feeling good. I'm excited. That's one thing that I've taken out of all this whole thing, obviously, it's crazy. But man, it's gonna be fun. I don't think I've ever been this excited for a fight.

"Obviously you get excited, but you go through camp, and camp can be exhausting. Mentally and physically exhausting thinking about the fight the whole time. Now I don't have time for that. As soon as I heard about it I had a smile on my face and it hasn't gone away even until now."

Alex Volkanovski estaba literalmente sosteniendo a su adorable bebé (Reign) cuando recibió la llamada. Charles Oliveira estaba fuera e Islam Makhachev necesitaba un oponente, ¡y el campeón de 145 libras casi al instante supo que era hora de que papá fuera a trabajar!

Volkanovski se unió a Michael Babcock en el programa de televisión "TMZ Sports" (se emite diariamente en FS1) el miércoles, donde Alex "The Great" habló sobre la llamada telefónica que recibió a finales de la semana pasada de su manager.

"Creo que estaba sosteniendo a Reign, mi pequeña bebé, que es la última integrante de la familia", dijo Alex: "Podría haber estado sosteniéndola, cuando mi manager se pone al teléfono y dice: "Amigo, no te lo creerías". Y yo: "¿Qué pasa? No se me pasó por la cabeza. Pensaba que era para otra cosa. Me dice: 'Parece que Charles no va a conseguirlo y necesitan a alguien'".

Volkanovski estaba obviamente conmocionado y después de consultar con su entrenador, Joe López, y su esposa Emma, la decisión estaba clara, tenemos una pelea en menos de dos semanas.

Por supuesto, Makhachev estaba programado originalmente para luchar contra Oliveira, una revancha de UFC 280 (Islam ganó por sumisión 2ª ronda).

En cierto modo, Volkanovski, que perdió por decisión unánime contra Islam en febrero (aunque mucha gente cree que en realidad ganó), cree que la falta de tiempo para entrenar podría incluso ser beneficiosa.

"Me siento bien. Estoy emocionado. Eso es algo que he sacado de todo este asunto, obviamente, es una locura. Pero tío, va a ser divertido. Creo que nunca he estado tan emocionado por una pelea".

"Obviamente, te emocionas, pero pasas por el período de entrenamiento, y eso puede ser agotador. Mental y físicamente agotador, pensando en la pelea todo el tiempo. Ahora no tengo tiempo para eso. En cuanto me enteré, se me dibujó una sonrisa en la cara y no se me ha borrado hasta ahora".

4 quarters weren't enough ... Odell Beckham Jr. and Jeffery Simmons went to overtime on Sunday, literally coming to blows after the Ravens-Titans game in London, according to OBJ's teammate Marlon Humphrey.

The beef started during the game ... 26-year-old Simmons tackled Ravens WR Zay Flowers low, and 30-year-old Odell objected, seemingly kneeing Jeffery. That didn't go over well with the DE, who shoved OBJ to the ground, drawing a 15-yard penalty.

After the game, which the Ravens won 24-16, Simmons clearly wasn't over what happened with Odell.

On his show, the Punch Line Podcast with Marlon Humphrey, the 3x Pro Bowler says he was hanging out on the field at Tottenham stadium when he saw the huge, 6'4", 305 lb. defender waiting, helmet on.

A bit strange, but Marlon says he assumed Simmons was waiting for a family member.

Alas, that wasn't the case ... moments later Humphrey heard someone yelling for Ravens' security.

"I turn around, [Beckham Jr. and Simmons] are genuinely like fighting. I am pretty sure Odell is grabbing his facemask," Marlon described.

"They had to be separated and everything. I don't know how this has not [been reported]. I mean, [Simmons] is crazy. He wanted that fade from Odell."

Order was eventually restored ... and the two stars went their separate ways. Probably best for Odell ... who is just 5'11", and weighs under 200 lbs.

Of course, it's not the first time Odell's mixed it up on the football field. Recall the infamous Giants vs. Panthers game back in 2015.

Canelo Alvarez still doesn't consider Conor McGregor a legitimate threat in the boxing ring ... doubling down and saying he can whoop the UFC superstar with just one hand!

The undisputed super middleweight champion's proclamation came shortly after the Notorious name-dropped him yet again on Tuesday ... when Conor claimed he fared far better in his fight against Floyd Mayweather than Canelo did in his own matchup with TBE.

"One of the greatest performances in Professional Boxing this was," McGregor said of footage of the Floyd vs. Canelo footage. "I landed more shots on Floyd than Canelo. I’d love another go."

FYI, McGregor landed 111 shots on Mayweather in 2017. Canelo, however, landed 117 -- 31% power punches -- during his fight with Floyd in 2013.

The 60-2-2 boxer caught the sneak diss in Conor's pitch to Floyd ... and clapped back with his own shot.

"I just need one hand with you," Alvarez said, "and I don’t need to throw so many punches 🤣."

This isn't the first time Canelo has promised a victorious one-handed victory over McGregor ... he made a similar statement after Conor said he'd fight him back in May.

"I saw [John] Ryder, I’m a southpaw, Ryder was a southpaw, Billy Joe [Saunders] was a southpaw, I’ve seen methods, I’ve seen things I’d do," McGregor said.

"I know he’s waning, I’d fight Canelo no f***ing problem. Out straight. No problem."

Of course, the betting odds would be in favor of Alvarez in a fight -- he just retained his belts against Jermell Charlo last month, while McGregor hasn't had any action since he broke his leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021.

Cowboys and Chargers players weren't the only ones throwing hands at Monday night's game -- their fans were too ... getting in a wild brawl in a concourse.

Around a dozen people clad in Los Angeles and Dallas jerseys were seen trying to beat the hell out of each other while at SoFi Stadium for the much-anticipated "Monday Night Football" contest.

It's unclear why the fight started ... but check out videos from the scene, both women and men were involved in the skirmish -- throwing punches left and right.

It didn't all seem to be Dallas vs. L.A., either ... as some Chargers supporters appeared to go at it with each other during the fracas as well.

Security ultimately got involved and looked like they mercifully restored order ... though no word if any arrests were made.

Of course, it was hardly the first tilt of the night ... as Cowboys pass rusher Dante Fowler got into it with Chargers star Austin Ekeler before the game, nearly causing an all-out melee on the field.

Dillon Danis apparently got paid a pretty penny to get his ass whooped by Logan Paul ... saying this week he made over $1 MILLION for the one-sided boxing match.

Danis revealed the figure while on "Piers Morgan Uncensored" just days after Paul beat him in Manchester ... saying emphatically that was his cut for the tilt.

Dillon had previously told Paul he could have the entire check if the WWE Superstar won the fight ... but he walked that all back while chatting with Morgan.

"We never shook hands," the 30-year-old MMA fighter said.

Danis then explained he thinks there's actually a way he'll be eventually dubbed the winner ... saying because Logan attempted to punch him while on the ground during the match, he should be awarded the victory.

"I might be the winner," he said.

Of course, Danis was anything but victorious during their bout at AO Arena ... losing every round, before getting disqualified in the sixth.

Rey Mysterio heard Logan Paul call him out after beating up Dillon Danis on Saturday ... and now the WWE Superstar is intent on making the YouTuber-turned-fighter pay in front of the world!

TMZ Sports ran into Rey Monday afternoon in NYC (he's hard to miss with the luchador mask!) ... and we had to ask him about Paul's in-ring trash talk.

"I'm looking to shut him up in a way," 48-year-old Mysterio told us without hesitation.

"He said he has his eyesight on something and someone, it's me and the U.S. title. So let's go! I've only been doing this for 34 years. I don't think he was even born before that happened."

Of course, after 28-year-old Logan beat Danis, he called out the pro wrestling legend ... "Rey Mysterio, I already beat you once, brother, and I'm coming for that U.S. Championship. Let's go!"

FYI, Mysterio has been the United States Champion since mid-August.

Rey and Logan have some history. In fact, Paul and The Miz defeated Mysterio and his son Dominik at WrestleMania 38 in 2022.

Thankfully, it doesn't sound like we're going to have to wait long until the men are back in the squared circle together.

"I'm hoping to see [Logan] there this Friday [on SmackDown]," Mysterio told us, adding, "I don't know if it'll go down right then and there [on SmackDown], but we will plan a date."

Despite the bad blood, even Rey couldn't help but admit Logan's pretty awesome in the ring.

"I have seen his growth inside the ring and he picks up very fast," Mysterio said, adding, "He's good. I'm not gonna lie. But I don't think he's better than Rey Mysterio."

Jake Paul is climbing back into the squared circle in less than two months ... we just don't know who The Problem Child is fighting!

26-year-old Paul, who last fought Nate Diaz in August, is preparing to lace up the boxing gloves once again for his next professional bout in mid-December.

"8 fights in the boxing game and I'm already its biggest name. I’ve proved that I can headline the biggest global events and defy the odds. PPV after PPV after PPV, and I’m just getting started," Paul said while announcing his return.

"My mission is to be a world champion and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get there. December 15th is the next step on my journey, and I promise you’re not going to want to miss it.”

Jake's opponent is not yet known.

Of course, JP beat Nate by unanimous decision ... bringing his record to 7-1. His lone loss was by split decision to Tommy Fury in February.

Paul has made it clear he wants to rematch Fury ... but Tommy just fought KSI on Saturday, and although he didn't take much damage (neither did JJ), it'd be tough to imagine him turning around in 60 days.

Un hombre australiano tuvo que enfrentarse a un canguro musculoso que tenía secuestrado a su perro y lo grabó todo con una cámara.

El residente de Mildura, Mick Moloney, le dio un golpe al animal, y este devolvió el golpe sin rodeos. La cámara del hombre cayó al agua, pero su perro se salvó.

Mick len dijo a ABC Radio Melbourne que estaba estirando cerca del río durante el fin de semana cuando se dio cuenta de que su cachorro, Hatchi, no estaba por ninguna parte.

Sin embargo, rápidamente se encontró con el motivo... primero se dio cuenta de que el canguro le miraba fijamente desde el río y después su perro salió del agua, chillando, mientras le salía agua a borbotones de la boca.

Mick afirma que el canguro le estaba haciendo una llave a Hatchi para ahogarlo y sabía que tenía que ir a salvar a su peludo amigo. Admitió que el canguro era muy intimidante y agregó: "Yo estaba como "esta cosa acaba de salir de la cárcel" o algo así".

Dice que era bastante fuerte - pero le dio una bofetada al marsupial en la cabeza y se metió en una pelea en el agua. Mick admite que parecía que también iba a darle una patada... pero le echó agua en la cara mientras corría hacia la orilla, donde su perro estaba a salvo.