Celebrity Health

Yair Rodriguez is literally willing to risk it all in his fight against UFC star Max Holloway ... telling TMZ Sports he's ready to die in the Octagon -- seriously.

"You gotta understand this sport is so dangerous and things can happen. You gotta accept that before you go in there," the 29-year-old, #3 ranked fighter says.

"El Pantera" is fighting the #1 ranked contender at UFC Fight Night Saturday night in Vegas ... and the winner will likely face champion Alex Volkanovski.

And, Yair knows how dangerous the sport can potentially be ... and he's okay with that.

"I just accept that it can happen," Rodriguez says.

"I'm fine with my family before the fight. I tell everybody that I love them. I try to get everything ready if anything happens. Hopefully, nothing like that happens to me or any of my co-workers."

As far as the fight ... Max vs. Yair -- who are both electric in the cage -- has the potential to be an awesome fight. Rodriguez even believes it could actually be better than Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler's UFC 268 scrap.

"I know we had pretty good fights last weekend, and I'm sure people excepting a show, so I'm expecting to bring fireworks Saturday."

Whether or not it tops Justin and Michael ... fans are all but guaranteed a kick-ass bout when these men step in the Octagon.

Ya can't be too cautious about COVID-19, even on your birthday ... and Anthony Davis had to remind Russell Westbrook that right before he almost blew all over his cake on Friday ... and the moment is hilarious!!

Brodie celebrated turning the big 3-3 at Lakers practice ... getting surprised with a delicious-looking cake in front of all his teammates right inside the gym.

Russ' teammates decided to have a little fun at his expense on his cake day ... 'cause as he went to go straight into blowing out his candles, he was abruptly stopped by AD.

"Whoa, whoa," Davis said. "COVID, COVID!!"

Russ was so damn excited to get right into the cake, he forgot all about the guys having to be extra safe ... so AD gets MVP for the day.

At first, Russ looked confused as to why everyone was tellin' him to pump the brakes ... but once he realized they were just giving him a hard time, he was able to crack a smile and laugh.

Worth noting -- the whole Lakers roster is fully vaxxed ... but hey, breakthrough cases happen!!

In the end, Westbrook used a much safer "backhand blowout" technique to extinguish his candles ... and the Lakers celebrated the California native.

Tiger Woods may not be done winning golf tourneys just yet ... so says his good buddy and fellow PGA Tour star, Justin Thomas, who claims the golf legend will try for a comeback to the Tour.

Thomas made the revelation on the "No Laying Up" podcast this week ... explaining the vibe he's gotten from Woods now 9 months removed from his horrifying car crash is that the 45-year-old will attempt a pro return.

"I know that he's going to try," said Thomas, who added that he's been visiting with Woods two or three times a week in Florida recently.

"I know how determined he is and I know he's going to want to at least try to give something again."

Of course, many wondered if Woods would even think about a comeback after he shattered his leg in a Feb. 2020 car accident.

Tiger needed crutches to move around for months -- leaving doubt that he might never pick up a club again.

But, Woods was recently spotted walking with no limp at his son's golf tournament last month -- and according to Thomas, El Tigre is "doing well" in his rehab.

It's unclear if Woods has begun to swing yet ... but Thomas said, either way, he believes Woods will need to get back to firing rounds in the 60s again in order to eventually hit Augusta. Justin, though, clearly ain't putting it past Tiger to get there.

This is nuts.

MMA fighter Christian Lohsen of the Professional Fighters League just revealed he had to have a testicle removed after it ruptured during training this week ... and the crazy part??? He's already cracking jokes about it!!!

The 26-year-old out of Florida shared the cringeworthy news on Thursday ... saying, "So, last night was rough ... in a training accident I got my left testicle ruptured by a knee which led to it getting surgically removed."

Lohsen says the procedure went well and he's at home and recovering ... adding the loss will not result in loss of testosterone or ability to have kids.

While the incident sounds serious, Lohsen has maintained a sense of humor throughout the whole ordeal ... saying, "If I lose the other one however it's a different story, so from now on if you hit me in my last testicle we aren't friends ... lol."

The 9-2 fighter added a couple of clever hashtags ... saying, "#NoNutNovember #OneBallWonder #MMAIsADangerousGame #TookNoNutNovemberWayTooFar"

Lohsen has won 5 of his last 6 fights ... losing to J.J. Okanovich in the Dana White Contender Series in 2019.

Winter, the dolphin that grabbed global attention after being the focus of the movie "Dolphin Tale" is fighting for her life after developing a serious infection.

Winter, who lost her tail in 2005 at just 2 months old when it became entangled in a crab trap, had been cared for at The Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Florida for her entire life. Her caretakers announced that while they treated her for what they thought was a gastrointestinal infection, her condition got worse this week ... and she's now in critical condition.

"Dolphin Tale" -- released in 2011 -- was based on Winter's journey from her injury as a calf to the prosthetic tail that was made for her, and her progress after.

Among the movie's stars were Harry Connick Jr., Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd and Kris Kristofferson.

The aquarium announced they'll be closed until at least Saturday "to create the best possible environment for her medical team."

A statement from the Clearwater aquarium team says, "We thank everyone for the incredible outpouring of love and support you have shown Winter since her rescue in 2005 and especially these last few days.”

22-year-old Bharti Shahani has died ... making her the 9th casualty from Travis Scott's Astroworld Festival.

Shahani, who was a senior at Texas A&M University passed away Thursday after injuries sustained at the event Friday night in Houston ... according to a family attorney.

As we had reported, Shahani had previously been declared brain dead, and was on a ventilator. She had gone to Astroworld with her sister and cousin, but the two got separated during a crowd surge. Bharti had reportedly suffered several heart attacks after the crowd crush and was rushed to a local hospital.

In an emotional press conference Thursday, a rep for Bharti's family confirmed she was the woman in a video -- obtained by TMZ -- that was dropped on her head as she was carried out by first responders. The rep says they want justice for Bharti and her family ... and for whoever put profits over safety to be held accountable.

Bharti marks the latest victim in the tragedy, and it's possible more could come. As we reported, 9-year-old Ezra Blount is still hospitalized and fighting for his life. His family, with the help of civil rights attorney Ben Crump, sued Travis and Live Nation for injuries they say were caused when Ezra was trampled.

Travis has vowed to pay for the funeral costs of the show's victims and to provide mental health services to those impacted by the events.

A rep for Travis tells us, "Over the last week, Travis Scott and his team have been actively exploring routes of connection with each and every family affected by the tragedy through the appropriate liaisons. He is distraught by the situation and desperately wishes to share his condolences and provide aid to them as soon as possible, but wants to remain respectful of each family’s wishes on how they'd best like to be connected."

Gene Simmons is going scorched earth on anyone who's still not vaccinated against COVID-19, and says he's sick of people using politics -- on the left AND the right -- as their rationale for remaining unvaccinated.

The KISS icon went on Talkshoplive's Rock 'N' Roll Channel Wednesday and went off about the lingering pandemic. Keep in mind, both Gene and KISS frontman Paul Stanley caught COVID earlier this year ... and one of the band's touring crew members died from it.

That's most likely why Gene has no patience for non-believers. He directly targeted folks who think "people died because they were fat or died because they smoked. No bitch, they died because they got COVID!!!"

And, in case anyone thought Simmons was getting political, he added, "The far left and the far right, they are both evil. They both spread all kinds of nonsense. Politics are the enemy."

Gene lamented the fact a lot of their European fans were unable to join the band for a recent KISS cruise vacation, but said those are the breaks when people don't wanna get the shot.

Age ain't nothing but a number -- and 105-year-old runner Julia Hawkins is full proof of that after setting a world record in the 100-meter dash run in her age group!!

Hawkins -- better known as Hurricane -- made history with a 1:02:95 time in the race at the 2021 Louisiana Senior Games last weekend.

Hawkins is the first female track and field athlete and American to set the 100-meter record in her 105+ age group.

"The older you get, the more passions you ought to have," Hawkins told USA Today, "Keeping active is one of my most important passions."

"I believe in magic moments, thinking of things that you see and do and feel that more than just usual. They're absolutely out of this world, they're so unusual. And wonderful."

Hawkins added, "Every time I race it's a magic moment."

This isn't the first time Hawkins has made history on the track --- in 2017, she ran the fastest 100-meter for age group 100-104 in the National Seniors Games.

"People say that they want to be just like me when they grow up... And I think if I can please people and give them hope, then it's worth living longer."

The former middle school teacher got into the sport when she was 100 ...  after her four kids registered her shortly after she gave up 8-10 years of biking ... and she loves it.

"When I started running, I found it was a pleasure. I enjoyed doing it," Hawkins said.

"I felt that would be a neat challenge to run the 100 [meter] dash, at 100, in under a minute."

The Louisiana games is a qualifier for the National Senior Games in Florida in May 2022 -- and Hawkins is still debating if she'll go this year.

A victim in the Astroworld calamity has been declared brain dead.

22-year-old Bharti Shahani has been hospitalized since Friday's concert, clinging to life on a ventilator, but it appears Shahani will become the 9th fatality in the tragedy.

The Texas A&M senior, her sister and her cousin were at the concert but got separated during the surge. Namrata, her sister, was okay, but Bharti was in dire shape. She was rushed to a nearby hospital by ambulance and received CPR on the ride there. She reportedly suffered multiple heart attacks during and after the crush.

The family is meeting with doctors to determine next steps. It's unclear if Shahani is still on a ventilator.

8 people have already been confirmed dead, and many others are still in the hospital suffering serious, and life-threatening, injuries. As we reported, 9-year-old Ezra Blount is currently in a medically-induced coma after becoming a victim of the stampede.

As we reported, new lawsuits are being filed by the day. With 8 dead and counting, along with hundreds of injured, the amount of damages on the line is staggering.

Scores of lawsuits are sure to be filed in the coming weeks over the Astroworld Fest tragedy -- but would-be plaintiffs could hit a legal snag over something on the Live Nation website.

We're talking about liability here ... and whether Live Nation -- the promoter of Travis Scott's event -- is on the hook for it or not as plaintiffs rush to court to file claims against them and others.

On its face, LN may have an out on that front -- or at least a partial one, anyway -- due to a standard form they made everyone agree to before purchasing tickets from the Live Nation site ... It's the limitation of liability waiver most folks don't read ... but always have to accept.

We did some research, and as it turns out ... an ironclad liability waiver in Texas would almost certainly provide cover for basic negligence -- something we know for a fact concertgoers are alleging against LN in the suits we've seen thus far.

The online waiver reads in part, "You voluntarily assume all risks and danger incidental to the event for which the ticket is issued, whether occurring before, during or after the event, and you waive any claims for personal injury or death against us."

What it doesn't provide is protection against gross negligence, among other claims, which may well be brought forth in court as well.

With that said ... you'd think Live Nation might be in the clear here -- at least on the negligence front -- but not so fast. TMZ took a good hard look at the liability waiver, and it's quite possible they screwed themselves ... and might still be exposed.

Not to bog you down in legal mumbo jumbo -- but in Texas, in order for a liability waiver to be enforced to protect against negligence, there are a few things that must be met first.

The company has to feature clear language -- that your average Joe would understand -- directly addressing negligence in their waiver ... and from our check, Live Nation's Texas waiver does NOT seem to do this at all. Plus, the waiver itself is buried on their site -- which is another benchmark waivers have to clear ... ya gotta have it prominently displayed. In fact, there are clearly people who bought tickets without ever going to the website.

So, basically ... because Live Nation's liability waiver does not seem air-tight, it is NOT a foregone conclusion LN can wiggle out of liability in these mounting lawsuits.

Katey Sagal is still on the mend after she was hit by a car -- and these first pics of her since the accident make it seem like it's gonna be a while before she's on her 2 feet without assistance.

The "Sons of Anarchy" star was spotted Tuesday in L.A. going to and from her car with the help of a pair of crutches. It looks like she was entering a healthcare facility. We're told she appeared to be there for a doctor's appointment.

It's encouraging to see Katey is well enough to walk around ... and there's no sign of a cast or walking boot either.

TMZ broke the story ... cops say Katey got clipped by a Tesla about a month ago while crossing the street, this as the driver was making a left turn.

The person got out of the vehicle to attend to her, and she was ultimately taken away by ambulance. The police did not cite or arrest the driver at the time -- as it would appear it was nothing but an accident.

We were told they were investigating the matter further, but since then no charges have been filed.

Paris Saint-Germain player Aminata Diallo was arrested after a teammate was attacked by masked men last week, the team announced Wednesday ... and reports surrounding the incident are absolutely bonkers.

26-year-old Diallo is being accused of orchestrating an attack on Kheira Hamraoui -- who plays the same position -- after a team event in Paris on November 4.

According to ESPN, Hamraoui was traveling home in Diallo's car with teammates following dinner ... and when the vehicle arrived at her place, two men dragged her out of the car and beat her legs with iron bars for two minutes.

Hamraoui was reportedly taken to a nearby hospital and needed stitches ... but did not suffer career-ending injuries.

The motive behind the alleged attack was due to playing time, L'equipe claims.

PSG released a statement Wednesday morning ... confirming Diallo was arrested in connection to an attack on a teammate, but did not name Hamraoui.

"Paris Saint-Germain can confirm that Aminata Diallo was taken into custody this morning by the Versailles Regional Police Service as part of the proceedings opened following an attack on the Club's players last Thursday evening," the team said.

"Paris Saint-Germain condemns in the strongest possible terms the violence committed."

PSG added ... "Since Thursday evening the Club has taken all necessary measures to guarantee the health, well-being and safety of its entire women's team."

"Paris Saint-Germain is working with the Versailles Police to clarify the facts. The Club is paying close attention to the progress of the proceedings and will study what action to take."

The whole thing sounds similar to the infamous Tonya Harding drama from the 1994 Olympics ... when the skater was accused of being involved in an attack on Nancy Kerrigan.

Harding later admitted to hearing talk of the planned attack prior to the incident ... but denies being directly involved.

Good news from Deion Sanders -- the Jackson State football coach just gave an update on his current status after suffering complications from foot surgery ... and he's out of the hospital!!

Coach Sanders recently had a setback during recovery from surgery he had on his dislocated toe -- an injury from his NFL days -- back in September.

The 54-year-old has been sharing updates in the weeks following the procedure ... even posting bloody and gnarly images.

Sanders was told to chill for 6 weeks, but he was out and about via a 3-wheel scooter and golf cart during team drills and games -- until he was sidelined again by medical professionals.

It seemed serious since he ended up back in the hospital and missed JSU Tigers' last three games due to complications ... but Coach Sanders just announced on Wednesday everything is good.

"As you know there have been some complications following my foot surgery, but it brings me such joy to tell you that I'm now out of the hospital and on my path that we started TOGETHER."

"I promise you I'm going to be smart and continue to adhere to my wonderful team of doctors' orders."

Sanders added, "Often times fast is looked upon as having speed, but fast in this instance is being fleet of thought."

Sanders also says he might make an appearance very soon -- in a better ride ... saying "Don't be surprised when you see me back on the field in a new whip 😎"

What can beat a custom-made Prime Time scooter and golf cart?!

Aaron Rodgers just got fined by the National Football League for violating the league's COVID-19 protocols ... and the Green Bay Packers also got dinged.

The NFL fined Rodgers a measly $14,650 for attending a Halloween party with other Packers while he was unvaccinated. The protocols prohibit unvaxxed players from going to large gatherings outside team facilities.

Packers receiver Allen Lazard, who is also unvaccinated, was also docked $14,650 for attending the team-sanctioned Halloween bash.

The big fine came for the Packers ... the franchise was hit with a $300,000 penalty for not enforcing the rules with Rodgers and Lazard, including a failure to wear face coverings inside team facilities.

As we reported ... Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19 last Wednesday, later admitting he was not vaccinated.

The star QB claimed he was allergic to something in the Pfizer and Moderna shots ... and didn't want to take the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, saying he feared adverse side effects.

On Friday, AR told Pat McAfee he took Ivermectin -- among other treatments -- after conferring with friend Joe Rogan.

Rodgers missed last Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs, a game his team lost. The future Hall of Famer will likely have a chance to return to the field this weekend.

Dr. Oz might be hanging up his TV stethoscope and picking up a seat on Capitol Hill -- the legendary daytime talk show host is mulling over a run for U.S. Senate ... TMZ has confirmed.

Sources connected to DO tell us ... while it's still early in the going and nothing is official just yet, the Doc is indeed seriously considering jumping into the race for next year's midterms -- and he has his home state of Pennsylvania in his sights.

BTW, these aren't just fanciful political musings ... we're told Oz is quite serious about this, and exploring what an endeavor of this nature would require in launching a campaign. We're told if he runs he'll do so as a Republican.

It sure sounds like something that could become a reality, which, if it did ... that'd seriously shake up the U.S. Senate elections going down next November, especially in P.A.

The two current incumbents serving the Keystone State right now -- Republican Patrick Toomey and Democrat Robert Casey Jr. ... the former of whom will not seek reelection, and whose seat is up for grabs.

There are already a number of announced candidates for the GOP who've thrown their hat in the ring -- and of course, there are several Dem contenders too who are in it to win it.

IF Dr. Oz enters the fray ... that'd add to the already packed field -- but considering he'd by and far be the most famous (and perhaps well-liked), he'd stand a chance to win. On the flip side, if Oz got into politics ... there's no question his show would come to an end.

There was another horrific injury on the set of the Alec Baldwin movie "Rust" ... a film worker was bitten by a poisonous spider ... and the wounds look disgusting and painful.

Seriously, these grisly images of the man's injuries are not for the faint of heart ... because you can literally see the insides of his arm and shoulder, muscles and all.

The film worker, Jason Miller, says he was hired to help shut down the movie set at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico ... and that's where he was bitten by a venomous brown recluse spider.

The spider bite sent Jason to the hospital, where he's having his left arm treated ... and you can see just how bad things look ... and why he's potentially staring down a lengthy rehab process.

Jason's mother says he might need to have his left arm amputated ... and she claims he's lawyering up to sue for workers' compensation.

He's also said to be very sick from the spider bite and doctors say he will need a skin graft to cover the open wound, once it finally starts to heal.