MMA

Dana White's FIRING BACK at Floyd Mayweather -- sayin' if he wants a 9-figure payday for fighting Khabib, it's gotta be in the UFC.

TMZ Sports saw the UFC honcho outside the Montage in L.A. and asked him about Floyd's make-or-break terms for the potential megafight with the UFC champ.

Remember, earlier this week, F.M. told us, "It's my way, my rules. I'm Floyd 'Money' Mayweather!"

So, you could say Dana/Khabib and Floyd are at a stalemate.

"The answer is 'no.' He's gonna have to come here and get his ass whoopin'," White said ... "We did that last time. You gotta come here this time."

"Every time he wants to box. You wanna fight? Want to make 150 million? Come over here and get your ass whooped."

So, unless someone gives in ... this thing ain't happening.

Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor, move over.... there's a new superfight on the way.

The matchup? Cris Cyborg -- arguably the greatest female UFC fighter ever -- against Cecilia Braekhus -- arguably the greatest female boxer ever.

If you like combat sports, you're well aware Cyborg's a badass ... but so is Braekhus. She's undefeated at 34-0 and has been the undisputed welterweight champ since 2014.

TMZ Sports talked to Cecilia -- who'll be the 1st woman to headline an HBO boxing card on December 8 -- Thursday night after the Lakers game and she gave us the 411 on the dream fight with Cyborg.

"[Cyborg's] very interested in doing a boxing match. We want to do the female version of a Mayweather-McGregor."

Braekhus says this ain't a pie-in-the-sky pipe dream.

"It's gonna happen."

But, does Cris have any chance to beat a champion boxer?

Braekhus' answer might surprise you.

Earlier this year ... we talked to Cyborg about the prospects of fighting Braekhus.

Floyd Mayweather is giving Khabib a simple choice -- we fight in the boxing ring ... or we ain't fightin' at all!

Of course, the two have been goin' back and forth since Khabib beat Conor and called out Floyd ... but Nurmagomedov's team AND Dana White both say it's gotta be MMA.

Now, Floyd's firing back ... telling TMZ Sports HE makes the rules -- 'cause he makes the money and that makes him the guy who calls the shots ... and mixed martial arts isn't happening.

"They said it has to happen in the Octagon. And I said, 'Just tell me where Khabib has made 9 figures before in the Octagon!'"

"If he hasn't made 9 figures, he's not the A-side. So, I'm the A-side."

Remember, Floyd told us he's likely to fight on New Year's Eve in Tokyo ... and if he and Khabib can't strike a deal, that's cool with him.

Conor McGregor would like to apologize ... to absolutely f**kin' nobody all you whiskey drinkers who have been dyin' to get their hands on his Proper 12 whiskey ... saying he's sorry for the worldwide shortage.

Proper No. 12 tells TMZ Sports they've "sold more cases in less than one month than many whiskey brands sell in a full year" ... amounting to hundreds of thousands of bottles sold.

The crazy sales have led to a shortage of the product -- great for Conor's bank account -- but bad news for fans tryin' to get their paws on a bottle.

"I don’t usually see reason to apologise but in this case I want to take this chance to apologise to absolutely everyone for our out-of-stock situation."

Conor says he's personally making sure the company is ramping up production.

"I was at the distillery last week and we have plans in place to be back in stock in Ireland and the United States in early December and onward."

Chuck Liddell is keeping tabs on his Calabasas home while training for his huge fight with Tito Ortiz ... telling TMZ Sports his house is still standing amid the Southern California wildfires.

"The Iceman" was training at Kings MMA in WeHo leading up to the November 24 fight when we asked about his neighborhood being affected by the massive fires.

Celebs like Miley Cyrus, Liam Hemsworth and Gerard Butler have lost their homes during the tragedy ... and thousands have been forced to evacuate -- including Liddell.

The good news, though -- his home is safe for now ... and he's been getting daily picture updates while spending his time focusing on Tito.

Tito Ortiz has been a hardcore President Trump supporter for years ... so after the MMA star beats the hell outta Chuck Liddell, he says he wants to take a trip to the White House.

TMZ Sports talked to Ortiz at Kings MMA in West Hollywood -- where Tito was preparing for the Ortiz-Liddell trilogy fight on November 24 -- and we asked if he'd be down to take a trip to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave ... if he wins.

"I would love to visit the White House. I've been supporting Trump since day 1."

In the past, visiting the W.H. has been a rite of passage for championship athletes -- until Trump was elected -- and many stopped going (see Warriors, Eagles).

Remember, Tito personally knows Trump ... he was on "The Apprentice" back in '08.

The "Huntington Beach Bad Boy" says being down with Trump -- especially for someone of Mexican descent -- ain't always been easy.

"I've lost a lot of fans, but I've gained a lot of fans too."

Ortiz also had a message for the Prez ... who's a big fan of combat sports.

"Donald Trump, keep doing what you're doing, man. I appreciate you. I love your support. And, keep standing your ground, and speak the way all the rest of us Americans need to be spoken for."

Yair Rodriguez might've handed out the greatest knockout in UFC history ... but he didn't escape unscathed ... 'cause dude's whole body is jacked up -- from head to toe.

Literally.

Rodriguez -- fresh off his INSANE last second KO of the "Korean Zombie" -- joined the guys on the "TMZ Sports" TV show (airs nightly on FS1) ... and showed off his battle scars.

"My nose is broken, and both my eyes are purple" ... Rodriguez told us.

But, the worst part?

His freakin' feet are ridiculously swollen ... so bad that he can't even move around on his own.

"I cannot walk without crutches, right now."

The fight was unbelievably entertaining ... and fans are already calling for a rematch.

So, is Yair down for another scrap?

"I'm always trying to move forward on my life and my career. I don't know what's coming next. Korean Zombie is a fighter I really respect a lot. I have tons of respect for him, of course."

"If I ever have to fight him again, it'll still be an honor for me to fight him."

Tyron Woodley says he believes Floyd Mayweather's explanation for backing out of his New Year's Eve fight in Japan -- and explains why small exhibition fights are a SMART move for TBE.

In fact, the UFC champ says he'd be down to take an exhibition fight anywhere -- including someone's living room -- as long as the price is right!!

Woodley also talks about Mike Tyson's new plans to become a marijuana baron -- and if it's a smart move for guys like Conor McGregor to embrace weed so publicly.

Also, can CBD help fighters in the ring? Tyron has the breakdown.

Plus, Woodley dishes out his weekly punch in the face and pat on the back.

"I'ma f**kin' eat this man alive."

That's what "Platinum" Mike Perry promises to do to Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone when they square off at UFC Fight Night 139 Saturday night.

Perry didn't stop there ... telling TMZ Sports, "I'm gonna knock this man the f**k out, period. That's all there is to it."

"I gotta take over. I'm gonna go forward, push him in the wall. Grind my elbows in his face. Slice his face open, and knock him out cold."

Cerrone ain't the only one feelin' Platinum Mike's wrath ... Perry also had harsh words for the UFC's newest fighter, Ben Askren -- an NCAA champ and Olympic wrestler.

UFC star Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone is so obsessed with "Red Dead Redemption 2" -- he's even dressing like the characters for a little fight week inspiration.

Cerrone is fighting "Platinum" Mike Perry at UFC Fight Night 139 in Denver on Saturday -- and if he seems extra violent this week, it's because he's been murdering everyone in New Hanover.

Cowboy doesn't even consider himself a "gamer" -- but said he HAD to buy 'RDR2' because it seemed to be right up his alley ... and he was right.

The game is already a massive hit -- earning a record $750 MILLION in the first 3 days of sales. In fact, one of the plot points in this week's "South Park" episode is how everyone is obsessed with the game.

Right before we started the interview with Cerrone, he told us his outfit was inspired by Arthur Morgan -- the main character in the game.

"Not only have I been playing the game, but I pre-purchased the $100 package with the horses and the guns."

"It's Cowboy all the way. So, I love it. Yeah. It's so cool. Just how you can just kill everybody. Whatever you want. I can't go into any town without being harassed by everyone, 'cause I just murder everybody."

Conor McGregor felt Conor McGregor needed a little confidence boost Thursday morning -- so, he looked in the mirror and told himself how great he is.

Over and over and over.

With his Versace robe hanging on his bathroom door, Conor pointed at himself and repeated, "You the man. You the man. YOU are the man!"

He then cackled like a maniac.

So, why? He's Conor McGregor, that's why.

Seems to be getting over his loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov -- you remember, Conor was smashed up at UFC 229 in Vegas on October 6.

It was Conor's first MMA fight in nearly 2 years -- and he didn't exactly look like the world-beater we got used to seeing against guys like Jose Aldo and Eddie Alvarez.

Conor has said he wants a rematch with Khabib -- but has told Dana White he's willing to fight whoever it takes to get it.

Mike Tyson tells TMZ Sports he's rooting for another Floyd Mayweather comeback fight -- as long as it ain't in the Octagon!

After that whole Japan fight debacle, Floyd insists he's retired (again) ... but Iron Mike says he hopes he reconsiders because he likes watching Mayweather fight ... as a boxer.

Also worth noting ... Mike Tyson is stoned to the bejeezus in this clip.

How do we know? 'Cause Mike's out promoting his new Tyson Ranch weed brand -- and his business partner, BigMike, told us they just lit up.

In fact, Mike recently smoked out Conor McGregor -- and got the UFC star's marijuana seal of approval.

"Hey, McGregor's a good guy," Mike said ... "He liked our kush. I'm very grateful for that."

Mike's marijuana ranch is huge -- 400 acres right in the Coachella Valley in Southern California ... and Tyson tells us his goal is to take over the whole THC industry.

12:24 PM PT -- Floyd had already made up his mind to back out of the fight by Tuesday night -- because he was telling people at an L.A. nightclub that it was off.

In fact, Floyd's friend Michael Blackson -- the famous comedian -- came on "TMZ Live" on Wednesday and told us when he saw Floyd at Murano Nightclub, the boxer made it clear it wasn't happening.

Floyd Mayweather is making it clear his massive New Year's Eve fight with Tenshin Nasukawa is off -- and claims it's because he was misled by fight promoters.

It's strange considering the press conference Floyd participated in on Sunday night -- promoting the fight at RIZIN 14 in Japan -- but alas, here we are.

In short, Floyd claims he only ever agreed to fight Tenshin in a private, closed door, 3-round exhibition fight "for a small group of wealthy spectators for a very large fee."

But, when he got to the press conference (weird that he would even agree to do a press conference for a small private event) the RIZIN promoters told the media it would be a globally televised superfight.

Floyd says he went along with the press conference because he was blindsided and didn't want to "create a disturbance."

During the press conference, Floyd was PRAISING the fight promoters and said the goal was to create a longterm relationship with RIZIN to promote more fights together in the future.

Whatever the case, seems the fight's off for good. Here's Floyd's statement in its entirety.

"Now that I am back on U.S. soil after a long and disappointing trip to Tokyo, I now have the time to address you, my fans and the media in regards to the upcoming event on December 31st that was recently announced."

"First and foremost, I want it to be clear that I, Floyd Mayweather, never agreed to an official bout with Tenshin Nasukawa. In fact (with all due respect) I have never heard of him until this recent trip to Japan. Ultimately, I was asked to participate in a 9 minute exhibition of 3 rounds with an opponent selected by the 'Rizen Fighting Federation.'"

"What I was originally informed of by Brent Johnson of 'One Entertainment' was that this was to be an exhibition put on for a small group of wealthy spectators for a very large fee. This exhibition was previously arranged as a "Special Bout" purely for entertainment purposes with no intentions of being represented as an official fight card nor televised worldwide."

"Once I arrived to the press conference, my team and I were completely derailed by the new direction this event was going and we should have put a stop to it immediately."

"I want to sincerely apologize to my fans for the very misleading information that was announced during this press conference and I can assure you that I too was completely blindsided by the arrangements that were being made without my consent nor approval."

"For the sake of the several fans and attendees that flew in from all parts of the world to attend this past press conference, I was hesitant to create a huge disturbance by combating what was being said and for that I am truly sorry."

"I am a retired boxer that earns an unprecedented amount of money, globally, for appearances, speaking engagements and occasional small exhibitions."

Floyd Mayweather's first order of business after announcing his big fight in Japan?? Well, he ain't sprinting to the gym just yet ... he had to check in on his L.A. Clippers first.

As we previously reported ... Floyd is going up against undefeated 20-year-old kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa at RIZIN 14 on Dec. 31 in what might be an MMA match (the 2 sides are still deciding on the rules).

After the surprise press conference in Japan on Sunday night, the 41-year-old returned to the States on Monday in time to catch the tip off in his usual courtside seats at Staples Center.

Floyd is famous for staying in fight shape -- even when he's not fighting -- so, it's not like 1 day off will really matter.

Then again, Mayweather claims Tenshin is super fast and motivated -- so taking the fight lightly could be a mistake.

That said, critics like 50 Cent say this Tenshin guy is like fighting an Uber driver -- so, Floyd could stuff his face with hot dogs and popcorn and still light him up.

Daniel Cormier tells TMZ Sports the fight with Brock Lesnar is 100% going to happen -- and he's already putting together a timeline to prepare his training camp.

The two have been going at each other in public for months but Brock's obligations to the WWE are an issue, especially since he's now the WWE Universal Champion.

But, Cormier says he's thinking about a March date for the Lesnar fight -- which lines up perfectly with UFC 235 on March 2 in Las Vegas.

"My preparation for that fight won’t start until the beginning of the new year," Cormier told the guys on the "TMZ Sports" TV show (airs weeknights on FS1).

"I got the Gilroy High School wrestling season up until February (he's a coach at the high school in Northern California). So, it has to be after that. So, I’m off limits until early March."

Cormier insists he's deadly serious about walking away from fighting on his 40th birthday -- which is March 20 -- so, UFC 235 would make the most sense.

That said, Cormier's career is on fire right now -- both in and out of the Octagon. So, we asked if Dana White came to him with an 8-figure offer to fight Jon Jones for a 3rd time, would he take it?

Floyd Mayweather has signed a deal to fight on New Year's Eve in Japan -- and it might be an MMA match -- but, it ain't against Conor McGregor or Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Just like TMZ Sports told you would happen ... the 41-year-old boxing superstar announced he'll be fighting at RIZIN 14 on Dec 31, against an undefeated 20-year-old kickboxer named Tenshin Nasukawa.

We broke the story ... Floyd was in talks to get a fight done in Asia back in September. The plan is to get 2 fights under his belt ... a tune-up fight and then a bigger opponent, someone like Manny Pacquiao.

Floyd says he's still working with the promotion to decide on whether it will be boxing rules, kickboxing rules, MMA rules, etc.

Floyd says the fighting rules will be sorted out in the coming weeks. Floyd also says the two sides are still figuring out what weight the fight will be at.

Floyd held a press conference in Japan late Sunday night -- Floyd did not say how much money he expects to make for the fight.

As for Tenshin, RIZIN says he's 20-years-old and has more than 30 fights under his belt. His kickboxing record is 27-0.

The fight will go down at Saitama Super Arena -- the 3rd largest indoor arena in the world. It seats around 36,500 people.

As we previously reported, Floyd has had some MMA training in the past -- and UFC champ Tyron Woodley has offered to work with him because he believes Mayweather can really win.

Floyd says he chose to have this fight in Japan because he loves the country and the people.

As for his opponent, Floyd says the guy is in great shape -- "very young, very fast" -- and he's impressed with Tenshin's physique. Says the guy looks like a serious gym rat.

Tenshin says Floyd is taller than he looks and he believes he'll be able to "hit him" when they fight.

Floyd is 50-0 as a pro boxer -- with his last victory coming over Conor McGregor.

Mayweather has recently told us he's been itching to fight again and predicted his next bout would be a 9-figure boxing match against Khabib. Now that he's inked this deal, seems the Khabib fight will be on the backburner ... at least for now.

"I'm very happy to be back in Tokyo," Mayweather told the media ... "I look forward to coming back more often."