MMA

Talk about a great conundrum -- Paige VanZant just revealed she could make a TON of money by chopping off her locks ... but there's one key detail to the proposal that has her sitting on the fence.

The MMA star and OnlyFans model discussed the eye-popping request on the latest episode of her "A Kickass Love Story" podcast with her hubby, Bellator fighter Austin Vanderford ... saying one fan on the subscription-based platform slid into her DMs and asked if she would switch to a bob hairstyle in exchange for $50k.

While PVZ acknowledged it's a big payday for a little work, she explained the one thing that left her hesitant was that the follower wanted her hair scraps shipped to him once the deed was done.

Paige explained her reservations ... saying after watching a Gypsy Rose Blanchard doc, she started to worry about what the supporter could do with her tresses -- and she isn't trying to get some evil spell put on her.

Austin backed his wife ... pointing out if it were just a normal haircut, there's really no debate -- but mailing someone the locks makes it a pretty hairy situation.

Former UFC champion Jamahal Hill was offered a plea deal in his domestic violence case, TMZ Sports has learned.

Prosecutors extended the deal to Hill earlier this month, according to court documents. As part of the proposed agreement, Hill would plead guilty to one charge of domestic violence ... in exchange for the dismissal of the aggravated domestic violence charge they had initially hit him with following his arrest in November.

Hill is expected to make a decision on the offer by a court hearing in March.

We reached out to Hill's attorney for comment ... though so far, no word back yet.

We broke the story ... Hill was arrested back on Nov. 27 after his brother, James Hill Jr., told police the MMA fighter roughed him up at his Kent, Michigan home following a series of arguments the two had gotten into over Thanksgiving weekend.

Cops say James told them Jamahal "sucker punched" him with a closed fist -- before hitting him a second time. Police said in court documents James sustained a swollen face during the altercation -- adding that he was also "missing a front tooth that he stated got broke when Jamahal assaulted him."

One of the stars of the original "Road House" is giving his review of the first look at the Jake Gyllenhaal and Conor McGregor-led remake ... telling TMZ Sports there's one glaring difference that caught his attention -- the way it sounds when dudes are duking it out.

Marshall Teague -- who played Patrick Swayze's arch nemesis, Jimmy, in the '80s cult classic -- was one of the millions of movie buffs who tuned into the trailer for the Prime Video project this week ... and while he's really pulling for the new take to do well, he found the audio effects in the fight scenes "humorous."

Teague -- who's experienced in martial arts and kickboxing -- said he and Swayze actually hit each other HARD during their on-screen scraps ... so naturally, it sounded like the real deal.

But, considering Conor is one of the greatest fighters on the planet and Gyllenhaal, despite training like a madman for his Elwood Dalton role, is not nearly as experienced in combat ... it's safe to say the two couldn't go toe-to-toe like Swayze and Teague did back in the day -- but Marshall hopes they were still able to build a similar bond on set.

"I love [Patrick] to death and I miss him every day," Teague said. "He's a great guy. I feel very honored to have had the opportunity to do that film with him and I hope the two of them have the same relationship. I really do."

Teague praises both Jake and Conor for being amazing in their respective fields ... and he wants nothing but the best for the upcoming flick.

No matter how great the reimagined version turns out, Teague said it will be tough to top the OG ... but he's truthfully got his fingers crossed that it can live up to the expectations.

As for whether he's got a cameo in the 2024 edition, Teague revealed he's received thousands of messages from fans asking if he makes an appearance ... but he pointed out it would be kinda hard to do, as his character died in the original.

Una de las estrellas de la original "Road House" está dando su opinión acerca del remake protagonizado por Jake Gyllenhaal y Conor McGregor, diciéndole a TMZ Sports que hay una diferencia evidente que le llamó la atención... la forma en que suenan los golpes.

Marshall Teague -que interpretó al archienemigo de Patrick Swayze, Jimmy, en el clásico de culto de los 80- fue uno de los millones de aficionados al cine que sintonizaron Prime Video para ver la película y, a pesar de que está deseando realmente que tenga éxito, no puede evitar pensar que los efectos de audio en las escenas de lucha "graciosos".

Teague -que tiene experiencia en artes marciales y kickboxing- dijo que él y Swayze realmente se golpearon DURO durante sus peleas en la pantalla, así que, naturalmente, todo sonaba bastante real.

Teniendo en cuenta que Conor es uno de los mejores luchadores del planeta y que Gyllenhaal, a pesar de haber entrenado como un loco para su papel de Elwood Dalton, no tiene tanta experiencia en el combate... es seguro decir que los dos no pudieron enfrentarse como lo hicieron Swayze y Teague, pero Marshall espera que hayan sido capaces de construir un vínculo similar en el set.

"Lo quiero mucho y lo echo de menos todos los días", dice Teague. "Es un gran tipo. Me siento muy honrado de haber tenido la oportunidad de hacer esa película con él y espero que los dos tengan la misma relación. De verdad que sí".

Teague elogia tanto a Jake como a Conor por ser increíbles en sus respectivos campos y no quiere nada más que lo mejor para la próxima película.

No importa lo grande que sea la nueva versión, Teague dijo que será difícil superar a la original, pero él realmente tiene los dedos cruzados para que pueda estar a la altura de las expectativas.

En cuanto a si tiene un cameo en la edición de 2024, Teague reveló que ha recibido miles de mensajes de los fans preguntando si hace una aparición, pero señaló que sería un poco difícil de hacer, ya que su personaje murió en el original.

And, the Oscar goes to ... Conor McGregor?!?!

The UFC superstar showed off his impressive acting chops in the latest trailer for the upcoming "Road House" flick starring Jake Gyllenhaal ... perfectly embracing the antagonist role in his first major Hollywood gig.

Gyllenhaal is playing a UFC fighter-turned-bouncer in the reimagining of the '80s classic with Patrick Swayze ... and judging by the first look of the project, McGregor is gonna have a ton of screen time.

At one point in the trailer, Conor -- who's playing a badass named Knox -- enters a bar and immediately raises hell ... smashing a bunch of tables with a golf club and beating the crap out of Gyllenhaal's Elwood Dalton character.

The teaser also shares multiple flashes of different scenes involving the former champ-champ ... so it's fair to say McGregor's role ain't just a quick cameo.

Conor praised his own performance while sharing the snippet on social media Wednesday ... saying, "Fighting, acting, there’s nothing this Mac can’t do! Here’s the trailer featuring my brother, Jake Gyllenhaal, and me going toe-to-toe in the wildest action movie ever – Road House!"

"My acting debut is gonna leave a mark! Long live Knox!"

While Conor is pumped, the project is at the center of a bit of drama at the moment ... as director Doug Liman said he's boycotting its showing at the SXSW festival over the decision to not put his movie in theaters.

Y el Oscar es para... ¡¿Conor McGregor?!

La superestrella de la UFC mostró su impresionante talento interpretativo en el último tráiler de la próxima película "Road House" protagonizada por Jake Gyllenhaal, abrazando perfectamente el papel de antagonista en su primer gran trabajo en Hollywood.

Gyllenhaal interpreta a un luchador de la UFC convertido en portero en el reboot del clásico de los 80 con Patrick Swayze y a juzgar por el primer vistazo del proyecto, McGregor va a tener un montón de tiempo en pantalla.

En un momento en el trailer, Conor -que interpreta a un tipo rudo llamado Knox- entra en un bar y de inmediato se desata el infierno... rompiendo un montón de mesas con un palo de golf y golpeando la mierda de Gyllenhaal Elwood Dalton personaje.

El teaser también comparte múltiples escenas que involucran al ex campeón... por lo que es justo decir que el papel de McGregor no es solo un cameo rápido.

Conor elogió su propia actuación al compartir el fragmento en las redes sociales el miércoles, diciendo: "Luchar, actuar, no hay nada que este Mac no pueda hacer! Aquí está el trailer con mi hermano, Jake Gyllenhaal, y yo mano a mano en la película de acción más salvaje jamás hecha... Road House!"

"¡Mi debut como actor va a dejar huella! Larga vida a Knox!"

Mientras Conor está bombeado, el proyecto está pasando por algo de drama en este momento, ya que el director —Doug Liman—, dijo que está boicoteando su presentación en el festival SXSW sobre la decisión de no poner su película en los cines.

10:26 AM PT -- Kayla Harrison's opening up about her move to the UFC.

"When I started competing, my goal was to be the best…the Olympic champion of #MMA. The @UFC presents me with the opportunity to be just that. It’s been an amazing journey to reach this point, and I’m grateful for every step along the path," Harrison wrote on social media.

"The highs and lows have all shaped me and made me an even better version of myself. God’s timing is perfect, and I am sure of one thing: My time is now. Let’s goooooo! 🦄"

Kayla Harrison is on the move ... one of the most accomplished women in combat sports history is signing with Dana White's promotion, and will fight fellow legend Holly Holm at UFC 300!

White made the big announcement late Tuesday night, explaining 33-year-old Harrison, a 2x Olympic gold medalist and 2x PFL champion, to an exclusive deal ... ending 16-1 KH's tenure with Professional Fighters League -- where she was one of the promotions faces since her signing in 2018.

As for the details of the fight with 42-year-old Holm -- a former UFC and boxing champ -- it'll go down on the highly anticipated April 13 card in Las Vegas.

FYI, UFC 300, a milestone event for the promotion, will also feature Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway ... with more big fights surely on the way.

Holly's no stranger to big fights ... she was the first to beat Ronda Rousey (KO, 2015), and has faced everyone from Amanda Nunes to Valentina Shevchenko.

The Harrison-Holm fight will be contested at 135 lbs. ... significantly lighter than the 155 lb. division where Kayla has primarily fought.

The winner of the Harrison-Holm fight will almost certainly thrust themselves into the title picture. Holm is already the 5th-ranked bantamweight, and she's beaten the (newly crowned) champ Raquel Pennington twice, in 2015 and 2020.

Harrison's signing could also set up the long-talked-about super fight with Nunes ... who seems open to the possibility of returning to the Octagon after retiring last year.

But, first things first ... "The Preacher's Daughter" at UFC 300!

Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone is living up to his nickname ... explaining how and why he's the one to conquer Dana White's 1,400 lb. bull, Twisted Steel!

The retired MMA fighter joined the TMZ Sports TV show (airs nightly on FS1) this week where he revealed his insane training regimen ... as he preps for the UFC honcho's 5-year-old beast, which he'll attempt to ride at an upcoming show.

"Next Monday, I'm getting on eight bulls," the 40-year-old said. "We're just gonna go, go, go, go."

"It's gonna be wild and crazy!"

Of course, Dana and Donald recently made a bet ... with a total of $100k on the line, if Cerrone can stay right side up on Twisted Steel for 8 seconds.

Sounds easy? Not so fast ... just three riders have managed the feat in a total of 34 runs -- and those guys were pros.

Here's hoping Cerrone is the fourth 'cause the money will go to charity.

"All the money donations will go straight to kid's camp," Cerrone said. "We're riding for a cause, if you will."

Junior dos Santos and Francis Ngannou once shared the Octagon (albeit for not very long), but that doesn't mean the MMA legend isn't impressed with The Predator's success in the boxing ring!

Cigano's thrilled for his former opponent ... and as a matter of fact, he wouldn't mind a rematch in the squared circle sometime down the road.

TMZ Sports talked to 39-year-old dos Santos earlier this week ahead of his fight with Alan Belcher (more on that soon) ... when we asked Junior about Francis' move to the boxing ring.

"I'm so happy for [Ngannou]," Junior told us, explaining ... "All the boxing guys are always talking, saying on the striking side we are not able to go there and put on a good performance against them."

Junior believes Francis proved the opposite against Tyson Fury ... MMA fighters can hang with the very best when it comes to striking with just hands.

"Francis Ngannou was fighting probably the biggest heavyweight in the history who never lost a fight," JDS explained, adding, "and he did what he did. I was there. That was so amazing to see that. And, it showed what kind of work we [MMA fighters] do."

Now, Francis has another massive challenge in front of him in the form of Anthony Joshua next month ... and Junior is clearly cautioning folks not to count him out.

FYI, JDS is well aware of what Francis can do. The two stars fought back in June 2019 ... but after a flurry of punches, the fight was stopped just 1:11 seconds into the first round, with Ngannou winning by TKO.

Junior wouldn't mind running things back!

"That would be amazing, too! I think actually that would be something very good, not just for me, but for him, as well."

For dos Santos, any fight with Ngannou would be down the line. First, he's got a big-time matchup with 39-year-old Belcher, who is coming off a decision win over Roy Nelson at Gamebred Fighting Championship 6, Jorge Masvidal's bare-knuckle MMA promotion.

Israel Adesanya was just punished for his DUI in New Zealand ... but he left the courtroom apparently in a good mood -- 'cause things could've been a whole lot worse for the UFC star.

The 34-year-old fighter appeared in Auckland District Court on Wednesday morning regarding allegations that he had driven drunk in the city back on Aug. 19.

Police said that after stopping Adesanya, he told them he had two cocktails before getting behind the wheel. Cops added he had a blood alcohol reading of 87 milligrams per 100 millilitres -- well over the legal limit of 50 milligrams per 100 millilitres.

He was facing a punishment of up to three months behind bars for it. But, he and his attorney asked for a lighter sentence.

Adesanya's lawyer claimed a conviction in the case would affect his sponsorship deals -- potentially costing him six figures. He also argued that a conviction could prevent Adesanya from traveling to Canada for UFC 297 later this month.

Fortunately for Adesanya, the judge did appear to go easy on him -- as according to Stuff.co.nz, he opted not to convict the former champ. But, he did hit The Stylebender with a six-month driving ban and a $1,500 fine.

Adesanya had previously apologized for his role in the case ... saying in a statement, "I am disappointed with my decision to drive. It was wrong. I know that people might follow me and I want them to know I do not think this behaviour is acceptable."

¡Francis Ngannou vs. Tyson Fury II puede estar en camino!

El Predator se unió a Babcock en el programa de televisión TMZ Sports (transmitido de lunes a viernes en FS1) el lunes, donde hablamos con la superestrella del boxeo y MMA sobre su ENORME y próximo choque con Anthony Joshua, de 34 años, el 8 de marzo, así como sus planes a futuro.

Por supuesto, Ngannou, de 37 años, tiene las manos ocupadas con AJ, uno de los atletas más físicamente imponentes en el mundo (al igual que Ngannou)… pero eso no significa que no sepa lo que quiere después de enfrentarse a Joshua.

Por el contrario, sí lo sabe… y no necesariamente es el ganador entre Tyson Fury y Oleksandr Usyk, quienes pelearán por los cinturones de peso pesado en febrero, semanas antes de que lo hagan Francis y Anthony.

“No estoy buscando al ganador de Tyson Fury. Estoy buscando a Tyson”, comentó el ex campeón de peso pesado de la UFC.

"Tyson me debe una pelea. Me importa una m*** el ganador de Usyk y Tyson. Voy tras Tyson. Voy por Tyson. Gane o pierda, quiero a Tyson".

Fury tiene un récord de 34-0 con 24 KO, y una de esas victorias fue contra Ngannou. Sin embargo, muchos en el mundo del boxeo creen que Tyson realmente perdió la pelea de octubre, que ganó oficialmente por decisión dividida.

Pero, primero lo primero, Ngannou-Joshua.

A pesar del éxito contra Tyson, Francis es un underdog bastante sustancial (arriesgar $100 para ganar $500), una línea de apuestas que afirma entender.

“Me enfrento a un ex campeón y a tipos que han estado en el juego durante mucho tiempo, ganando y demás”, dijo Ngannou.

“Creo que él tiene 30 y algo, yo soy cero y uno. Vamos, hombre. ¿Cómo me hacen favorito?” Vamos hombre. ¿Cómo me haces el favorito?”

“Él ya me ha visto boxear, así que sabe lo que le espera, a diferencia de Tyson Fury, que fue sorpresa, no sabía qué esperar”, dijo Ngannou.

Incluso con su inexperiencia en el boxeo, Ngannou espera que Joshua estudie su pelea con Fury y haga ajustes. Francis está decidido a demostrar que la pelea con Tyson no fue una casualidad.

“Esta vez necesito esforzarme aún más para hacer el trabajo.

Francis Ngannou vs. Tyson Fury II could be on deck!

The Predator joined Babcock on the TMZ Sports TV show (airs weekdays on FS1) on Monday ... where we talked to the boxing and MMA superstar about his HUGE upcoming clash with 34-year-old Anthony Joshua on March 8, as well as his plans for the future.

Of course, 37-year-old Ngannou has his hands full with AJ, one of the most physically imposing athletes in the world (as is Ngannou) ... but that's not to say he doesn't know what he wants after he scraps with Joshua.

To the contrary, he does ... and it's not necessarily the victor of Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, who are fighting for the heavyweight belts in February, weeks before Francis and Anthony.

"I'm not looking for the winner of Tyson Fury. I'm looking for Tyson!" the former UFC heavyweight champ told us.

"Tyson owes me a fight. I don't give a s*** about the winner of Usyk and Tyson. I'm coming after Tyson. Win or lose, I want Tyson!"

FYI, Fury is 34-0 with 24 KOs ... with one of those wins coming against Ngannou. However, many people around boxing believe Tyson actually lost their October fight, which he officially won by split decision.

But, first things first, Ngannou-Joshua.

Despite the success against Tyson, Francis is a fairly substantial underdog (risk $100 to win $500) ... a betting line he says he understands.

"I'm going in against a former champion and getting guys that have been in the game for so long, winning, and all this stuff," Ngannou said.

"I think he's 30-something and I'm zero and one. C'mon man. How do you make me a favorite?"

"He's seen me box already so he knows a little bit what he's coming after unlike Tyson Fury that was out of the blue, didn't know what to expect," Ngannou said.

Even with his inexperience in the boxing ring, Ngannou says he still expects Joshua to study his fight with Fury, and make adjustments. Francis is intent on showing the Tyson fight was no fluke.

"I think this time I need to put it up even more to get the job done."

The contract isn't yet signed, but Michael Chandler says he's fighting Conor McGregor on June 29 in Las Vegas ... and he's totally cool with the scrap going down at 185 lbs!

37-year-old Chandler joined Babcock on the "TMZ Sports" TV show (airs weekdays on FS1) ... where he broke his silence on the highly anticipated fight, days after The Notorious broke the news on social media.

"The last year has been a nice little hiatus and it looks like we're finally gonna be getting this fight moving forward," Chandler said.

"Now it looks like we got ourselves a date, we got ourselves an opponent, and seemingly a weight class a little bit above what we thought it was gonna be!" ... Mike added with a big smile.

Of course, Chandler's referring to the fight going down at 185 pounds -- technically a middleweight fight -- a full 30 pounds over the lightweight limit where both men have been two of the best in the world.

FYI, Sean Strickland (6'1"), Israel Adesanya (6'4"), and Alex Pereira (6'4") are the last three MW champs ... and those guys are huge.

We asked him about fighting at a much heavier weight.

"I'm cool with whatever weight. The way I see it, Conor and I are within a couple of pounds of each other. So it doesn't matter if we cut weight all the way down to 155, we fight at 170, or we fight at 185."

"We're the same size guys. I don't need to bulk up to 200-something fans to get down to 185, it's just not how I would operate in this training camp. So I'm excited about it if it is 185."

Fans are excited, too.

After all, it's a fight that's been in the works forever ... since Mike and Conor served as coaches on "The Ultimate Fighter."

There's a bunch more with Chandler ... including whether he'll return to the lightweight division after the Conor fight.

We also asked him if he was concerned Conor was clean ... as many people have speculated 35-year-old McGregor might be taking something to bulk up (the former champ-champ has never failed a drug test).

Ryan Garcia is blockin' all jabs when it comes to his friendship with Floyd Mayweather ... saying the boxing legend is mentoring him and he "loves and respects him."

The 24-1 (20 KOs) fighter took to social media on Thursday to defend his new bond with Mayweather after receiving backlash for hanging out with Floyd on several occasions, including their infamous 3 AM jog in Las Vegas.

"Floyd is mentoring me, And I love and respect him, he is so authentic so stop judging him," Garcia said to the haters.

"Judging a book by its cover will stop you from reading but Derrick James is my coach, and I love him too."

Some boxing fans have been confused by the relationship ... as Ryan is still in business with Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions. ODLH is a rival of TBE.

For what it's worth, not even De La Hoya seems too bothered. He told FightHype he was okay with Ryan and Floyd linkin' up, though he did add the situation would've been seen as a "conflict of interest" back in the day.

Other people have complained that Garcia lost at the hands of Gervonta Davis, whom Floyd is close with. Mayweather even celebrated with Tank in the ring after he beat Garcia.

But, Ryan doesn't want to hear it.

"You guys don’t know him and most of you will never. But he is authentic has a good heart and extremely generous," Ryan said.

"HES 50-0 and he’s almost half a 100 lmao but Love him and I respect him so put respect on his name. He may be Money Mayweather but he really tries to be as authentic as possible."

Devin Haney also came for Garcia ... sending him this Instagram DM: Floyd can't save or help u..

Ryan García está tapando la boca a todos los críticos cuando se trata de su amistad con Floyd Mayweather, diciendo que la leyenda del boxeo es su mentor y "lo ama y respeta".

El boxeador 24-1 (20 KOs) usó sus redes sociales el jueves para defender su nuevo vínculo con Mayweather después de recibir críticas por salir con Floyd en varias ocasiones, incluyendo su infame trote a las 3 AM en Las Vegas.

"Floyd es mi mentor, y lo amo y respeto, él es muy auténtico, así que dejen de juzgarlo", le dijo García a los haters.

"Juzgar un libro por su portada puede restringirte de leer, pero Derrick James es mi entrenador y yo también lo amo".

Algunos aficionados al boxeo se han mostrado confusos por la relación, ya que Ryan sigue en el negocio con Oscar De La Hoya y Golden Boy Promotions. ODLH es un rival de TBE.

Por lo que vale, ni siquiera De La Hoya parece demasiado molesto. Dijo a FightHype que estaba de acuerdo con que Ryan y Floyd se relacionaran, aunque añadió que la situación habría sido visto como un "conflicto de intereses" en su momento.

Otras personas se han quejado de que García perdiera a manos de Gervonta Davis, con quien Floyd mantiene una estrecha relación. Mayweather incluso celebró con Tank en el ring tras vencer a García.

Pero, Ryan no quiere oírlo.

"Ustedes no lo conocen y la mayoría nunca lo conocerá. Pero es auténtico, tiene buen corazón y es extremadamente generoso", dijo Ryan.

Devin Haney también criticó a García, con un DM en Instagram que decía: Floyd no puede salvar o ayudarte...

Bryce Mitchell was on the wrong end of one of the most frightening and brutal knockouts in MMA history, and now the UFC fighter has been banned from sparring or fighting for six months ... a restriction he imposed on himself.

If you watched the UFC 296 bout between Josh Emmett and Mitchell on December 12, it's a scene you're unlikely to forget. Just minutes into the fight, JE, a heavy hitter, landed a crushing right to Bryce's head, sending him crumbling to the Octagon floor. Mitchell began to convulse in what was an incredibly scary incident to witness.

Thankfully, after some time passed, Bryce was able to walk off under his own power.

The knockout immediately went viral.

In the aftermath, Mitchell is taking his health seriously, telling ESPN he's in his "own concussion protocol."

"I'll consult with my coaches, too, and we're basically just saying, 'You know, don't spar for six months,'" Mitchell said.

The 29-year-old fighter, who stepped up on short notice to fight Emmett after Giga Chikadze was forced to pull out, also pointed out he's got a lot going on in his personal life ... including the upcoming birth of his first baby. He's also building a house.

It's a hectic time that the featherweight will use to fully heal up.

But, when mid-2024 rolls around, it's right back on the horse for Bryce.

“I’m right into my next training after that. The good thing is I don’t have to rush into it.”

As for the knockout, Mitchell said the hardest part for him was dealing with everyone else worrying.

“The worst part is dealing with everybody afterwards, 'cause they all thought I was dead.”

Bryce, though, did find a silver lining.

"On the bright side, that was the easiest fight for me. I've never had a fight where I've come out feeling so great. I just woke up in the ambulance and barely remembered what happened. There's no pain, I'm telling you."