MMA

Tito Ortiz says he already has some powerful support as he embarks on a political career -- with the Trump family standing firmly behind him.

As we previously reported, the UFC Hall of Famer is running for City Council in Huntington Beach, CA -- but tells TMZ Sports, he ultimately wants to become the mayor.

Earlier this week, we spotted Ortiz as he was submitted paperwork for the Nov. 3rd election ... and man, he is EXCITED.

45-year-old Tito says he was inspired to run for office after working with law enforcement to protect the community during the George Floyd protests back in May.

Ortiz says he ultimately realized becoming an officer was too dangerous at this point in his life -- and political career seemed like a better option.

"My community has given so much to me throughout my career, now its time for me to give back to my community. I'm ready for city council!"

Ortiz -- who's been tight with the Trump family for decades -- says Donald Trump Jr. already reached out to show love.

"Donald Trump Jr. reached out to me and said, 'I heard you're running at Huntington Beach, go get 'em champ!' I'm very thankful for that."

Ortiz also says he would love to get on the phone with POTUS to get some advice, but understands Donald is a little busy these days.

In the meantime, Ortiz says he's been brushing up on civics lessons in hopes of hitting the ground running if he gets elected.

Tito says his campaign will focus on making the city safe again -- noting it was once considered the "Safest City In America."

He also wants to put focus on growing the local economy and protecting the environment.

Ortiz says he won't be bought off by big corporations -- telling TMZ Sports, "I'm not here for the money, I'm here to make a difference for my community."

Congrats are in order for Conor McGregor and Dee Devlin -- the UFC superstar popped the question to his longtime GF ... and she said YES!!!

The couple -- who have been together for more than a decade -- made the news official on Saturday ... showing off a MASSIVE engagement ring.

The fighter posted about dropping to one knee before Devlin's 33rd birthday, which is August 9 ... but hints it may have happened around his birthday last month.

"What a birthday, my future wife !" Conor captioned his post on Instagram.

McGregor and Devlin have 2 children together -- 3-year-old Conor Jr. and almost 2-year-old Croia.

It's been an eventful 2020 for Conor ... he kicked it off by beating Cowboy Cerrone at UFC 246 ... and retired from MMA (for the third time) in June.

Conor and Dee have spent their time traveling all over the globe ever since ... including a lavish getaway in France.

Dana White says he's still talking with Floyd Mayweather about working together on another combat sports event -- telling TMZ Sports, "We're interested on both sides."

Of course, Floyd made a handshake deal with Dana back in 2019 to set up a fight involving the UFC.

But, all of Floyd's fight plans came to a screeching halt in 2020 following a series of personal tragedies and the COVID-19 pandemic.

We're told Floyd was left reeling after both his ex, Josie Harris, and his uncle, Roger Mayweather, died in the span of a week ... and fighting was the last thing on his mind.

Now, however, Dana says he's talking with Floyd ... and a possible collaboration is far from dead.

"Floyd and I still have dialogue and go back and forth. We're still interested on both sides."

White added an event is still "very possible."

So, who's the opponent? A boxing rematch with Conor McGregor perhaps?

"No no no. I know he would rematch Conor McGregor but I don't know if you heard about this but Conor McGregor's retired," White says.

McGregor announced his retirement from MMA back in June claiming he's lost his passion for the sport -- but no one really believes him ... except maybe Dana?!

"When I'm doing things right now and running business, I don't even think about Conor. Conor is retired. As of right here now today, Conor is retired until Conor tells me differently, I'm not trying to make any fights for Conor."

When challenged about Conor's true career plans, White explained it this way ...

"He is retired right now. He's not fighting. So, per my contract with fighters, I owe them three fights a year. If I do not deliver three fights a year, I have to pay them their money. Conor McGregor is retired."

GOOD NEWS -- Daniel Cormier just revealed his wife is 7.5 months pregnant!!!

And, to keep her safe, DC says he's been training for his rematch with Stipe Miocic in a "bubble" environment to prevent any possible COVID-19 exposure.

FYI, Cormier will step into the Octagon for his rubber match with Stipe at UFC 252 on August 15 to fight for the heavyweight title.

41-year-old Cormier insists this will be his farewell fight to cap off his Hall of Fame career ... and he's been training like a maniac to get ready.

But, DC's not naive about the pandemic and realizes that his training has required him to interact with a bunch of people from the outside, raising his risk of catching coronavirus.

So, he's been living at a 2nd home that he owns to limit the interactions with his own family ... because he doesn't want to get anyone sick!

"Yeah, I got a pregnant wife who's 7.5 months pregnant. Two kids, a 9-year-old, an 8-year-old, and I'm not even living at home because I'm having to prepare for this fight -- but that also shows the commitment from the family to understand what I'm trying to do here is so special."

In other words, Cormier says everyone is making a sacrifice so he can put on the best performance possible at UFC 252 ... because going out as champion is extremely important to him.

"I think that all the things I've done at heavyweight and at light heavyweight makes me one of the greatest fighters of all time, period! But, if I become a 2-time heavyweight champion there's only a few guys that've done that before in their careers. I think that by being the most dominant heavyweight of all time twice would make me the greatest heavyweight UFCs ever seen."

Cormier adds, "Obviously, Stipe's accomplishments and accolades speak for themselves. You know he's won everything. This is a true legacy fight."

"People don't like to talk about legacy all the time, but this a legacy fight in it's purest form."

He's right ... but more importantly, CONGRATS ON THE BABY!!

Here's the cheat sheet for our clip with "Suga" Sean O'Malley:

1. He's got a big orgy planned for when he wins the UFC title

2. He thinks the fact marijuana is still outlawed in MMA is "ridiculous" and "embarrassing"

3. He REALLY wants to fight Cody Garbrandt once he gets past Marlon Vera at UFC 252 next weekend.

First things first ... O'Malley is very open about the fact he's in an open relationship and has been for a while.

So, we asked the 25-year-old if the couple brings in other people to celebrate after a big UFC victory and he told us he's saving the big group bash for when he becomes the champ.

"Yeah, that's after a title fight win. That will happen."

Next, weed ... O'Malley is a big proponent of marijuana -- both medical and recreational and thinks it's ridiculous that UFC fighters like Luis Pena and Tim Elliott were just hit with suspensions after testing positive for weed.

"It's ridiculous that they get suspended for it. It's embarrassing that's even a rule. We're in 2020."

O'Malley says he knows the rules will eventually change -- "it's got to" -- but until then, he's being smart about his own THC usage.

"For me, I've gotta diet, I gotta not be snacking at night so I gotta quit anyway. I can't fight the munchies, they always win."

When it comes to life inside the octagon, O'Malley is on fire -- with 2 impressive knockouts in a row in 2020.

He's been trading verbal jabs with Cody Garbrandt -- but tells us he's dead serious about fighting "No Love" if the UFC offers it up.

"It's a fight that I'm not gonna turn down. If UFC says 'hey you wanna fight?', it's a yes for me."

O'Malley adds, "I think it's a good fight for me. It's a striking battle and I'm a better striker so obviously I'd like that fight."

But first, O'Malley squares off against Marlon Vera -- a 27-year-old from Ecuador who's won 5 out of his last 6 fights.

Conor McGregor's used fight shorts could be yours -- if you're into that sorta thing -- his gear just hit the auction block and bids are already through the roof!

The gloves, hand wraps, fight shorts and Irish flag Conor used during his UFC 246 showdown with Donald Cerrone back in January is up for grabs on the Fanatics Authentic auction site.

Remember, Conor dominated Cowboy in his first fight back in the Octagon since taking an L to Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018 -- defeating Cerrone in just 40 seconds.

Starting bid on Conor's used (and signed) gloves was $2,500 -- but it attracted a WAVE of interested buyers who quickly bid the price up to $31,000 ... and there's still 19 days left to go!!!

The used shorts are also signed by Conor -- starting bid was $2,500 ... and now it's up to $11,000.

The Irish flag Conor raised after the fight is also on the block -- it's signed too! That's at $2,500.

Conor McGregor says he "accepts" a fight with UFC rising star Khamzat Chimaev ... but calm down everyone, it's far from official.

Here's the deal ... Khamzat -- who's dominated in his first 2 fights in the UFC -- called out Conor, Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal on social media Thursday.

"I’m getting bored, please @danawhite give me @NateDiaz209 @GamebredFighter @TheNotoriousMMA same night," Khamzat tweeted.

"I can smash all these guys ... I’m not cocky guy I’m just confident. I understand if they don’t want to fight me."

Moments later ... Conor responded -- "I accept!"

Khamzat fired back with some sass -- "Beg me."

So, is this really gonna happen!?!?

We reached out to Dana White for some answers! Here's the situation ...

White says there's no official fight in the works for those two guys at the moment -- so we asked if it would be possible at some point down the line if the stars align?

Dana's response -- "Probably not but who knows?!"

Let's get real ... Conor has been gunning for rematches with Nate, Khabib and Floyd Mayweather -- which would probably take priority if he actually "unretires."

In the meantime, Dana says the UFC is working on putting together a different fight for Khamzat on August 29th, which would be his 3rd fight in a little over a month!!!

If you're unfamiliar, Chechen-born Khamzat is 8-0 as a pro MMA fighter -- and out struck his last two opponents 192 to 2!

THAT'S INSANE!!

So, hold your breath on Khamzat vs. Conor for now ... but don't give up hope.

By the way, Khamzat recently told us he'd "smash" Conor in the 1st round if they ever do fight. Dude definitely doesn't lack confidence!

"Send me location ... I come and smash your face!"

That's UFC rising star Khamzat Chimaev firing back at Conor McGregor -- after the Irishman insulted him on social media.

Here's they backstory ...

The 26-year-old Chechen-born fighter is 8-0 and has dominated in his first 2 fights in the UFC -- mauling prodigy Rhys McKee on Fight Island this past weekend just 10 days after dominating John Phillips.

And, get this ... Khamzat was only hit a total of TWO TIMES in both fights -- while dishing out 192 strikes of his own!!!

In fact, Khazmat's smothering violent style has earned him the nickname "Khabib 2.0" -- and just like Khabib, he's already in a real-life feud with Conor.

After Khazmat's victory over the weekend, Conor called him "rat lip" in a now-deleted Tweet -- but McGregor didn't pull it down quick enough!

Now, Khamzat says he would kill for a chance to shut Conor's mouth in the Octagon ... and he's begging Dana White for the opportunity.

"I can go smash [Conor McGregor]! If [UFC] give me, I would be so happy about that. It's easy fight for me."

"I don't see somebody can stop me. I gonna finish everybody. I gonna finish [Conor] first round. I promise you, I can finish him in 1st round."

He even delivered a message for Conor ...

"Lets fight! Don't talk, let's fight! If you're a real gangster, if you're a real man, don't talk on Instagram."

"Come in the cage, talk in the cage, say something to me. You sitting in Ireland and talk to me because I'm sitting in Sweden. We can meet in Abu Dhabi right now, Las Vegas"

Of course, Conor insists he's retired from MMA because he lost his love for the sport.

The Huntington Beach Bad Boy is making a major career change -- Tito Ortiz is now running for political office!!!

The UFC Hall of Famer has officially entered the race to become a City Council member in Huntington Beach where he was born and raised, TMZ Sports has learned.

There are 3 seats on the City Council up for grabs at the next election -- and Ortiz clearly sees an opportunity. He'll be on the ballot in November.

Tito's formal paperwork to enter the election does not designate a political party, but Tito has been a VERY vocal supporter of President Donald Trump for years. They're actually good friends.

Ortiz has championed Trump's positions on things like border security, immigration, law enforcement and more.

The 45-year-old had been mulling a career change for a while -- recently kicking around the idea of becoming a law enforcement officer. It's obvious he's been wanting to move into public service.

The City Council position would be a big deal for Ortiz -- the governing body "is the city’s legislative authority and sets the policies under which the city operates," according to the official city website.

The Council determines everything from budgets to services and policies.

Oh, and this is also important -- the Huntington Beach mayor is selected yearly from among the sitting council members.

So, in theory ... Ortiz could become the mayor if he plays his cards right.

SO MUCH TRASH TALK!!!

Jake Paul and Nate Robinson have signed the dotted line to fight in Sept. -- but they're already throwing verbal haymakers ... and the video is amazing!

23-year-old Jake is taking on the 36-year-old ex-NBA player on the undercard of the big Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. fight after a war that started on TMZ Sports.

Long story short ... Nate called out Jake after watching the YouTube star beat up a couple of social media influencers in his first boxing matches.

Jake saw Nate's comments and challenged him to put his money where his mouth is -- and he did! Fight date is Sept. 12 on PPV and the Triller app.

We spoke with both guys at the same time -- and right off the bat, the insults were flying!!!!

Jake called Nate a washed-up old man. Nate said Jake is a fraud who's never fought a real athlete.

In fact, Nate says he's gone up against NBA legends like Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson -- and says Jake is a BUM compared to those guys.

Nate has never had an amateur or pro boxing fight -- and Jake says he's simply biting off more than he can chew.

"You're not ready, you haven't even sparred yet," Jake said. "you don't even know what it's like to spar, buddy."

"Shut up, Jake ... with your bird head ass," Nate barked back. "Listen, come September 12, bro, you said you was gonna knock me out. Just make sure you're a man of your word."

Jake added, "This is the only thing you have going for you ... where was Nate Robinson before this? ... I'm like a doctor with the shock pedals reviving your career!!"

Even Robinson's bud and ex-NBA star, Matt Barnes, got in on the fun ... saying he wanted to go after one of Jake's friends!!

The guys did settle down for a bit to talk about the opportunity to fight under legends like Tyson and RJJ ... and they both understand it's a once in a lifetime opportunity.

"All the stars have aligned and it's honestly an honor to be a part of the Mike Tyson card," Paul tells us. "Like, seriously, a dream come true. I can't even believe it."

Nate says he's tapping Floyd Mayweather -- as well as other boxing greats -- to help him train for the big event.

"I've been working with guys like Floyd Mayweather out here in Vegas," Robinson says.

First Roy Jones Jr. ... then Conor McGregor?!

Mike Tyson says if the UFC superstar was his next opponent in his return to the boxing ring ... he'd beat the hell out of The Notorious -- saying, "I'mma kick his ass!"

Iron Mike went on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' on Monday to promote his new huge comeback fight with RJJ ... when Jimmy decided to play a little "Who Would Win?" game.

Rocky? Mike says he'd dominate. Ivan Drago? Tyson says he'd beat that ass too. Drago's too bulky and too damn slow.

As for McGregor? Mike says that'd be no issue ... as long as they played by boxing rules!!

The clip is funny ... Tyson says there IS one opponent who'd beat him -- the 'Karate Kid' -- saying, "I'mma have to surrender to him on this one."

By the way, a fight between Conor and Mike would almost certainly never go down ... the age gap (54 to 32) is huge, and the two are great friends these days. They even smoke weed together!

Terrifying news about UFC star Corey Anderson -- who's revealing he suffered massive facial injuries during a medical emergency back in February.

But, this story has a happy ending ... the UFC's #4 ranked light heavyweight has recovered and is cleared to fight again.

Here's the deal ... Anderson "blacked out and collapsed" on a gravel road on Feb. 21 -- less than a week after suffering a knock out loss to Jan Blachowicz at UFC Fight Night.

Anderson, who's a real outdoorsman, says he was scouting some land on Feb. 21st when something went wrong and he was raced to the emergency room for treatment.

Anderson says he spent 5 days in the ER with doctors trying to figure out what happened.

"All but one said it was [due] to major concussion and lack of water and food after hiking through the woods for hrs," Corey says.

"One doctor would tell me it was my heart ... that my heart had stopped beating and it could happen again but next time in a fight!!"

Anderson says the diagnoses hit like a ton of bricks -- "Instantly my wife's face [changed] and my emotions as well."

The 30-year-old says he continued to see doctors for months -- and underwent "2 very painful outpatient heart procedures to find more evidence to go along with that ONE doctor's notes."

"He had put a complete halt to my career as a fighter until it was clear my heart was safe to compete."

The good news ... Anderson says the recovery has been going well and last Monday he was cleared to fight again.

"As of last Monday night, I left hospital for the final time after my last procedure, with clearance note in hand, and the doctor telling me 'Congrats Mr. Anderson, I can let you go back to beating people up!'"

He adds, "This [whirlwind] 5 months have put ALOT of things into perspective and as a veteran fighter who in the past has just fought with reckless abandoned with no care for rest and mental health long as I can keep fighting. I advise you other fighters to look after your health."

Anderson continued to offer advice to young fighters ...

"If you took some big shots to your head in a fight or practice, take the proper time to recover. It took me having my son sitting there looking at me in a hospital bed to realize there is real life after fighting and I want to be here to enjoy it."

Anderson also thanked the UFC for helping him to get the medical care he needed.

Sorry, Conor McGregor ... Georges St-Pierre believes Royce Gracie -- not you -- is the greatest MMA fighter of all time.

And, he's praising the "UFC 1" champion for paving the way for everyone else!

"Royce Gracie is the one that really changed the sport," GSP tells TMZ Sports ... "[He] changed the entire belief system of what a real fight is."

Gracie is a LEGEND -- who famously won 3 FIGHTS IN A ROW IN THE SAME NIGHT at UFC 1 back in 1993.

The UFC events back then were tournament-style -- where winners advanced to another fight in the same night.

Oh, and weight classes weren't a thing back then either! So you had giant dudes fighting small dudes with basically no real rules.

Gracie went on to win UFC 2, UFC 4 and fought to a draw with Ken Shamrock in the championship fight at UFC 5.

Royce also popularized Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) -- which revolutionized the sport.

"We should never forget the guys that were there before us," GSP says ... "We should never forget about these guys. Like Einstein says, we stand on shoulders of giants. They've paved the way for us."

Gracie was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2003.

Georges says Jon Jones is the best modern-era fighter -- but argues Khabib Nurmagomedov should be in the conversation as well.

Watch the video -- it's great.

There's more ... GSP also tells TMZ Sports about his new fitness program on TV.fit -- a "well-being application" that helps people get and stay healthy!

"There's programs for everybody or people that are older, yoga. There's also a book on mental health, there's a lot of things. It's a lot more than a fitness app and there's nothing like it on the market right now."

"I'm trying to go in there and try to break his face! That's it!"

That's Robert Whittaker's game plan to fight Darren Till -- and we gotta say, it's straight and to the point!

The two are set to clash on Fight Island on July 25th -- Whittaker's first fight since losing the UFC middleweight belt to Israel Adesanya back in October.

The goal for Robert is obviously to work his way back to a title shot -- but first, he's gotta get through Till, who's coming off a win over Kelvin Gastelum.

"I am so excited," Whittaker tells TMZ Sports ... "It is time to get back to work. I want to get in there, I want to test myself and get my direction."

So, what's the plan for Till?

"I'm gonna get in there and try and punch him as hard as I can!"

In other words, Whittaker just wants a brawl -- and we're here for it!

He even has a message for his opponent -- "I'm gonna crush your face! I hope you've been preparing because I have."

The Floyd Mayweather boxing comeback is back on -- he's actively looking for new exhibition fights after shutting things down earlier this year.

We broke the story ... Mayweather had previously been gunning for 2 fights in 2020 -- one against a pro boxer and one against an MMA star (he was really into the idea of Khabib Nurmagomedov).

But, some unforeseen circumstances changed those plans -- not just the COVID pandemic ... but Floyd was also crushed by the unexpected deaths of his uncle, Roger Mayweather, and Josie Harris, the mother of his children.

Back in March, Floyd was telling people close to him he wasn't in the right state of mind to focus on a comeback ... but now in July, he says he's ready for some exhibition fights in Japan.

"We’re working on some things right now for Tokyo," Floyd told Forbes ... "Whether 2020 or 2021."

The opponents are still up in the air -- but Floyd is making it crystal clear, these will be boxing matches and NOT mixed martial arts fights,

“No [I won’t compete in MMA],” Mayweather said -- "I think just like how winning teams receive home-field advantage in the playoffs ... you don't fix what isn't broken, and my record isn't broken.”

Floyd had previously teased the idea of an MMA fight -- and even began MMA training -- but ultimately decided, he'll stick to fists-only.

As for a Conor McGregor boxing rematch -- Mayweather says there's no deal in place, but he's keeping the opportunity open.

"For now, I'm happily retired. You never know, but it would have to be worth it,” Mayweather said.

Georges St-Pierre says he's VERY flattered by Kamaru Usman's call-out ... but he's just not ready to un-retire and get back in the Octagon.

"I think for me it's better if I stay retired," GSP tells TMZ Sports ... "It's not worth it for me."

Of course, GSP formally retired back in 2019 -- saying he wanted to leave while still on top (his last fight was a '17 victory over Michael Bisping).

But, 39-year-old GSP still trains like a maniac -- and people close to him say he's still in dangerous fighting shape.

In fact, UFC welterweight champ Kamaru Usman called him out earlier this month -- saying he would love to bait GSP out of retirement for one last fight before he truly rides off into the sunset.

But, St-Pierre tells us he's given it some serious thought ... and he just isn't feeling a comeback -- at least not right now.

"Sometimes I'm watching the fights and I'm like, 'Man I think I can beat these guys' or after when I'm done training I feel like I'm very confident," GSP says.

"But, after I go home at night and I'm thinking about all that crazy thoughts and I'm like 'I'm gonna be 40 years old soon, do I really wanna go back and do a hardcore training camp of 2 months? Put myself in jail so to speak and get ready for hell? I'm like, no I don't."

"I've done it for a very long time and unfortunately there's too many guys that retire too late and I do not want to be one of these guys."

"I'm very fortunate, I'm healthy most importantly and I'm also wealthy. I came out at the right time, I made a lot of money and I think the problems are when I matured and calculated the pros and cons, it's better that i stay retired."

GSP had nothing but praise for Usman -- saying the guy is one of the smartest fighters out there and has big things in his future ... but he's just not ready to throw down right now.

But, watch the whole clip ... St-Pierre says he's always willing to entertain an offer if the UFC calls him up.