UFC

Dana White isn't taking kindly to being called "tone-deaf" over his decision to book Greg Hardy and Rachael Ostovich on the same UFC fight card ... saying, "I could give a sh*t."

... and it didn't stop there.

First, some backstory ...

Both Hardy and Ostovich are fighting at the big UFC on ESPN event on Saturday night -- which drew heavy criticism from ESPN's main MMA reporter, Ariel Helwani, who sounded off Wednesday.

"I found this decision to be incredibly tone-deaf, to put it mildly," Helwani said on ESPN.

FYI, Hardy was found guilty of domestic violence by a judge in 2014 -- but the conviction was thrown out in 2015 when he appealed to have the case go in front of a jury ... and his accuser stopped cooperating with prosecutors.

Ostovich suffered serious injuries in an alleged domestic violence incident back in November. She claims her husband (who's also an MMA fighter) snapped and beat her ruthlessly.

Helwani and others have expressed concern over having them fight on the same card -- so, when we saw White in NYC on Thursday morning, we asked for his thoughts.

"I don't give a sh*t what Ariel Helwani thinks," White said ... "Who the f*ck is Ariel Helwani to question anything that we do."

"I think we've done a pretty good job in 20 years. I could give a sh*t what he thinks, or anybody else for that matter."

So, why are they on the same card? White says they're both on the UFC roster and it was bound to happen at some point.

Khabib Nurmagomedov has a message for Conor McGregor -- Want a rematch? Get in line.

The UFC superstar touched down in Australia with his crew on Wednesday where he was swarmed by local media and fans.

Khabib was super cool with everyone -- taking selfies and talking with people -- but the headline here is the trash-talk directed at McGregor.

One of the reporters asked if Conor should get the rematch -- to which Khabib smirked and said, "Rematch for what?!"

The reporter brought up all the talking Conor did before their fight at UFC 229 back in October -- Khabib again shot back with an insult.

"Before last fight he talked too. But, when we go inside the cage, he don't do nothing."

Of course, Khabib mauled Conor before McGregor tapped out in the 4th round.

Despite Khabib's position, UFC boss Dana White told TMZ Sports he IS working on the rematch and it should go down in 2019 ... if everything goes according to plan.

UFC champ Henry Cejudo says T.J. Dillashaw is OUT OF HIS MIND if he thinks he's gonna be the first "Champ Champ Champ" ... saying he ain't even gonna make it out of January with two belts.

Of course, Cejudo and Dillashaw are set to do battle on Jan. 19 for Cejudo's UFC flyweight title -- and when we told Henry about T.J.'s plans to win 3 belts in 3 weight classes this year, Henry ripped the guy.

"I think T.J. Dillashaw is dehydrated ... he ain't thinking straight," Cejudo tells TMZ Sports.

"I'm gonna behead that snake."

Cejudo ain't no punk -- he dethroned Demetrious Johnson back in August at UFC 227 ... ending Mighty Mouse's legendary streak of 11 straight UFC title defenses.

In fact, Henry says once he gets through Dillashaw, he wants a rematch with DJ -- which would be complicated since Johnson was just shipped from the UFC to the ONE Championship promotion in the first MMA trade in UFC history.

By the way, we also asked Cejudo for an update on the Olympic gold medal he lost in a fire back in 2017 -- and it sounds like he's on track to get an official replacement soon.

You've seen "champ champs" in the UFC -- but never a "champ champ champ" ... which is why T.J. Dillashaw wants to be the very first fighter to hold THREE belts at the same time!!!

The UFC's reigning bantamweight champ is gearing up to fight Henry Cejudo on Jan. 19 at UFC Fight Night on ESPN+ for the flyweight title ... and if he wins that bout, T.J. says he's got eyes on Max Holloway.

Of course, Holloway is the reigning featherweight champ -- so, if T.J. can get through Henry and Max he would be the first triple title holder in the history of the UFC.

Despite his big career goals, Dillashaw says he's laser-focused on beating Henry first -- and says he knows Cejudo is scared.

"He's just praying that I don't make weight," T.J. told the guys at TMZ Sports ... "He's praying that I'm weak."

Dillashaw says he believes he can be the greatest UFC fighter of all time -- and can't wait to prove it on the big stage.

Jack Swagger and CM Punk are former WWE World Heavyweight Champions turned MMA fighters ... but that's where the similarities end, 'cause Swagger tells TMZ Sports when he fights, he ain't losing.

Big facts ... Swagger -- real name Jake Hager -- was a pro wrestling superstar. But, he was also a stud on the wrestling mats in college -- earning All-American honors at Oklahoma in '06.

That's precisely why 6'7", 265 lb Swagger says when he steps into the cage to fight J.W. Kiser at Bellator 214 on January 26 ... he'll look NOTHING like Punk -- who got destroyed in both of his UFC fights.

"I'm different for so many reasons," Swagger told us ... "I've been wrestling since I was 5 years old, bro."

"I have over 150 Division 1 college wrestling matches, and I'm gonna rely on that as my amateur MMA and boxing career to help when the anxiety kicks in."

Punk -- who lasted less than 3 minutes before Mickey Gall almost choked the life outta him -- had no prior combat experience before signing with the UFC at 36-years-old ... no real wrestling, boxing or jiu-jitsu experience to lean on.

"I think the biggest thing that you're gonna see is the difference between me and him is that I am prepared. I am 100% prepared to take this fight, to go into that Octagon, go in that cage and inflict my will on anybody."

You've never seen a 1-2 combo like this -- here's MMA fighter Anastasia Yankova ... who's killin' it in the cage AND in the model game!!

The 27-year-old Russian fighter is heating up in both worlds. She's got a 5-1 pro record and she's currently fighting in Bellator. Also, she's really, really, really good looking.

But, Yankova ain't relying on her looks to get by -- she's putting in that work at the American Kickboxing Academy in Thailand ... where stars like Daniel Cormier and Khabib Nurmagomedov have trained in the past.

The modeling career is taking off too ... for obvious reasons.

And, sorry to break it to ya -- Yankova's taken by UFC fighter Mike Swick.

No word on when she's fighting next -- but you watch her slay the camera in this gallery.

UFC badass Polyana "Iron Lady" Viana is telling TMZ Sports exactly how she disarmed and throttled a man who was allegedly trying to rob her at gunpoint ... and it's VIOLENT.

Dana White has already heaped praise on Viana -- a 26-year-old fighter with a 10-2 pro MMA record -- but now, she's giving us the blow-by-blow herself.

It all went on Saturday night when she was approached by a man outside of her Rio de Janeiro apartment. Viana claims he pulled out something claiming to be a gun and demanded her cell phone.

Worst. Mistake. Ever.

Polyana says she noticed the so-called gun "bent" when the guy touched it -- realized it was made of cardboard (not metal) ... and realized the only person who was in danger was the crook!!!.

"[I] thought, 'That's not a real gun.' So, I got up and threw 2 hooks."

"After that [I] just threw a kick to his face and that's the damage you all saw in the photos."

Polyana says those shots took the fight outta the alleged thief ... so then it was just about subduing the guy 'til cops arrived.

"He sat where he was and [I] grabbed him in a rear naked choke. He tried to hip escape a little bit. [I] was afraid he had a knife or anything that could hurt [me.] So, [I] didn't want to lose that position."

Authorities showed up, arrested the man and hauled him off to jail.

As for Viana, Dana White -- who's a helluva smart businessman -- booked her to fight a UFC 235 card in March.

#IronLady

Here's a sight that'll make KSI VERY happy -- Logan Paul took an absolute beating from a real deal boxing star on his podcast ... and the video looks painful as hell!!

20-year-old Ryan Garcia -- a 17-0 rising boxing star -- turned the social media megastar into his own human punching bag on the "Impaulsive" podcast on Monday ... as part of the Body Shot Challenge.

If you can't figure it out ... the Body Shot Challenge is when someone tries to punch you as many times as possible (usually wearing some sort of padding).

Paul volunteered to be Garcia's guinea pig ... but the dude was clearly shook.

"I am f*cked. I am SO f*cked," Paul says before taking 20 straight punches to the gut and falling backward.

BTW, Garcia's known to be a heavy hitter -- he's knocked all but 3 of his opponents. But, Logan takes the hits like a champ, though ... and even takes one WITHOUT the padding!!

Tyron Woodley has a busy 2019 -- telling TMZ Sports the plan is to destroy Kamaru Usman at UFC 235 in March ... and then get back in the Octagon to face Colby Covington at UFC 238 in June.

Both Usman and Covington have been angling for a shot at Woodley's welterweight belt ever since Tyron smashed Darren Till at UFC 228 back in Sept. ... but it wasn't clear who was gonna get the first crack.

Tyron tells us he signed his deal to fight Usman on March 2 in Las Vegas -- and WHEN he gets the victory, the plan is to get right back into fight camp to prep for Covington.

Colby is currently the #1 ranked welterweight contender, Usman is #2.

We asked Tyron if he's got a fight strategy for Usman yet ... and shocker, it's violent.

7:43 AM PT -- Tenshin just responded to Conor ... and laid out his terms for a fight with the UFC star.

"Dear Mr. McGregor, Thank you very much for remembering my name. I’m honored that you would even consider fighting me," Tenshin said.

So, what kind of a fight does Tenshin want?

Weight -- 58 kg (128 lbs).

Fight Rules -- kickboxing rules.

Tenshin says these are the demands that "would probably get us in the ring sometime in the near future."

The problem ... Conor ain't 128 pounds. He weighed in at 155 lbs to fight Khabib back in October and hasn't fought at 145 since Dec. 2015.

$9 million for 2 minutes of work??

Conor McGregor wants some of that action -- which is why he's calling out Tenshin Nasukawa ... the guy who got his ass kicked by Floyd Mayweather on New Year's Eve.

"I wish to go to Tokyo to face Tenshin Nasukawa in a Mixed Martial Arts exhibition bout," McGregor said in a note to the UFC and his agents at Paradigm Sports Management.

"Before this summer. Please arrange this, this instant. Yours sincerely, The champ champ."

The Tenshin vs. Floyd fight was supposed to be a 3 round exhibition -- but Tenshin's corner threw in the towel with 41 seconds left in the 1ST ROUND after Floyd knocked him down multiple times.

Some people think the fight was fixed and Tenshin took a dive ... but Conor doesn't seem to care -- all he sees is EASY MONEY!

Remember, McGregor made $100 million to box Floyd -- but LOST when the fight was stopped in the 10th round.

McGregor then made around $50 mil to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov ... but tapped out in the 4th after getting mauled by the Dagestani.

Well, that was quick!!!

TMZ Sports has learned Jon Jones is signed on to fight Anthony Smith at UFC 235 in March ... as long as the Nevada State Athletic Commission gives him the green light.

As we previously reported, several UFC fighters have been angling to get a crack at Jones after he returned from his suspension to beat up Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 232 last month ... including Luke Rockhold, Corey Anderson and Smith.

But now, we've confirmed ... Jon's next opponent will be 30-year-old Smith, who's currently on a 3 fight win streak after beating Volkan Oezdemir, Shogun Rua and Rashad Evans.

We spoke with Dana White, who tells us ... "Later this month, Jon Jones will file an application for licensure with the NSAC in order to compete at UFC 235 in Las Vegas, Nevada on March 2nd."

"Provided that license is granted, Jones will be defending his Light Heavyweight title against Anthony Smith in a 5 round main event at the T-Mobile Arena."

The issue with the Commission is that Jones tested positive for tiny traces of the anabolic steroid Turinabol just days before UFC 232 -- but the Nevada Athletic Commission couldn't convene for a hearing on such short notice.

UFC went to the California State Athletic Commission, which WAS able to examine the issue and after weighing the evidence, ultimately decided to grant Jones a license.

The CSAC officials say multiple experts concluded the traces of Turinabol were left over from a previous positive test -- meaning Jones did not consume the PED for the UFC 232 fight.

The expectation is the Nevada Commission will see it the same way as California and approve Jones, too.

Smith is currently the #3 ranked light heavyweight -- and just last week told TMZ Sports he's "ready" for Jones. He also told us he wasn't impressed with Jones in the Gustafsson fight.

Should be fun!

"Hold tight, I'm coming, Princess."

Luke Rockhold wants a big piece of Jon Jones ... and that's his message to the UFC superstar.

TMZ Sports spoke with Luke -- the former UFC middleweight champ who's moving up to light heavyweight -- and he ain't switching divisions just 'cause cuttin' weight sucks.

He wants to fight Jon Jones.

"I'm a different man at this weight, with the power behind me. I'm moving up to get after him. So, that's what I'm here for."

Luke's just the latest to throw his hat into the super crowded "I wanna fight Jon Jones" ring. Earlier this week, Anthony Smith AND Corey Anderson also told us they want a crack at Jones.

But, Rockhold's got the best resume of the 3 fighters ... and a fight with him and Jones would be a big money maker ... and it's a match L.R. is totally confident he'll win (he told us he'll be champ in '19).

Why? 'Cause he wasn't all that impressed with Jon's performance against Alexander Gustafsson.

"I thought he looked beatable."

So, who's Jon gonna pick???

Some people say it's Daniel Cormier. Others say it's Jon Jones ... but Amanda Nunes says when it comes to the greatest MMA fighter ever, SHE'S #1.

Most MMA experts agree Nunes solidified her place as the greatest female fighter ever with her dominant victory over Cris Cyborg at UFC 232.

But, with a resume that boasts wins over Ronda Rousey, Miesha Tate and TWO victories over Valentina Shevchenko ... ya can't ignore Amanda's G.O.A.T. case.

TMZ Sports spoke with the Lioness -- who's still giddy over the win -- and she says there's no doubt she's the best to ever step in the Octagon.

We also asked about a rematch with Cyborg -- and Nunes told us it'll be at least two years before Cris gets another shot.

In the meantime, Nunes says she's going back down to 135 pounds to punish the rest of that division.

Conor McGregor just left the hospital with his SECOND CHILD -- after his girlfriend, Dee Devlin, gave birth to their new baby!

The UFC superstar posted a photo with the new baby and his older boy, Conor Jr., with the caption, "Heading home with my two healthy babies and an energized and healthy SuperMam."

He added, "2019 is off to the best start! Thank you for the well wishes everybody!"

No word on the name or the sex of the newest McGregor family member. We'll update as soon as we find out.

McGregor's celebrity friends are already reaching out -- The Rock posted a message saying, "Ohana! Congrats brother!!"

Hopefully, Conor had a driver waiting for him outside of the hospital because his driver's license is still suspended in Ireland stemming from a 2017 traffic stop.

As we previously reported, McGregor pled guilty in November to going 95 in a 60 in a blue Range Rover. His license was suspended for 6 months and he was hit with a $1,100 fine.

Conor's oldest child, Conor Jr., was born on May 5, 2017 -- a few months before Conor Sr. got in the boxing ring and fought Floyd Mayweather.

Conor obviously lost that bout -- but reportedly made around $100 MILLION.

Conor Sr. is already training his little boy how to fight -- recently posting footage of Conor Jr. hitting the mitts.

WARNING -- this video of Brian Ortega will make your skin crawl. If you've already had your breakfast, prepare to revisit your eggs and toast ... 'cause this is gnarly.

We're not kidding. This is your last chance to look away.

For some reason, the UFC star thought it would be a great idea to show off what it looked like two pins getting yanked out of his bone and through his flesh on Thursday ... and we wish he hadn't.

Ortega broke his thumb and nose during a bloody fight against Max Holloway at UFC 231 last month ... and despite the nasty vid, the recovery seems to be going okay.

"I didn’t feel a THING," Ortega says ... as the metal pins are clamped with pliers and wrestled out of his hand.

Shockingly, not really any blood ... but it's still hard to watch.

Hope we didn't ruin your Friday.

Cris Cyborg had one helluva shoulder to cry on after she lost to Amanda Nunes on Saturday -- because Halle Berry was waiting for her in the locker room.

The UFC superstar had cameras in her locker room -- capturing the moment Halle visited her friend and gave her a big hug minutes after the brutal knockout.

It was Cyborg's first loss in 12 years ... but it seemed Halle took it harder that Cris -- with Cyborg telling her friend, "Don't cry, Halle."

Halle has been training at Cyborg's gym in Huntington Beach, CA for the past couple of months to get ready for her new MMA movie, "Bruised" ... but the two have struck up a friendship outside of the training center.

In fact, Hall was Cyborg's VIP guest at UFC 232 ... and hung out with her training team before and after the fight.

Cris was obviously sad -- but trying to stay positive ... telling Halle the loss will put "more fire in my heart."

Halle later admitted, "I was shocked [by the loss]. A lot of mixed emotions. But, she's a champion. You'll see ... she'll be back."

She added, "All champions have to face highs and lows. I've faced it in my career. We've all faced it. She'll be back."

Cyborg's friend Clarissa Shields -- a 2-time Olympic gold medalist boxer -- also spoke with Cris after the fight ... telling the UFC star she should have used her jab more often against Nunes.