UFC

Undefeated boxing superstar Claressa Shields is convinced she'd make MILLIONS from a superfight with UFC champ Amanda Nunes ... but it ain't about the money.

"I'm more about the legacy of it," Sheilds said on the "TMZ Sports" TV show ... "To say that you actually beat the greatest MMA fighter."

The 24-year-old boxer is seemingly unstoppable ... she's 9-0 as a pro with TWO Olympic gold medals. Meanwhile, Nunes has destroyed the greatest female MMA fighters ever -- from Ronda Rousey to Cris Cyborg and Holly Holm.

The fight is starting to pick up some serious momentum ... earlier this month, Dana White told TMZ Sports he's open to the idea of letting Nunes cross over into the boxing ring (a la Conor McGregor) after she takes care of some UFC business.

And, Shields says her manager is also on board -- not just because of the money but because the event would be huge for female combat sports.

He's 8 months away from being back in fighting shape, but UFC warrior Thiago Santos says he REALLY wants a second crack at Jon Jones once he recovers from his double knee surgery.

35-year-old Santos tore ligaments in both knees during his July 6 fight with Jones -- and he just underwent surgery last week. In his left knee, Santos tore his ACL, MCL, PCL and meniscus. He also suffered a partial ligament tear in his right knee.

Despite the devastating injuries, Thiago went all 5 round with Jones -- throwing LEG STRIKES all the way up until the final bell.

TMZ Sports spoke with Santos while he was in physical therapy and he told us he's so mentally tough, he willed himself to keep fighting that night even though his body wanted to shut down.

"Even on pain, I had to continue kicking," Santos said through a translator.

Santos lost the fight via split decision -- but knows how close he came to pulling off the upset.

Now, with an 8-month recovery plan, Santos says he's REALLY hoping for a rematch with Jon.

"That's my will. I really want to fight him again but I want to be at 100% before that's happening."

It's been a full week since UFC fighter Thiago Santos had surgery on BOTH of his knees following his main event fight against Jon Jones ... and Santos says he's in so much pain, he fears using the bathroom.

Santos put up one hell of a fight against Jones on July 6 -- going 5 rounds with the champ despite severe ligament damage to both of his knees.

In left knee, Santos tore his ACL, MCL, PCL and meniscus. He also suffered a partial ligament tear in his right knee.

Santos underwent double knee surgery last Wednesday ... and while he's already back in the gym trying to exercise (beast!) ... he admits he's in a ton of pain.

"I must admit, these days are tough, filled with a lot of pain," Santos said.

"I can’t sleep or eat properly due to the medications. I even fear using the bathroom because the walk there is a battle. Thank God the pain is subsiding."

He noted in a video message that he's "very happy" -- but it's clear he's struggling.

The good news, the honchos at he UFC -- including Dana White -- were impressed with his performance against Jones, especially now that we all know he was fighting with such severe injuries.

UFC fighter Michelle Waterson had to choke back tears talking about Nick Santonastasso ... an amazing disabled athlete who's helping Michelle get ready for the biggest fight of her life.

Michelle is gearing up to fight Joanna Jedrzejczyk in October ... and says a recent encounter with Nick is giving her that motivational boost she needs to prepare.

FYI, Nick was born with Hanhart syndrome, an extremely rare condition that left him without legs and only one arm. Despite the circumstances, Nick has become an international bodybuilding sensation ... the dude is an absolute BEAST in the gym!

So, when Michelle saw Nick at a recent Tony Robbins seminar, she says his story left her with a new perspective on life.

Ya gotta hear Michelle tell the story ... she gets emotional. It's moving stuff.

Plus, we also spoke with Michelle's adorable daughter about the upcoming Joanna fight ... and why she thinks Waterson will be the UFC's first-ever Mom Champ!!

Cris Cyborg says ain't bothered over Dana White saying she's "afraid" to fight Amanda Nunes again ... telling TMZ Sports, "You think I'm surprised when Dana say type of things like this?"

White previously told us "it's pretty obvious why" Cyborg won't sign a contract to rematch with Nunes ... who knocked her out in 51 seconds when they squared off at UFC 232 back in Dec.

"I think that [Cyborg] is at the point where she's afraid to lose again. Losing again isn't something she's interested in," White said.

So, when we spoke with Cris -- who's gearing up to fight Felicia Spencer at UFC 240 on Saturday -- we had to ask if she took issue with Dana's comments.

Cyborg essentially told us her relationship with Dana ain't great -- and she'd be more surprised if he said something "nice" about her.

She also said Dana isn't qualified to speak about a fighter's mindset -- explaining, "Dana White's never stepped in the case, never fight before ... because he's the promoter."

Cyborg says she doesn't want to talk about a possible rematch with Nunes until AFTER the Spencer fight on Saturday ... telling TMZ Sports she's laser-focused on getting that W.

Joe Rogan didn't deserve this.

The UFC commentator/podcast titan/comedian had parked his truck at LAX during his Summer vacation to Europe ... and when he got back, he noticed the whip was covered in cat logs.

"I parked my truck for 11 days at LAX and cats decided to sh*t and piss ALL over the sunroof," Rogan said.

"This is what was left after I drove 35 miles home. There was WAY more when I got into the car. Luckily it’s hot out so the sh*t was dry and hard, but f*ck is it disgusting."

There's more ...

"When I got in the car I was confused because it looked like someone poured a drink all over the windshield. We stopped at the exit and realized the entire top of the truck was covered with sh*t and piss."

So, what's the moral of the story ...

The Angry Bagel Boss Guy is prepping to fight other viral stars ... by enlisting freakin' UFC SUPERSTARS for his training!!

Chris Morgan -- the dude who infamously lost his mind in a Bagel Boss shop in NY a few weeks ago -- teamed up with big-time fighters Chris Weidman and Al Iaquinta on Tuesday ... learning the ropes from some of the best in the business.

The video is really unbelievable -- Al tapes up Morgan's hands, gets in the Octagon and starts sparring with the guy!!

To no one's surprise, Morgan runs his mouth after the training sesh ... and even calls out Logan Paul, who told us earlier this week he was down to whoop Bagel Guy's ass in the ring.

As we previously reported ... Morgan inked a deal with promoter Damon Feldman to get in the ring on September 7 in Atlantic City ... and one of his opponents could be Antoine Dodson.

Yeah ... so hide yo kids, hide yo wife ... 'cause the Bagel Guy means business.

Greg Hardy is winning over some of the biggest female fighters in the UFC -- including Amanda Nunes and Rachael Ostovich -- and he tells TMZ Sports their support means the world to him.

Greg's past is no secret ... he was accused of domestic violence against a woman back in 2014 and initially convicted. The conviction was overturned in 2015.

There was a big controversy when Hardy fought on the same card earlier this year as Rachael Ostovich -- who was the victim of a brutal domestic violence attack ... with some saying it was unfair to Rachael.

But, she clearly didn't feel that way -- and told Dana White she was cool with the decision.

Now, 6 months later ... Ostovich is still supporting Hardy -- she "liked" a celebratory Instagram post Greg made after defeating Juan Adams on Saturday.

Plus, Greg says he's also getting support from stars like Amanda Nunes, Joanna and Kayla Harrison.

Greg says he appreciates those women giving him the chance to "get to know me" -- and wants to show he's not the monster some people think he is.

Inside the Octagon, however, Hardy is on a tear ... he destroyed Juan Adams to improve his MMA record to 5-1 -- and says he's excited to prove he's ready to take on the best heavyweights in the UFC.

Greg says he wants to be on the upcoming UFC card in Abu Dhabi and desperately wants to fight a ranked opponent.

Hardy also says he's still getting love from his old NFL teammates -- including Dez Bryant who reached out to him after the victory.

Hardy says he wants to make his friends and family members proud -- and feels he's doing that by succeeding in the UFC.

Greg says other teammates and coaches have also reached out -- and it means a lot to him.

UFC champ Jon Jones is denying allegations he slapped a cocktail waitress at an Albuquerque strip club back in April ... and telling fans, "I'm definitely not in any trouble."

According to police, the alleged victim claims 32-year-old Jones not only slapped her inside TD’s Eubank Showclub, but kissed her neck without consent ... and then put her in a chokehold that was so powerful, he lifted her off the ground.

The woman told police Jones continued to put his hands on her until he left the club, according to KRQE in New Mexico.

The woman called police to her home after the incident to report the alleged crime. Jones was later charged with misdemeanor battery and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.

A spokesperson for Jones told the media Jon was unaware of the case against him -- and didn't know about the warrant because the paperwork was sent to the wrong address.

Jones later paid a $300 bond and the arrest warrant was rescinded.

"Today, the media told Mr. Jones about a false accusation launched against him and that paperwork had been sent to an incorrect address," a Jones spokesman said Sunday night.

"However, after receiving the documents from the press, Mr. Jones immediately went to pay the small fee, and he, and multiple witnesses, stand ready to factually refute the malicious lies being told about him to the public."

Jones later tweeted about the allegations -- telling one fan, "I’m definitely not in any trouble my friend, don’t be so quick to believe everything you read on the Internet."

He told another user, "I know there’s a whole bunch of people hoping for my downfall but there’s even more who are proud of me and love seeing me do well. And screw staying inside, I love this community.. excited to keep climbing, haters going to be mad when I win in December."

Story developing ...

The two baddest women in combat sports could be on a collision course -- because Dana White says he's open to let Amanda Nunes take on undefeated boxing superstar Claressa Shields!!!

First off, Amanda Nunes is the greatest female UFC fighter of all time -- with devastating victories over everyone from Ronda Rousey to Cris Cyborg and Holly Holm.

Claressa is the top dog in boxing -- she's 9-0 as a pro and a 2-time Olympic gold medalist.

Shields has made it abundantly clear she wants Nunes in a boxing match -- and told TMZ Sports bluntly, "I'd put [her] to sleep."

So, we asked Dana if he'd ever let Amanda follow in Conor McGregor's footsteps and take a super fight in the boxing ring ... and his answer was VERY interesting.

"Amanda Nunes has things that she needs to do here [in the UFC] first, but I'm not opposed to it," White said.

"Maybe Claressa comes over here and fight in MMA."

So, what does Amanda need to do in the Octagon before a possible Shields matchup?

Dana says he's trying to sign Cris Cyborg to take a rematch with Amanda -- but White claims Cyborg won't put pen to paper ... insinuating she's scared of getting beaten up again.

"I think it's pretty obvious why she wouldn't want that fight. It's a bad fight for her."

"I think that [Cyborg] is at the point where she's afraid to lose again. Losing again isn't something she's interested in."

White says Amanda Nunes REALLY wants the fight -- and since she's basically cleared out the women's division, White wants to give her whoever she wants.

Stipe Miocic says it "kinda sucked" when Brock Lesnar was in the mix for a UFC title fight with Daniel Cormier ... telling TMZ Sports he didn't think it was fair since Brock hadn't fought in years.

Remember, Stipe had defended the UFC heavyweight title THREE TIMES (the most in UFC history) before losing to Cormier at UFC 226 in July 2018.

Stipe -- and many UFC fans -- believed he deserved an immediate rematch with Cormier ... but when Lesnar expressed interest in fighting DC, it seemed Brock became the priority.

Lesnar eventually ended talks with the UFC so he could turn his full attention to his WWE career ... and that's when the UFC decided to give Stipe the fight in August at UFC 241.

Miocic tells TMZ Sports the whole waiting game for Lesnar rubbed him the wrong way -- explaining, "I mean, the dude hasn't fought in like, 3 years. Been popped twice, suspended."

"It's like, how you gonna put a dude like that ... he's not even a money fight anymore."

Miocic continued, "When he fought Mark Hunt, it didn't get a lot of Pay-Per-View sales. So, what's the difference of bringing him in? So, I don't know, whatever, it's all good."

"Brock's doing his thing. Good luck with everything he does, but right now, it's me and DC."

Israel Adesanya might get the chance to go G.O.A.T. hunting after all ...

UFC honcho Dana White tells TMZ Sports he's very interested in an Israel Adesanya vs. Jon Jones fight ... but Israel's gotta take out Robert Whittaker first!

Remember, Israel -- who's 17-0 with an impressive win over UFC legend Anderson Silva -- told us a fight with Jon Jones "tickles my loins" ... and added, "I already killed one G.O.A.T. and I'm hunting the next."

Jon saw the clip ... and fired back, "I’ll make you call me daddy by the third [round]."

In fact, Israel was ringside at Jon's UFC 239 fight earlier this month -- but later said he wasn't impressed with Jones.

So, when we saw White out in Beverly Hills ... we had to ask if he has any interest in putting an Israel vs. Jones fight together.

"I do," White said ... but he made it clear nothing's in stone and Israel has to get through Whittaker at UFC 243 in October first.

"If he beats Robert Whittaker, he's a very very dangerous guy and a guy Jones needs to take serious.

FYI, Whittaker is the current middleweight champ -- and famously beat Yoel Romero, TWICE!!

Should be fun ...

Henry Cejudo wins again!!!

The UFC superstar is down in Mexico on vacation with a smokin' hot lady on his arm ... and by the looks of things, he's having a GREAT time!!!

Triple C (two UFC championship belts and an Olympic gold medal) was spotted out in Tulum with a new lady friend.

We're told the mystery lady is a soap opera actress from Brazil named Sandra -- and by the looks of it, we're guessing she also does some modeling (if not, she should).

Our Cejudo sources tell us the two are vacation together (it's not like he met her down there) but they're not an official boyfriend, girlfriend thing just yet.

As one source put, "He's still single man. He's having fun."

Cejudo is having one hell of a year in 2019 -- he defended his UFC flyweight belt in January against a juiced up T.J. Dillashaw and then in June he starched Marlon Moraes for the bantamweight title.

Logan Paul says he and KSI are thiiiis close to finalizing the details on a rematch ... and it's gonna BIG!!!

Remember, the two YouTube superstars clashed at Manchester Arena in England for a 6-round Pay-Per-View boxing match back in August 2018 ... a match that ended in a majority draw.

The fight did impressively well -- even drawing compliments from UFC honcho Dana White -- and leaving many wondering when they would run it back.

But, when we spoke with Logan at Quavo's celebrity charity basketball game on Tuesday in Los Angeles ... he told us some of the big details are being ironed out as we speak.

Paul says the fight will DEFINITELY take place in L.A. and the venue is down to either the Staples Center or The Forum ... two iconic arenas.

As for KSI, Logan says he's confident he'll beat the brakes off his YouTube rival ... telling us, "KSI's a bitch, bro! I mean it!"

Paul also says KSI hasn't been taking his boxing training seriously -- and "he looks like a f*cking meatball right now."

Conversely, Logan says he's in the best shape of his life ... and as you already know, he's fighting all comers in the boxing ring he set up in the backyard of his L.A. home -- including fake Ivan Drago.

AFC North quarterbacks better watch out ... 'cause Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett has been training with Stipe Miocic ... and the UFC heavyweight says he was blown away by his power!!!

Stipe and the Pro Bowl defensive end focused on power work and and combinations in the cage earlier this week ... and Miocic says Garrett was loving every second of it -- and was crushing it!!

"He's an absolute beast," Miocic tells TMZ Sports. "Whatever that dude does, he's good at."

The Cleveland sports hero is a HUGE Browns fan ... so he says he's down to train Garrett's teammates like Baker Mayfield and OBJ to help out his beloved Brownies in any way.

We asked if Garrett would be able to hold his own in an MMA fight someday down the road ... and it's clear Stipe thinks he's got a legitimate shot.

"He's just gotta stand there and punch someone one time. That dude's got power. He's got a LOT of power."

Stipe has his own fight around the corner -- a rematch with Daniel Cormier at UFC 241 -- and he's got one message for DC.

Floyd Mayweather's reps have been "begging" Khabib Nurmagomedov to sign a contract for a Conor McGregor-style boxing match ... this according to Khabib's manager. 

"Floyd Mayweather to this day keeps begging to fight Khabib, BEGGING!" Ali Abdelaziz tells TMZ Sports.

"I'm telling you, people reaching out to me every week about Floyd to fight Khabib but at the end of the day, we're not interested ... for now."

Ali says Khabib is laser-focused on his Sept. 7 fight against Dustin Poirier in Abu Dhabi for the UFC lightweight title ... and after that he's eyeing either Tony Ferguson or Georges St-Pierre. 

Ali also represents Henry Cejudo -- so we asked how he felt about recently-unretired UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber calling for a crack at the Triple C. 

Long story short, Ali says Henry would be down ... but he wants 40-year-old Urijah to fight #1 bantamweight contender Marlon Moraes first ... and if Faber can get through Marlon, he would prove he's worthy of a title shot. 

Stay tuned on this one ...