Here's some good news to brighten up your day ... UFC fighter Darren Till is a dad again!!
The #5 ranked welterweight announced the birth of his brand-new daughter, Raya Lilly Till -- and he's already got a nickname for the kid, "Little lockdown baby."
See, it's not all bad out there!
Obviously, Darren and his family won't be leaving the house any time soon due to the COVID-19 pandemic ... but they've got PLENTY to keep them busy now.
"The fact of this matter is, both Tony and Khabib where engaged in a game of chicken here towards the fight bell," The Notorious said Thursday. "With Khabib chickening out first."
Of course, this is the FIFTH time the Khabib-Ferguson fight has been canceled over the years ... and Conor is now deeming Tony the winner after Khabib's latest withdrawal.
"Khab scurried out of the U.S to home, and amid the crisis. Very high risk," McGregor said. "Congrats Tony."
Nurmagomedov clearly ain't laughing at Conor's ribbing ... the UFC star said Wednesday he had legitimate concerns about fighting amid the coronavirus pandemic.
In fact, Khabib expressed frustration over the pressure he's been receiving to fight.
"Famous people around the world urge people to follow all safety requirements in order to limit the spread of the disease," Khabib wrote, "to save people, and Khabib is the only one relieved of all obligations and must demonstrate free will and train flying around the world, for the sake of fight?"
Khabib added that he was super disappointed ... but it ain't like Conor cared.
"I am in shape to fight right now!" McGregor said. "At the beginning of all this, I said to myself -- I’m happy I don’t have an official fight booked."
"If I did, I would have consumed all the incorrect data to support me taking part in the bout, and I would have followed through, competed. And won."
The last time Conor fought Khabib back in 2018, it wasn't even close -- the Dagestani dominated McGregor and ultimately got him to tap out in the 4th round.
As for UFC 249 (still scheduled for April 18), Dana White has been adamant the show will go on -- but it's still unclear who will fight and where it will be held.
3:45 PM PT -- Jon has just broken his silence on the situation ... saying he's "disappointed" in himself for letting people down.
UPDATE
Here's the full statement issued through Jon's rep Denise White:
UPDATE
"While we all work to understand and cope with stress and uncertainties surrounding the current state of our world, I want to express how truly disappointed I am that I have become the source of a negative headline again, especially during these trying times."
UPDATE
"I am disappointed for letting down the people I care about the most, my family, friends and my fans. This morning I entered into a plea deal with the Albuquerque DA's office. I accept full responsibility for my actions and I know that I have some personal work to do to which involves the unhealthy relationship I have with alcohol."
UPDATE
"I have dedicated so much time and energy to improve my community, and I will not allow this personal setback to hinder my work within the community when we need it most. I truly appreciate the support I have received from the community of Albuquerque and all my fans around the world. I very much look forward to putting this behind me."
UPDATE
"Thank you all for your continued love and support and please take care of yourselves."
UFC superstar Jon Joneshas pled guilty to driving while intoxicated stemming from a March 26 arrest in New Mexico, officials tell TMZ Sports.
The reigning UFC light heavyweight champ has struck a deal with prosecutors in which he agreed to 1-year supervised probation. The sentence has not yet been approved by a judge but that's just a matter of time at this point.
As part of the deal, Jones will serve 96 hours in a community custody program -- which is a form of incarceration, but not in a traditional jail cell. We're told it's similar to house arrest. He will wear an ankle monitor, which allows authorities to make sure he doesn't leave his residence unless he has permission.
Officials say Jones will be ordered to "complete a minimum of 90 day out-patient treatment, maximum fines and fees, community service and all other requirements of reporting to probation."
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, officials are allowing Jones to participate in the outpatient program via video conferencing.
As for the community service, Jones must complete 48 total hours.
Jones must also install an ignition interlock device in any vehicle he operates -- which requires him to complete a breathalyzer (to test for alcohol) before the car will start.
"His attorney and Mr. Jones have been made aware that if he fails to do this, the State will seek to impose the balance of any jail time without regard for any exceptional circumstances," officials say.
Get this ... officials WILL allow Jones to use marijuana during his probation, as long as he has a valid medical card.
As we previously reported, Jones was arrested around 1 AM on March 26 after cops responded to reports of gunfire in the Albuquerque area.
When cops found Jones alone in his Jeep, he appeared intoxicated and admitted to drinking earlier in the evening.
As for the other charges, which include negligent use of a deadly weapon and open containers, those will be dropped in exchange for Jones' guilty plea on the DWI.
Kamaru Usman wants to go all "Deliverance" on Jorge Masvidal at UFC 249 -- saying he wants the fans to hear Masivdal "squeal like the pig that he is."
Both Kamaru and Jorge have said they're down to step up and fight in the main event at UFC 249 in April -- after Khabib Nurmagomedov revealed that he's stuck in Russia and likely won't be able to fight Tony Ferguson.
Masvidal has promised to "cut off" Usman's headif they do scrap -- but Kamaru, the reigning UFC welterweight champ, says he ain't afraid.
In fact, Usman says he LOVES the fact there will likely be no fans allowed at UFC 249 (due to the COVID-19 pandemic) ... because he wants the fans to hear all of the sounds of combat.
"I want you guys to hear him squeal, squeal like a pig, like the little bitch that he is," Usman says.
"The weird sounds that he's gonna make once I'm elbowing and slicing up his face, once I'm dropping hammers on his face. I want you guys to hear that."
"Nobody in the stands no fans to cheer him on so he feels like he's somebody. nobody, just me and him."
"That's why I said I'll take that fight. I haven't been training but I'll take the fight because I wanted you guys to hear what I do to this guy inside."
No word yet from Dana White on what will ultimately happen with UFC 249 -- he's adamant the show will go on -- but this seems like a pretty solid option.
This is awesome -- UFC star Dominick Reyes teaching us exactly how he landed those CRUSHING uppercuts on Jon Jones ... WELCOME TO FIGHT SCHOOL!!!
Dom hit up the secret gym at the TMZ offices recently -- where he told us straight up, "I definitely won" that fight.
Remember, 30-year-old Reyes took Jones the distance in their Feb. 8 matchup at UFC 247 -- a lot of people think he deserved to win that fight and got screwed on the judge's cards.
So, when Reyes hit up our gym -- he took our resident punching bag, Lucas, to class (with the help of "Fight School" host Paige VanZant!).
Ya gotta watch the whole ep on Snapchat -- Dom shows us how he baited Jones during the fight so he could land those devastating shots.
He also tells us he's dead set on a rematch -- and this time, he won't leave it up to the judges!
OR -- HOW ABOUT WE FINALLY GET THAT TYRON VS. COLBY COVINGTON FIGHT!?
"They need a big savior for this. Me and Colby, I think, is a big enough fight to make to save the day," Woodley says.
As we previously reported, Khabib Nurmagomedovsays he's stuck in Russia and most likely won't be able to fight Tony on April 18 ... which leaves the UFC looking for another main event.
Tyron says he's more than willing to battle Tony -- "Sh*t, I'll step in and get that fight."
But, if that doesn't work out, Tyron -- whose March 21 fight against Leon Edwards was postponed over the COVID-19 pandemic -- says he's got a better idea!
"[Colby], quit being a bitch. Quit talking sh*t if you ain't gon' do nothing about it. Step up and fight me, and get your ass beat."
In fact, Woodley even has a message for UFC honcho Dana White.
"Dana hit me up, man. You know I'm not always the motherf**ka that you call on last-minute notice but it's a new year, new leaf. And, ya know, I think I can really come out there and I'm not just sayin' it."
"I'm not a guy that's just sitting on the couch and just gonna jump up and make it interesting just to save the card. I'm f**king ready to fight."
The most cursed fight in the history of combat sports just had another setback -- Khabib Nurmagomedov says he's stuck in Russia and the UFC is looking to replace him with another fighter to take on Tony Ferguson at UFC 249.
Khabib just spelled out the whole situation on IG Live ... saying he tried to get ahead of the situation a few weeks ago, when the UFC told him the April 18 fight would likely go down in the United Arab Emirates.
Khabib says he had been training in the U.S. -- but flew out to the UAE in hopes he could get settled and fight there. But, of course, things changed.
"But, when we landed in Emirates we learned that they are going to close borders. And, no one will be able to leave or fly in, with exception for residents," Khabib said.
"So, we had to fly back to Russia. Currently, I am in Dagestan and I am training and preparing every day. Although I don't know what am I preparing for. Because after we came to Russia we also learned that the borders are going to be locked. Same like in the States, same like in Europe, Emirates, everywhere. The whole world is in quarantine right now."
Khabib says he was informed by the UFC that they will proceed with UFC 249 -- and if Khabib can't make it, they'll swap him out with another fighter.
"So, now I am hearing that they are looking to organize it with or without me. Okay, go ahead."
"Everyone should follow the laws. I am not against it, I know that fighters need to feed their families and pay their bills. I know how hard it is for the fighter. Unless they fight, they aren't getting any money.
"I am even hearing that they are looking for an opponent for Tony, because he is in the States and I am here in Russia. But, I am here not on my own will.
Khabib says he's not really sure what's going to end up happening -- but he's not too concerned.
"Now I don't really know what's going on. It's really hard to train and cut your weight when the whole world is locked down and you don't know what you are preparing for. But, it's not the first time I face obstacles in my career."
Khabib vs. Tony has been booked FOUR TIMES before -- but it has yet to happen due to things like injuries and weight-cut issues.
The 33-year-old, 6'4", 260 lb. monster was scheduled to fight Rozenstruik -- a 32-year-old, undefeated heavyweight -- Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
Then, Coronavirus screwed everything up ... and the highly anticipated March 28th fight was put on ice.
But, that doesn't mean the men ain't gonna scrap ... 'cause Ngannou tells TMZ Sports that he is 100% fighting -- assuming the UFC honcho can find a place that's down to host the event.
"[Dana] said if they find a location, we will be on the card," Francis says.
Ngannou has even found a facility where he can lift and train with his coaches ... 'cause he's planning to step in the Octagon in less than 3 weeks.
"Since we are expecting some potential fight for April 18th, so we have to stay ready. So, we have a closed-door training. Just me and Eric Nicksick, my coach. So, we keep working out."
There's been a crazy amount of speculation about where 249 could take place ... Khabib's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, recently told us the UFC was looking at locations in Africa.
Francis says even he doesn't know where it'll happen ... but if there's a place that's safe, you bet your ass he'll be there.
"I don't know exactly where the fight will take place," Ngannou says, "However, what I do know is wherever it is gonna be, I'm gonna be there."
Please, please, PLEASE, Dana ... lock down a spot for these fights!!
Chael Sonnen says he's straight up "baffled" by Jon Jones' recent DWI arrest -- telling TMZ Sports it's about time he STOP DRIVING once and for all.
The two have history -- Chael famously fought Jon back in 2013 (Jon won in a 1st round stoppage) ... and they've had a cordial relationship ever since.
So, we asked "The Bad Guy" for his thoughts and he didn't hold back.
"It's baffling. You look at this guy, and this guy is blessed in so many ways. Great family, not just mom and dad, but the brothers and his own internal family, his kids, his career, he’s a handsome guy, charming guy."
"You look at him, there’s nobody that can beat him except for him. Every wound he has is just self-inflicted and that’s just hard. It's to the point where you just grab him and go 'hey man, there's people that care, there’s another way.'"
"Man I gotta tell ya, it just seems like if he would just get the Uber app, it just seems like so many of his problems would go away," Sonnen says.
"I sit back like anybody else and read, Jon and I don't have the best relationship, but I've known Jon for a number of years, I've competed with Jon, I've done stuff with Jon. But I observe Jon, more than anything I can observe him from the outside. And I'll just tell you, it would just seem like if he didn't just get behind the wheel."
"So many of his problems, which are self-inflicted by the way, would not exist."
As for Chael, he's staying REAL busy during the pandemic -- in fact, he's promoting a HUGE Submission Underground event on March 29th, live on UFC Fight Pass.
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"I said it before you piece of sh*t, nobody will lose their job at UFC."
That's Dana White going scorched-earth over a false report about layoffs at the UFC -- with Dana making it crystal clear NO ONE who works for him will be let go during the coronavirus pandemic.
The video speaks for itself ... White is PISSED at a report in a major media publication Wednesday titled, "UFC Hit with Layoffs."
That report has since been taken down, but Dana is obviously upset that it ever went up in the first place.
The confusion, it seems, is that Endeavor -- which owns UFC and other businesses -- is reportedly letting around 250 people go as a result of the pandemic. But, Dana says ZERO of those employees are coming from his staff.
"First of all, it's not true," Dana says ... "I'm telling you guys again, most of what you read is not true."
And, he delivered a personal message to the reporter behind the story -- "You don't know anything about this f**king situation and you definitely don't know nothing about the sport you jerk off."
"And, for somebody who's supposed to be a reporter to be gloating about people losing their jobs?! I said it before, you piece of sh*t, nobody will lose their job at the UFC! Nobody's getting laid off, it's not gonna happen!"
"The other side of Endeavor laid some people off. I'm not laying anybody off. It's not gonna happen!"
Conor McGregor is putting his money where his mouth is -- donating €1 MILLION in medical supplies to hospitals in need, in his native Ireland.
After the UFC star made a passionate video encouraging Ireland to go into "full lockdown" to combat the spread of COVID-19, Irish politician Paschal Donohoe reached out and asked Conor to keep up the good work because young people listen to him.
Conor responded to Donohoe by spelling out his new plan to help Ireland.
"Today I am purchasing myself, 1 million euro worth of personal protective equipment to be deployed to all the fighting hospitals in the Leinster region," McGregor said ... "Our most affected region, to this date."
He added, "St. James. Mater, Tallaght, Beaumont. Vincent's. Where we would be without these brave men and women, I do not know. May God bless over them and keep them safe!"
Conor then pushed back on Minister Donohoe -- saying he thinks the government needs to take more action to protect the people.
"We need more units on the street to enforce this lockdown Pascal! It has been too lax!"
"Building sites should be closed. They are open for what? We can always build again after this. In every way. But, we must put Health before Wealth."
"I respect you, and your team and I believe you are doing as good a job as you possibly can. I have been impressed by all. As has the nation. I feel like we are moving in the right way, it just feels to me like it is not all the way."
"I urge all the way! 'All in' is the term we must use here. Bit by bit will cost us lives. To see what is happening here in Ireland and all across the entire globe, is heartbreaking to me. I pray. God speed Minister and thank you for the message, and your service to our nation."
UFC middleweight champ Israel Adesanya is warning his countrymen ... the coronavirus pandemic will BREAK some people -- explaining, "Only the strong's gonna survive this sh*t."
The 30-year-old -- who lives in New Zealand -- got a government alert on his phone about the country going into lockdown mode and wanted to share some words to inspire the people.
What ensued was actually kind of scary ... and probably true.
"These next 4 weeks is gonna make and break some people. Some are gonna come out of this with drinking problems, drug problems, [domestic violence incidents], broken families," Adesanya said.
"Or ... some people are gonna come out of this with BETTER relationships, severing old beef with family members and friends, cooking skills, better brains, healthier bodies."
He continued .. "I'm not your f**king guru. I'm not nobody, but yeah, I'm the UFC champion and people carry some weight sometimes with what I say."
"But, yeah, stay strong ... 'cause only the strong gonna survive this sh*t."
Izzy's not the only UFC star to speak out about COVID-19 -- on Tuesday, Conor McGregor made a passionate speech to the people of Ireland, pleading with them to self-quarantine.
UFC star Aljamain Sterling -- the #2 ranked bantamweight in the world -- says he's sick and tired of shadowboxing during quarantine ... so he's turning his house into an MMA gym!
It's actually pretty dope ... Funk Master has a bunch of handy roommates and they're all teaming up to renovate their Long Island pad into a prime training center.
The 30-year-old busted out (and disinfected) a bunch of old mats and equipment -- and even installed insulation in the walls -- so they can get back to doing what they love to do ... fighting.
"MMA training and working out, it's my life, it's my sanity ... if we can have somewhere where it's the same training partners training and that would be our quarantine training partners, so be it."
Sterling also wants to set the record straight about rumors he accepted a fight with Cory Sandhagen in May -- saying it's absolutely NOT TRUE.
Alja says it all has to do with his limited training resources. In other words, he wants to make sure he's in the absolute best shape to fight a tough opponent like Cory ... and with the pandemic in full swing, it limits his ability to level up.
"For me to take a fight against a guy ranked #4 in the world and not have the proper training is like a guy going to work doing construction without all of his tools. Like, how do you expect to get the job done?"
He added, "I would love to fight ... but right now's not the time. I want a proper training camp so I can really f**k somebody up."
"I didn't work this hard to become #2 in the world to just lose a stupid fight over ego and pride ... it's just stupid."
Conor McGregor just made a VERY passionate plea to the country of Ireland -- demanding they go into '"full lockdown" ASAP to protect themselves against COVID-19.
You gotta watch the clip ... the UFC superstar is HEATED -- saying straight-up, "True lockdown must begin, and it must begin now!!!"
McGregor shouted out the leaders of his country -- from the President on down -- saying, "While we are currently debating a full lockdown, I feel that we must! Any time spent debating this is needless time from the clock."
So far, at least 6 people have died from coronavirus in Ireland -- and more than 1,000 people have tested positive. Conor clearly believes the country needs to stop the spread.
Conor points to other countries that have seen success from quarantine -- and urges his people to take the threat seriously.
"Let's get it together and ring the bell ourselves," Conor says.
McGregor calls for the country to shut down everything from airports to non-essential businesses -- "along with stricter adherence to social distancing, must be put in place now!"
"We have the advantage here in that we can see this coming!"
He added, "Let's go Ireland! Let's go rest of the world. Lockdown united. Together we stand. God bless us all."
Once wasn't enough for Alex Volkanovski ... the UFC champion wants to beat Max HollowayTWICE, and establish himself as the GREATEST featherweight fighter EVER!!
Volkanovski snatched Holloway's belt in a close fight back in December ... so when the new champ recently came by the TMZ office, we asked him who he wants to scrap with next.
Alex was crystal clear ... he wants to run it back with "Blessed," 'cause Holloway's the biggest threat and best fighter (besides himself, of course) in the 145 lb. division.
"I want that fight [with Max], cause there's no clear #1 contenders, and I just think that he's a great champion. And, for me, the biggest fight in my career right now to solidify myself as the best featherweight of all-time, and one of the greatest of all-time," Alex says.
"I go and take out Max twice in [his] prime, ya know, people are gonna give me the respect I deserve."
Volkanovski's already got a helluva resume ... he's got a pro record of 21-1 and hasn't lost since 2013 -- nearly 7 years ago.
As for when the rematch would go down ... Alex broke his hand during the Holloway fight, but says he was just cleared for combat, and he's ready to rock ... and he already has a date circled on the calendar.
"I don't want to sit on the sidelines too long, and I wanna defend my belt in Australia. That Perth card is June 6. We're gonna make it happen, I reckon."
Kamaru Usman tells TMZ Sports ... he was all set to fight Jorge Masvidalin July -- until the coronavirus killed those plans. But he's still ready to hand out another ass-whooping, stat!
So, while the UFC tries to line up the next fight for the UFC welterweight champ -- he's talking mad trash to Masvidal, Colby Covington and of course ... Conor McGregor.
First ... Masvidal.
"Honestly, if I'm being honest, do I believe that he deserves the fight next? No, I don't think that he deserves the fight. But at the same time, he's got the hype right now."
"He seriously thinks he's a superstar. He's talking about how I'm the most famous fighter, I'm more famous than Conor and this and that. You are drinking your own Kool-Aid right now. He forgets that literally less than a year ago or two years ago he was just 'Journeyman George.'"
"Now you lost some weight, did a little Spanish reality show and came back and now he thinks he's just Jacques Cousteau or something. My man, relax!"
Next ... Colby.
Remember, Kamaru beat Colby's ass back at UFC 245 in December. Covington wants a rematch.
"Colby I'll be more than happy to put another cannon to your face. Easy as that."
And Conor?
"I'd be crazy if I said I didn't want that fight because Conor is one of those guys that's transcended the sport."
"And of course, I think people would love to see me go in there and spank him any way that I want. So, that's a fight that I always want."
"So, if Conor's feeling froggy that fight could happen anytime. So, that's a wild card right there, that could happen any time. If he's feeling froggy, if he wakes up on the right side of the bed and is like 'You know what? I want to get my ass beat today!' ... that fight could happen any time."
Kamaru wraps up with a special message to Colby and Jorge ... you don't wanna miss that.
