Cris Cyborg I'd Fight Ronda Rousey in WWE ... Doubts Ronda's Down
Cris Cyborg says there ain't a chance Ronda Rousey would come back to fight her in the UFC ... so, she's lettin' Ronda know she's 100% down to rumble in her new home -- WWE!!
We spoke to Cyborg before her upcoming fight with Yana Kunitskaya at UFC 222 ... and had to get her thoughts on Rousey -- Cris' ex-UFC rival who she literally wanted to "kill" back in the day.
Cyborg told TMZ Sports she's over the beef ... but would gladly accept an invite to toss her around in the ring.
The only problem -- "If she don't fight (me) in MMA, I don't think she gonna agree fight (me) in WWE."
But, Cris says she's got a plan to get Ronda's attention -- and it involves a STEEL CHAIR.
Before Ronda eats steel, Cyborg's gotta take out Yana -- a UFC newcomer who told us she's got the goods to pull off the MASSIVE upset.
We'll see ...
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UFC's Brian Ortega To TMZ Host: I'd Fight Your Grandma for $$$
UFC rising star Brian Ortega lives by the warrior code -- anyone, anytime, anywhere -- and says those rules apply even if you're a 78-year-old woman!!
We got "T-City" and Bruce Buffer on the TMZ Sports TV show earlier this week ... and Buff told us Ortega's so game, he'd literally kick anyone's ass at a moment's notice.
Our guy, Van, countered with the freakshow fight of a lifetime -- a matchup with his own grandma!!
Brian's response -- "How much money we getting paid?"
SHUT IT DOOOWN.
Real talk, Ortega's got a huge scrap vs. ex-champ Frankie Edgar -- a fighter he considers "a legend" -- at UFC 222 this Saturday.
Guessing he'll be a tougher test than Van's grammy ... just by a little.
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Tyron Woodley: I Believe Jon Jones ... He Ain't a Cheater
At least one big UFC star believes Jon Jones ... with Tyron Woodley saying he DOESN'T think the embattled MMA fighter intentionally took steroids before UFC 214.
Jones has suggested an enemy may have slipped anabolic steroids into his workout supplements in order to sabotage his career ... and while Tyron wouldn't go that far, he explains why he doubts Jon would ever knowingly 'roid up.
It all went down on "The Hollywood Beatdown" -- where Tyron also questioned why Jones' reputation is in shambles after his PED test ... but Brock Lesnar (who also tested positive) is still a huge fan favorite.
There's more ... Woodley also weighs in on Deontay Wilder's claim he could beat Mike Tyson in the prime of Mike's career and also breaks down Wilder's upcoming fight against Luis Ortiz!
BTW, Wilder vs. Ortiz goes down Sat at 9 PM ET on Showtime!
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Daniel Cormier Jon Jones Deserves Steroids Ban ... 'That's His Reality Now'
Daniel Cormier ain't about to throw a pity party for Jon Jones ... saying his rival got what's coming to him with his steroids suspension.
"He put himself in all these situations -- these were not forced on you. That's his reality now," Cormier told TMZ Sports.
FYI, Jones got slapped a 1-year ban from the California Athletic Commission earlier this week ... and is still facing a max 4-YEAR ban from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency for failing a drug test before his UFC 214 fight vs. DC.
But Daniel says he ain't getting hung up on Jon's PED saga ... 'cause he's got bigger and better things to worry about.
"I've moved on," Cormier said. "I've disconnected myself from that man and his issues."
DC says all he cares about now is becoming a 2-weight champ by beating Stipe Miocic -- who he just finished filming 'TUF 27' with -- at UFC 226.
But, ya gotta wonder ... could Daniel possibly fight Jones after that scrap?
Cormier confirmed his retirement timeline with us, and things ain't looking great for Jon ...
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UFC's 'Sugar' Sean O'Malley Got My Own Custom Weed Strain ... for UFC 222 After-Party!!
Snoop's favorite UFC fighter -- "Sugar" Sean O'Malley -- says he's beyond stoked to make his Pay-per-View debut on the main card of UFC 222.
But, Sugar tells TMZ Sports he's just as excited for his post-fight party -- 'cause he's debuting his own custom weeeeeeed after the scrap!!
O'Malley says his buddha-smokin' bros just whipped up Sugar Show OG -- a brand new hybrid strain -- in honor of his big night ... and there'll be plenty getting passed around Saturday night.
Can't say we're surprised -- this is the same kid who smoked up with Snoop hours after winning a UFC contract.
Sugar says he's been getting his fair share of hate since then 'cause the UFC's been giving him Conor McGregor-level hype ... but told us he ain't trippin' off it.
Think we know why ...
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UFC's Mackenzie Dern I'm Not the Next Ronda Rousey ... I Wanna Be Better!
UFC newcomer Mackenzie Dern is flattered by all the Ronda Rousey comparisons, but says she's her own woman ... and wants to accomplish EVEN MORE than Ronda in MMA!!
We talked to the jiu-jitsu phenom before her debut at UFC 222 ... and she laid out why labeling her Rousey 2.0 ain't right -- even though both women are known for ripping their opponents' arms off.
"It's nice that people think that, but I'm not the next Ronda Rousey," Dern told TMZ Sports. "We are two different people, different personalities, different histories, different obstacles ... it's a new era."
That said, Mackenzie told us she's gunnin' for it all -- and hopes to achieve "at least as much, if not more" than the UFC's first female trailblazer.
Gonna have to tune in Saturday to see if she passes her first test, 'TUF' alum Ashley Yoder, but one thing's for sure ... she's got the look.
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UFC's Chris Weidman Warns LeBron ... I'm Training Enes Kanter!
LeBron better start knucklin' up ... 'cause the baller he's been beefin' with is getting boxing lessons from a UFC superstar!!
That superstar is former middleweight champ Chris Weidman -- who came through Knicks practice on Wednesday to chill with his hometown hoops squad ... including Bron's trash-talkin' rival, Enes Kanter.
Weidman shot around with Enes -- but it looks like they had more fun strappin' on the gloves to get the Turkish big man ready for a potential throwdown with the King.
"Hey @kingjames, I've been training my guy @eneskanter11. Best think twice before messing with the Orange and Blue again," Chris tweeted at LeBron.
FYI, Kanter called LBJ a "queen" and a "princess" after they got in each other's faces in November ... and trolled him after a game last month, too.
Stipe Miocic is from Cleveland, Bron -- might be time to reach out.
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UFC's Cris Cyborg I Know I Could Make Floyd Tap Out ... in an MMA Fight
The baddest woman on the planet ain't afraid of taking on Floyd Mayweather inside an MMA cage ... and she's laying out exactly how she'd smash him.
We spoke with UFC champ Cris Cyborg ahead of her 2nd title defense this weekend at UFC 222 ... and had to ask how she thinks she'd fare against Floyd, who's talked to Dana White about potentially taking a fight for the UFC.
Cyborg didn't back down -- telling TMZ Sports all the tools she'd have to bust out to put Mayweather to sleep.
Of course, that's a fantasy matchup we're never gonna see (well, maybe in Japan) ... so if ya wanna catch Cyborg, you're gonna have to tune in this Saturday when she scraps with Yana Kunitskaya.
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Jon Jones License Revoked Over Positive Steroids Test
Jon Jones is officially BANNED from fighting in California ... at least for now ... after the California Athletic Commission revoked his fight license over a positive steroids test at UFC 214.
Jones is eligible to apply for reinstatement in August 2018 -- one year retroactive from his failed drug test.
Jones was also hit with a $205,000 fine -- 40% of his fight purse from the Daniel Cormier fight -- the largest fine the C.A.C. could levy.
The punishment was handed out after a terrible hearing for Jones -- who was grilled like a cheeseburger over the steroid test and other screw-ups in his life.
But, the worst moment for Jones undoubtedly came when he admitted he never completed USADA's anti-doping tutorials in 2015 ... despite the fact he signed paperwork saying he did.
Jon later said his management team took the tutorials for him and forged his signature.
As for the steroid test ... Jon testified that he had no idea how the the anabolic steroid Turinabol got into his system. Jones insisted he never knowingly took the substance and suggested it may have been planted in his workout supplements by an enemy.
"I have no clue how this happened," Jones told the panel. "My luck has been terrible when it comes to USADA."
And the worst could still be yet to come for Jones ... who will meet with USADA later this year.
The agency could suspend Jones up to 4 years because this is the 2nd time he's failed a steroid test under their watch. Plus, they ain't gonna be happy about the tutorial situation.
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Canelo Alvarez I'd Never Consider MMA Like Floyd ... 'I Respect Boxing'
Canelo Alvarez says he wouldn't be caught dead in an MMA cage 'cause he's got too much love and respect for boxing ... unlike Floyd Mayweather.
With all the buzz about Floyd possibly taking a UFC fight, we had to ask Canelo if he'd consider crossing over, too.
Canelo shut that down quick -- and shaded his former rival in the process.
"I respect boxing. Boxing's my sport. That's what I love. The other sport, that's something we'll never know," he told TMZ Sports.
As for Floyd -- "With him you never know ... but you know what? Whatever he does doesn't interest me."
Of course, Canelo's focus is on his May 5 rematch vs. GGG ... and both guys let us know why this one's a way bigger deal than their first matchup.
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Jon Jones Hearing for Steroid Punishment
12:42 PM PT -- Andy Foster is recommending a $205,000 fine -- 40-percent of Jones’ purse and $5,000 in additional fines ... and recommends his license is revoked until USADA determines its punishment.
12:06 PM PT -- Jon says he never completed USADA anti-doping tutorials ... despite the fact he signed paperwork saying he did.
Jones says his management team took the tutorials for him and then forged his signature.
11:53 AM PT -- When asked about his use of sex enhancement supplements, Jones said, "I've had quite a bit of experience with Cialis and Viagra over the years."
11:49 AM PT -- Jones was asked what assurances he can give the commission that this won't happen again. Jones says he doesn't know how to answer the question because he didn't intentionally cheat in the first place.
Jones says, "My luck has been terrible when it comes to USADA."
11:48 AM PT -- Jon says he still wants to fight Daniel Cormier again. "I want to get that belt from Cormier."
11:44 AM PT -- "I've really tried everything in my power to get my life together."
Jon also says he's not a "screw up" and understands he's a role model for kids. He says he might be a knucklehead, but he's NOT a cheater.
11:41 AM PT -- "I have no clue how this happened."
11:40 AM PT -- Jon says he thought about who could have intentionally contaminated his supplements ... suggesting an enemy may have tried to take him down.
11:38 AM PT -- Jon says his nutritionist worked hard to make sure everything he took was clean and USADA approved.
11:34 AM PT -- Jon is testifying. He says he was very confused by the positive steroid test. Says he had to take a close look at the people around him to see if anyone would have contaminated his workout supplements.
10:24 AM PT -- Jon's attorney says the UFC fighter is not fighting the positive test, but he thinks the heavy $200,000 fine and revocation of his license is too harsh of a penalty.
Jon's attorney said, "He did not knowingly take the substance. He does not know where it came from."
The revocation would essentially last 1 year -- with Jones being able to reapply after 1 year has passed. The CA Athletic Commission would then decide to continue the suspension for another year or lift it.
Jon Jones is about to find out if he'll be SUSPENDED from fighting in the state of California over a failed UFC 214 steroid test.
He's about to face the California State Athletic Commission ... and we're livestreaming the whole thing.
TMZ Sports broke the news ... Jones tested positive for the anabolic steroid Turinabol in a test administered in July -- the day before he beat Daniel Cormier in Anaheim to reclaim the UFC light heavyweight championship.
Of course, Jones was stripped of his title -- and now he's facing up to $200,000 in fines (40% of his fight purse) and a possible suspension from the CSAC.
If the CSAC suspends Jones' license, he can't reapply until one year has passed from the date of revocation.
Jones is also facing punishment from another agency -- USADA -- which could hit him with a possible 4-year suspension. Jones is expected to meet with USADA later this year. There's no guarantee USADA's punishment will match the CSAC punishment.
The complication for Jones ... this is his 2nd offense. He tested positive for 2 banned substances prior to UFC 200 in Las Vegas in 2016 ... resulting in a 1-year suspension from USADA and the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
The CSAC meeting is set to begin at 10 AM PT ... with Jones' hearing 5th on the agenda.
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UFC's Kamaru Usman Colby Covington Has 'P***y-itis' ... And I Got the Cure!!
UFC's rising star Kamaru Usman is sick and tired of Colby Covington duckin' him -- so he's callin' a spade a spade.
Or, in his words, a "p***y" a "p***y."
"Colby's not f**kin' with me," Usman told TMZ Sports. "Classic case of p***y-itis."
Covington hasn't been making any friends since joining the UFC -- dropping 'Star Wars' spoilers on social media, calling Brazilians "filthy animals" ... and, most recently, going WAY overboard to diss "Platinum" Mike Perry.
Kamaru says he's had enough -- and tells us literally THOUSANDS of UFC fans told him to "knock (Colby) the f*ck out" at UFC Fight Night: Orlando over the weekend.
Usman's a few spots lower than Covington in the welterweight rankings ... but he's 7-0 in the UFC and is expected to get a top opponent next.
Fingers crossed ...
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Frankie Edgar to Conor: I'll Fight You Anytime, Anywhere
If Conor McGregor REALLY offered to step in and fight Frankie Edgar at UFC 222 in March -- it's news to Frankie, who tells TMZ Sports he never heard Conor was throwing his hat in the ring.
As we previously reported ... Conor says he reached out to the UFC to replace Max Holloway in the March 3 main event after Holloway suffered an injury in early February.
Conor claims the UFC shut him down, saying there wasn't enough time to properly promote the fight.
Edgar has a new opponent -- Brian Ortega -- and tells TMZ Sports he's currently focused on beating his ass.
But if he gets through Ortega ... Edgar says he's MORE than happy to step in the Octagon with Conor -- if his offer was REAL.
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Nate Diaz Scores Victory Against Ex-Agents ... At Least, In Texas
Nate Diaz chalked up a victory in his battle with his former agents -- the same people who claim Nate refused to pay them for the cash he got to fight Conor McGregor -- but the war might not be over.
TMZ Sports broke the story ... Diaz was sued by the Ballengee Group, which claimed they negotiated a fat deal for Nate to fight Conor at UFC 202 back in 2016.
Ballengee claims Nate unexpectedly fired them before the fight (after the deal was done) -- and Nate never paid them their cut.
They filed suit in Texas seeking more than $1 MILLION in damages.
But, according to court docs obtained by TMZ Sports, the judge threw out the case against Diaz -- claiming the agents really had no reason to file in Texas ... it's not the right jurisdiction.
"The Court ruled the case should have not have been filed in Texas because Nate has not fought in Texas and dismissed the case," Nate's attorney Jeremiah Reynolds tells us.
It's technically a victory for Diaz -- but Ballengee can still take the case and file it in another jurisdiction ... if Ballengee is up for a rematch.
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UFC's Brendan Schaub Floyd's Done ... But 'I Guarantee' Conor Fights Nate
Dana White says a Conor McGregor-Floyd Mayweather rematch in the UFC is MORE likely than Conor vs. Nate Diaz 3 ... but ex-UFC star Brendan Schaub is calling BS.
We got Brendan -- an analyst on the MayMac media tour -- to break down what's next for the biggest names in fighting, starting with the rumors that Floyd might step inside the Octagon.
"I don't see Floyd doing that with his ego and his legacy -- it'd be a terrible idea," Schaub told TMZ Sports. "Only one of those guys is gonna fight again, and that's Conor McGregor."
So ... what's next for McGregor?
"Conor's waiting to see what happens with Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson ... he's gonna see who wins and how it goes and he'll decide either that, or Nate Diaz."
But no matter which fight Conor takes first -- "I can guarantee you he fights Nate Diaz at some point."
If ya want more proof, Brendan's talk show "Below the Belt" launches next week on Showtime ... and Floyd's gonna be one of his first guests!!
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Sugar Ray Leonard: Floyd's Got a Shot vs. Conor in UFC Bruce Buffer: Hell No!!
Here's video of Sugar Ray Leonard and Bruce Buffer giving daps at LAX ... then giving waaay different takes on how Floyd Mayweather would do against Conor McGregor in the UFC!
The meet-up happened courtesy of our photog -- who spotted the 2 legends randomly crossing paths. (Only in L.A., right??)
Sugar, of course, wasn't about to throw his fellow pugilist under the bus -- saying Floyd's "always" got a shot.
Bruce, on the other hand, was happy to -- telling us why it'd be "a very quick night" for Mayweather inside the Octagon.
But no matter who ya side with, we can all agree on one thing -- Buff and Sugar bro'ing out is pretty great.