TMZ Sports

Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov makes all the sense in the world, especially to the MMA purists, BUT ... Khabib's cousin says, for some reason, the newly crowned UFC champ seems scurred to take the fight.

"It's looking like he's avoiding [me]. He's scared [of] someone who can defend takedowns, who can stop him," Umar told TMZ Sports on Friday, adding ... "I just want to fight."

Of course, on paper, it's the match to make.

While some people still might doubt Jake Paul when it comes to boxing, Mike Tyson sure doesn't ... 'cause the boxing legend TMZ Sports the "Problem Child" is a "dangerous opponent" ahead of their November fight.

But make no mistake ... that doesn't mean he doesn't expect to whoop his ass!!

58-year-old Tyson -- whose last sanctioned pro bout was in 2005 -- spoke with us a month before his Nov. 15 event against Paul, Netflix's first-ever foray into the sport.

Deshaun Watson's more focused on counting his money than throwing touchdowns ... so says ex-Cleveland Browns GM Michael Lombardi, who tells TMZ Sports the quarterback is "horrible" and lacks motivation after securing a massive guaranteed contract.

It's no secret -- Watson's been a shell of himself during his time in Cleveland ... with most members of the Dawg Pound begging the team to end their misery and bench the guy.

We asked Lombardi -- who served as general manager for the team from 2013 to 2014 -- what he thinks happened to Watson ... and he believes the $230 million he inked killed the version he was while a member of the Houston Texans.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce went out for another dinner date in NYC, only this time they were without Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively — but they were still the center of attention.

On Saturday night, the power couple rolled up in a chauffeured white SUV to Torrisi — a fancy Italian restaurant in Soho.

Travis got out first from the backseat, and then went into chivalry mode ... walking around to the other side to open Taylor's door and help her step out.

The WNBA Finals are underway ... so it's time to give a special shout-out to the S.O.'s of the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty!!

The Liberty made it to the Finals after putting an end to the Las Vegas Aces' three-peat dreams ... and their star guard Sabrina Ionescu is lookin' to get her and the franchise's first WNBA title.

Her husband, former NFL center Hroniss Grasu, certainly won't miss it if history is made ... nor will Breanna Stewart's wife, retired Spanish pro basketball star Marta Casademont, and their two kids, Ruby Mae and Theo.

The Oregon Duck decided to go quackers out and shoot his shot with Sydney Sweeney this weekend ... and, she basically responded with a Nintendo gun to the screen.

The popular university mascot used ESPN’s "College GameDay" broadcast to duck around and find out when he held up a sign that read ... "Sydney Sweeney call me back."

The hilarious moment spread through social media like wildfire ... so, of course ... it was just a matter of time before the TV and film actress saw it -- and she replied!

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce went out for a night on the town in NYC, but they didn't do it alone ... they had Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively right there behind 'em.

The two famous couples were on a double date Friday evening in SoHo, popping up at The Corner Store restaurant, known for its Caesar Salad and Lobster & Caviar Rolls.

Taylor and Travis were photographed walking hand in hand into the eatery. They were followed inside by Ryan and Blake -- also holding hands -- with Reynolds smiling and waving at the flashing cameras of the paparazzi stationed in front.

Some of the Los Angeles Dodgers really ... laid the lumber during their victory over the San Diego Padres last night ... one celebration in particular going viral.

Here's the call ... the Dodgers defeated the Padres 2-0 to clinch the heated division series in the best of five ... and now they'll face the New York Mets in the National League Championship Series.

One of the biggest moments of the night came when fan-favorite Kiké Hernandez smacked a home run to make it 1-0 ... and celebrated after he rounded the bases by appearing to bump johnsons with teammate Gavin Lux.

Jake Paul is hyper-focused on his megafight with Mike Tyson ... but the Problem Child also has an eye turned towards the future and an inevitable scrap with the great Canelo Alvarez!

And, 27-year-old Paul says when the day comes where the two men stand face-to-face in the squared circle, Jake will be anything but content to just be there ... 'cause he's in it to win it!

"Everything I've said has come true and why Canelo, you know, should be awake at night, because I'm coming for him," Paul told Babcock on the TMZ Sports TV show (airs nightly on FS1).

The demolition of Dak Prescott's Dallas-area Mansion is complete ... and TMZ Sports has gotten a look at what remains of the Dallas Cowboys superstar's old crib.

Nothing. Just a pile of rubble.

ICYMI ... we posted video on Tuesday showing Prescott's home being torn down with an excavator. We're told the signal caller decided he wanted to rebuild a more modern house that better suits his needs -- so he enlisted the help of Dude Perfect, the YouTube stars, to aid in the demo process.

The DJ at Landon Barker's birthday bash is making a controversial Diddy joke, Elon Musk is making big moves with robotics and Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are getting carved into pumpkins ... all this on today's TMZ TV Hot Takes.

First up on "TMZ Live," Harvey and Charles break down the controversy surrounding Landon's birthday, and marvel at the way he steered clear of the BS.

For the first time since 2021, Bob Baffert will be allowed to enter a horse to race at the Churchill Downs ... and he tells TMZ Sports he's excited to be back!!

We caught up with the legendary horse trainer out at LAX `this week ... and the 71-year-old said it felt "great" to be back in the saddle after his suspension from the track was rescinded in July.

Baffert was punished in 2021 after his horse -- Medina Spirit -- was disqualified from the Kentucky Derby after it failed a drug test -- leading to runner-up Mandaloun being declared the winner.

La La Anthony says family friend Bronny James is nothing short of an "inspiration" ... but when it comes to her son Kiyan's basketball journey, she tells TMZ Sports he's "doing his own thing" when making his college decision.

17-year-old Kiyan -- a top-ranked high school hooper in New York -- and the Los Angeles Lakers rookie, 20, have long been compared to each other for years ... especially because of their famous dads.

Bronny, of course, is two years older than Kiyan ... so he got to experience the one-and-done at USC before making it to the Association -- all while Anthony was doing his thing in high school.

Adam Sandler is getting back into character as "Happy Gilmore" and working on his golf game ... taking swings at a driving range on the set of the much-anticipated sequel.

The Sandman was spotted filming scenes for "Happy Gilmore 2" with a golf club in hand ... hacking away with an iron at a golf course.

No drivers this time ... seems Happy is working on his short game, which, let's face it, has never really been Gilmore's strong suit.

Robert Kraft says if the domestic violence allegations surrounding Jabrill Peppers end up being true, the Patriots safety's time in New England is over.

The 83-year-old owner made the declaration during his appearance on "The Breakfast Club" on Friday ... two days after Peppers was put on the Commissioner's Exempt list following his Oct. 5 arrest.

Peppers was booked for four separate charges ... including domestic violence against his girlfriend and cocaine possession. However, Kraft noted Peppers' stance that the claims made against him were untrue ... and he believes in doing due diligence before jumping to a decision.