MMA

They want it?! They're gonna get it -- with Dana White saying he's 100% down to greenlight a Conor McGregor vs. Cowboy Cerrone fight in 2019.

In fact, Dana tells TMZ Sports ... that fight would probably happen before the Conor vs. Khabib rematch.

We spoke with the UFC honcho as he was gearing up for UFC 234 in Australia -- and asked about plans for Conor and Khabib now that they've been disciplined by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

And, with Conor and Cowboy calling each other out on social media, we asked Dana if that's a fight he wants to make.

"If these two want to fight each other, they both deserve it. They've both earned it. Let's do it!"

White says he was VERY impressed with Cowboy's big victory last month over Alexander Hernandez and thinks Conor is the perfect reward.

As for Khabib ... Dana says he thinks the likely fight is with Tony Ferguson -- and if he gets through T-Ferg, it's POSSIBLE he could go up in weight and fight Tyron Woodley. MAYBE.

Do you like UFC star Israel Adesanya!?!?!

IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU LIKE HIM ... because he busted out The Rock's legendary PEOPLE'S ELBOW during his open workout on Wednesday -- and it's fantastic!!

Adesanya was getting the crowd in Australia hyped up for his big fight with Anderson Silva at UFC 234 on Saturday ... and put on a little tribute to his favorite WWE superstars in the process.

First, he busted out Stone Cold Steve Austin's famous Stone Cold Stunner -- then after laying the smackdown on his training partner, gave the crowd a little People's Elbow.

CAN YOU SMELLLLLLLLALALALALALA ... WHAT ISRAEL ADESANYA IS COOKING?!!!

Smells like awesome.

When Anderson Silva steps into the Octagon to fight Israel Adesanya this weekend ... it could be the end of his legendary career if he gets knocked out ... so says Dana White.

The two UFC stars are facing off at UFC 234 in Australia on Saturday -- and with Silva about to turn 44 years old, we asked White if a violent loss would essentially mark the end for the Spider.

"I don't know. I would probably imagine [it would be the end]," White said ... noting, "But, who knows with this guy."

White explained that Silva is such a fierce competitor and fitness-aholic, that it's possible he would take another fight ... but either way, he's a lock for the UFC Hall of Fame.

Silva has been suspended for testing positive for PEDs in his career, but White says despite his mistakes, the guy is one of the best fighters in MMA history ... and deserves to be enshrined.

The twist ... if Silva BEATS Adesanya, White says he'll likely get a shot at the middleweight title.

Of course, the man who holds that belt is Robert Whittaker -- who's fighting Kelvin Gastelum in the main event at UFC 234. So, winner gets winner.

Here's the most disgusting thing you'll see all day ... UFC's Travis Browne posted the result of his bone spur surgery Wednesday -- and it's NASTY.

Browne -- who's Ronda Rousey's hubby -- went under the knife this week to fix some issues with his ankle and foot ... and clearly, he needed A LOT of work done.

The UFC heavyweight posted pics of what the doctors cut out of him ... and it's a grip of little pieces of meat, fat, muscle and all-around grossness.

For his part, Browne seemed to be in good spirits after the operation ... writing, "Damn I got some fugly feet! But this ankle feels a lot better with those bone spurs out."

"Thank you @UFC for getting it taken care of! You guys are awesome!"

Not a great look for UFC superstar Khabib Nurmagomedov ... who posed for a picture with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov just weeks after reports of another "gay purge" in Chechnya.

Khabib posted a caption along with the friendly photo which says, "Thank you for the hospitality of [Ramzan Kadyrov]. May the Almighty protect you and the entire Chechen people."

The issue ... just last month, multiple media outlets, including the BBC, reported that Chechen officials rounded up gay people and tortured them. At least 2 people died, according to the reports.

For his part, Kadyrov has denied the "gay purge" as "complete lies" -- mostly because he does not believe there are any gay people in Chechnya.

Seriously. He has said it multiple times on the record.

In fact, when asked specifically about the "gay purge," Kadyrov told a reporter -- "all those who defend human rights groups and the gays we supposedly have in the Chechen Republic are foreign agents. They've sold out their country, their people, their religion, everything."

Khabib isn't the first huge star to pose with Ramzan, who happens to be a huge combat sports fan -- he's also hung out with Floyd Mayweather.

Conor McGregor better keep his head on a swivel ... 'cause Khabib Nurmagomedov's manager says a rematch is going down ON SITE ... telling TMZ Sports, "This dude better beef up security everywhere he goes."

We spoke with Ali Abdelaziz about the state of the rematch after the Nevada State Athletic Commission handed down the punishments for the post-UFC 229 brawl ... and Ali says it's going down whenever, wherever.

"This fight will happen in the street, in the parking garage, under a bridge ... this sh*t is not over. It's not. Especially when you keep running your mouth."

Conor's been vocal on social media since the NSAC hearing ... saying he threw the last punch and continuing to go after Khabib's guys.

Ali's not fazed by the smack talk ... and gives a bit of his own.

"Conor McGregor is a f**king full-blown, piece of sh*t, scumbag. That's what people want."

Of course, Dana White told us last month the rematch "should" happen in 2019 ... that is, if these dudes don't find each other first.

Conor McGregor claims he landed the last -- and most brutal shot -- during the UFC 229 brawl back in October ... hitting Khabib's blood relative square in the jaw.

And, he claims 2 photos tell the real story.

After the first ring attacker (in a red shirt) climbed into the Octagon and cracked Conor in the face multiple times from behind -- another man attacked McGregor from the front.

"He attempted to use the big security guard that’s in all the movies as cover," Conor said ... "but I could smell him a mile away and landed flush down the pipe."

McGregor added, "It was not my intention to land the final blow of the night on my opponent’s blood relative. It’s just how it played out."

We got video of the post-fight attack ... it's hard to see if Conor lands as hard of a shot as he claims.

Here's another angle where you can see Conor fire the left.

As we previously reported, both Conor and Khabib were just hit with 6-month suspensions for the melee. Conor was fined $50k. Khabib was fined $500k.

Conor commented about the punishment -- explaining, "I am thankful for the Nevada athletic commissions fair assessment and handling of the brawl incident."

David Arquette wants to go from the wrestling ring to the UFC Octagon -- challenging CM Punk to a no holds barred MMA match ... saying, "I'm ready, bro!"

Arquette was fighting the freezing temps at Sundance in Park City, Utah this week when we asked if had any desire to follow other pro wrestlers who have transitioned to MMA.

Of course, it's not just CM Punk -- WWE stars like Brock Lesnar and Jack Swagger have taken pro fights and won!

Enter 47-year-old Arquette ... who told us he's got no fear and would be totally down for a real-life fist fight because he gives zero EFFS!!!

"Yo, CM Punk ... if you wanna fight, I'm ready bro. Any f*cking time!"

Arquette says Punk can pick the time and location -- and he's ready to go!!

Of course, he's probably kidding around since he has zero MMA experience -- but on the other hand, Arquette's been training like a maniac for his pro wrestling comeback and doesn't seem to mind the pain.

So ... maybe?!!

Both Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov are effectively suspended for 6 months for their roles in the UFC 229 post-fight brawl.

Conor was hit with a $50,000 fine -- and will be eligible to fight again on April 6.

Khabib's suspension is a little different -- he was hit with a $500,000 fine and a 9-month suspension ... with the ability to get a 3-month reduction IF he makes an anti-bullying video.

Neither UFC star was present Tuesday when the case went in front of the Nevada State Athletic Commission. They each had lawyers appearing on their behalf.

The board agreed to a 9-month suspension for Khabib -- with the ability to reduce the suspension to 6 months if they're satisfied with Khabib's PSA video.

Khabib has about a month to complete his video if he wants to get the full 3-month reduction.

The suspension is retroactive to the Oct. 6 incident -- meaning if his PSA video is approved quickly, he'll be able to fight again in April.

Of course, Khabib went berserk after defeating Conor in the 4th round of his Oct. 6 fight at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas -- jumping out of the cage and fighting a bunch of people in Conor's corner.

Khabib's cousin, Abubakar Nurmagomedov -- an MMA fighter who was also involved in the brawl -- received a 1-year suspension and a $25,000 fine.

It's also worth noting ... the committee issued a stern warning to fighters regarding pre-fight trash talk -- saying possible suspensions could be levied if the heated rhetoric continues.

Remember, Conor fired off several offensive barbs toward Khabib leading up to the UFC 229 fight ... saying Nurmagomedov was a "little rat," a "fanboy bitch" and a "backwards c*nt."

Conor also went after Khabib's manager ... accusing him of being a terrorist who was pulled off a plane on Sept. 11, 2001 and detained by authorities.

Add another credit to Chris Pratt's resume -- MMA cornerman -- because the movie star was a part of fighter Adel "Kyokushin" Altamimi's fight team this weekend ... and THE GUY WON!!!

Pratt went INSANE when his buddy tapped out Brandon McMahan at Bellator 214 at The Forum in L.A. on Saturday night ... but the question everyone was asking -- why was Pratt there?!

Turns out, the "Guardians of the Galaxy" star became friends with Altamimi while training at Jay Glazer's Unbreakable Gym in L.A. ... and they've become so close, Adel invited him to walk him to the cage.

Adel's backstory is incredible ... the 29-year-old was born and raised in Iraq and was contracted as a convoy driver for the U.S. Marine Corps.

It was a dangerous job ... Altamimi was captured by Al Qaeda and was threatened with death -- until he was saved by a group of U.S. Marines.

After the rescue, Altamimi moved to the U.S. and began his MMA training -- meeting people like Jay Glazer and Chris Pratt along the way.

A.A. and Pratt built a strong friendship over time ... and Pratt congratulated him in November when he landed a multi-fight contract with Bellator, saying, "Can’t wait for the rest of the world to watch him fight and share his unbelievable story."

Fast forward to Saturday night -- Pratt helped Altamimi warm up in the locker room, walked him to the cage, coached him from the corner and then celebrated when Adel won his fight in 76 seconds!!!

After the fight, Adel praised the movie star -- and later said he wasn't nervous about the fight because he'd been in more serious, violent situations during his time in Iraq.

Henry Cejudo is SO crazy about Nikki Bella ... he's telling TMZ Sports he'd straight-up kick John Cena's ass in a ladder match to win her love!!!!

Before the backstory ... let's look at the tale of the tape:

Ok, here's the deal ... we spoke with the UFC superstar just days after his huge victory over T.J. Dillashaw ... when he confirmed he's got the BIGGEST crush on one half of the WWE's famous tag-team duo.

Earlier this week, Cejudo told ESPN's Ariel Helwani he developed a thing for Bella after meeting her on the flight to NYC for the Dillashaw fight. She made a video saying she was interested ...

Now, Cejudo tells us he's so infatuated with Nikki ... if it came down to wrestling with her ex-BF in the squared circle -- he'd do it ... AND COME OUT VICTORIOUS!!!

"Is that even a question? Do you smell what The Messenger is cooking?!" Cejudo tells us.

"I'm talking about a ladder match. I'll be the first one to get off that damn ring. And then, I'll be waiting for Bella right at the corner, man!"

Of course, Nikki doesn't seem like she'd mind that one bit ... she took to Twitter on Tuesday to respond to Henry's advances, saying she wants to have a "celebratory wine" with him soon!!!

Translation ... it's GREAT to be Henry Cejudo these days!!!

Greg Hardy is adamant the illegal knee he landed during his fight Saturday night was NOT intentional -- telling TMZ Sports it was a "rookie mistake" and he desperately wants a shot at redemption.

Hardy was disqualified from the Jan. 19 fight against Allen Crowder for throwing a powerful knee to Crowder's head while his opponent's knee was still on the canvas.

"I feel bad," Hardy told us ... "You never want to break the rules."

The ex-NFL star has only been fighting professionally for less than a year and says, "It was a rookie mistake and I'm a rookie."

Hardy says he's still trying to get a grasp on all of the MMA rules -- but wants the public to know his intention was NOT to take out Crowder with a cheap shot.

Now, Hardy says he would love another crack at Crowder -- and hopes to prove he's serious about becoming a top UFC fighter.

The good news for Hardy ... Greg says Dana White spoke with him after the fight and was incredibly supportive, even though Greg was in a "bad place" mentally.

Allen Crowder -- the UFC fighter who took a vicious knee to the head from Greg Hardy on Saturday -- says the move was NOT a dirty one ... telling TMZ Sports, "sh*t happens."

Hardy and Crowder squared off in the co-main event of UFC on ESPN+ ... but the match ended in the 2nd round after Greg blasted Allen with a right knee to the temple while he was still down.

Hardy was DQ'd ... and given his troubled past -- many wondered if the ex-NFL player who has been previously accused of domestic violence MEANT to throw the illegal shot.

But, Crowder says he doesn't think Hardy had any malicious intentions with the move ... saying, "it's a fight. It's the heat of the moment."

"There's a lot of people that have made the same mistake. I have no hard feelings against him at all. He was tired, and sh*t happens. I have no hard feelings about it at all."

For his part ... Greg says he didn't know the knee was illegal -- saying, "it was not intentional."

FYI ... Crowder says if officials had given him another 30-or-so seconds -- he woulda gotten up and continued the fight.

As for a rematch ... Crowder says he'd be down -- if the price is right.

Adrien Broner went off the rails Saturday night in a post-fight interview after pretty much getting destroyed by Manny Pacquiao for the WBA welterweight championship ... telling Showtime's Jim Gray he could beat the crap out of him if he wanted.

Pacquiao dominated the fight -- pretty much everyone but Adrien agrees -- and Broner went on a tirade with Gray, who warned him to keep it civil or else he'd pull the plug on the interview.

Broner suggested the fight at the MGM Grand in Vegas was rigged, but Gray stood his ground ... not only saying the outcome was the right one but questioning Broner's future.

Check out the vid ... Broner doesn't really have a comeback to Gray regarding his recent losses, but he does say he'd have an unblemished record if Gray would step in the ring with him.

Broner posted a photo to Instagram shortly after the fight to show off the absence of bruises.

Dana White says it's obvious to him ... Amanda Nunes is the greatest female fighter EVER.

But, when you add men to the mix -- is she better than Jon Jones?

White broke it down for us ... saying Nunes has not only beaten the best of the best, but destroyed Cris Cyborg -- "the most feared fighter out there" -- and made it look easy.

Don't forget, she also dominated Ronda Rousey, Valentina Shevchenko (twice) and Miesha Tate.

Dana says Jon's got a pretty solid case too ... beating the hell out of stars like Shogun Rua, Rampage Jackson, Alexander Gustafsson (twice), Vitor Belfort, Lyoto Machida and Ryan Bader.

Oh, and Dana says he's SUPER impressed by the fact JJ beat Daniel Cormier on two separate occasions because DC is an "unbelievable" fighter too!

So, who really is the G.O.A.T.?

Greg Hardy says he's a changed man -- telling TMZ Sports he's got a new attitude and a new perspective after dedicating his life to mixed martial arts.

You already know Greg's backstory ... the NFL star was accused of domestic violence against a woman back in 2014 and initially convicted. The conviction was overturned in 2015.

He was also arrested for cocaine possession in 2016.

Hardy was essentially blackballed from the NFL ... so he ultimately decided to train in MMA.

We're told he made a real effort to clean up his lifestyle and focus on the sport -- and so far, he's been incredibly successful in his new career ... racking up a 5-0 record in his first 5 fights.

Now, he's set to fight at UFC on ESPN+ on Saturday -- and acknowledges that his past has become an issue since the card also features Rachael Ostovich, a domestic violence victim.

Hardy tells us he's staying focused on his fight and trying not to be a distraction from all of the other fighters on the card ... since he knows how hard everyone worked to get to this level.

Hardy isn't getting into specifics about his legal past -- but says he's got a new lease on life and a new attitude and wants to be a respected professional moving forward.

As for his fight with Allen Crowder ... Hardy says he wants his opponent to know he's a "very dangerous man inside the Octagon and I'm very serious about what I do."