MMA

Boxing champ Claressa Shields -- a 2-time Olympic gold medalist -- says UFC star Amanda Nunes would get a RUDE AWAKENING if they ever fought ... explaining, "I T-Rex bitches!"

23-year-old Shields is the biggest star in women's boxing right now -- she's the undisputed, unified champ in TWO weight classes with an 8-0 pro record. She's a BEAST!!!

She's also very close with Cris Cyborg -- and was at UFC 232 back in December when Cyborg got knocked out by Nunes.

So, we asked if she's down to avenge her friend ... and she told us she's 100% confident she would destroy the Brazilian superstar.

First off, Shields says she'd need a year of hardcore MMA training to become the baddest woman in the Octagon -- but if Nunes wanted to step in the boxing ring, she'd beat that ass right now.

"Amanda Nunes caught Cris Cyborg because Cris Cyborg went in there wild and crazy," Shields says.

"We got 10 rounds. Amanda Nunes can't beat me in a boxing match."

"Myself, I'm the G.O.A.T. I'm the greatest woman of all time!"

Shields says she's not interested in an MMA fight right now -- but she's not ruling it out down the line.

Right now, she's focused on her April 13 fight against undefeated German superstar Christina Hammer.

Conor McGregor would be STUPID to take a rematch with Khabib Nurmagomedov because it's a fight he'll never win ... ever ... so says Eddie Alvarez.

Of course, Eddie battled Conor back in 2016 at UFC 205 and lost via TKO in the 2nd round -- so he's well aware of what Conor's capable of doing in the Octagon.

But, Eddie says Khabib's wrestling is just too much for Conor -- the Irishman can't stop the Dagestani's ground game -- and if they run their 2018 fight back, it ain't gonna go well for McGregor.

"He can't overcome the style matchup," Alvarez says ... "Khabib just has a style that beats him. That's it."

There's another issue ... Eddie isn't convinced Khabib actually wants to fight again -- and thinks we may have seen the last of The Eagle.

As for Eddie, he's gearing up for his March 31 battle with Timofey Nastyukhin at the ONE Championship: A New Era event in Japan.

**ATTENTION DEGENERATE GAMBLERS**

UFC star Anthony Smith says you can make a TON of cash betting on him to knock out Jon Jones at UFC 235 this weekend ... telling TMZ Sports, it's a safe bet.

Of course, Smith is a huge underdog in the fight ... the current line is Jones (-950) and Smith (+575).

In other words, if you bet $100 on Smith to win, it pays $575. If you bet on Jones, you need to plunk down $950 just to make a $100 profit.

But, Smith tells us, "If you wanna make some money, throw some money on me, man!!! If you don't and you bet against me, I'm sorry you're gonna lose your money."

Check out the clip ... Smith looks locked in and tells us exactly how he plans on beating Jones, who some call the greatest fighter in UFC history.

"I'm gonna finish Jon Jones," Smith says.

"I'm gonna put this fist on his chin and he's gonna go down. And, whether he stays down is up to him. But, if he gets back up, I'll do it again."

Anthony is currently on a 3-fight win streak -- with 6 wins in his last 7 fights. He's got solid victories over guys like Shogun Rua, Rashad Evans and Volkan Oezdemir.

UFC legend Matt Hughes has been ordered to stay 500-feet away from his wife -- who claims Matt has physically attacked her multiple times and once threatened to shoot her.

It's all part of court docs, obtained by TMZ Sports, in which Audra Hughes describes a disturbing pattern of violence and abusive behavior beginning in 2017.

Remember, the UFC Hall of Famer nearly died when a train struck his truck in a June 2017 accident that left Hughes with a serious brain injury.

But, Audra says shortly after he recovered from the trauma in September or October 2017 ... he roughed her up badly in the shower.

Audra claims she refused to give Matt his truck keys, saying, "I told him he can't have them because he shouldn't drive due to his DAI (brain injury)."

She alleges Matt then snapped ... choked her -- and asked her for the code to his gun vault.

When Audra refused again ... she says Matt choked her again, smashed her head against the shower wall and screamed, "This is what choking is!"

Audra says nearly a year later on July 21, 2018 ... Matt told her, "I'm going to f*cking shoot you," because she took his phone, claiming, "he was communicating with multiple women."

Audra also says just a few months later, on Dec. 12, 2018 ... Matt hit her in front of her son, their daughter and her step-dad after she accused him of texting other women.

Audra filed for a restraining order the following day ... and a judge has since ordered the fighter to stay at least 500-feet away from Audra and their children.

There's more ... Matt's twin brother, Mark Hughes -- a retired MMA fighter who competed at UFC 28 in 2000 -- has also filed for a restraining order against the 45-year-old, alleging Matt roughed up his son and tried to destroy his tractor.

Mark says the two had a disagreement over which brother actually OWNS the tractor ... and when Matt saw Mark's 15-year-old son driving it sometime later on Sept. 23, 2018 -- he lost it on the kid.

Mark alleges Matt grabbed his son, shook him and told him that's his "f*cking tractor."

Mark also says a week later on Sept. 30, 2018 ... he believes Matt doused the tractor and its surrounding area in gasoline -- and suspects he was trying to destroy it.

Mark filed for a restraining order the next day ... which a judge granted -- ordering Matt to stay away from his brother and his family.

Matt was a 2x UFC Welterweight Champion and piled up a career 45-9 record with victories over legends including Georges St-Pierre, BJ Penn and Matt Serra.

He was recently recognized as a guest of honor on January 14, 2018, at UFC Fight Night in St. Louis.

Evander Holyfield says Deontay Wilder is the best heavyweight in the world ... and he believes that because the most skilled guy, Anthony Joshua, is too scared to put it on the line to be the best.

We got the Real Deal at LAX, and asked the former 4-time Heavyweight champ who he thinks is the best fighter out of Wilder, Joshua, and the unkillable Tyson Fury.

Holyfield seems to think the argument is between Wilder and Joshua and gives Deontay the edge because of one HUGE problem he has with AJ.

"Skills-wise, I can say Anthony Joshua, but he won't fight. Until you fight somebody it don't really make a difference."

Evander isn't the only one critical of Joshua's matchmaking ... AJ has been widely mocked for ducking Wilder, and now some people don't think he's in any rush to fight Fury either.

Random boxing Twitter peeps are one thing ... criticism from a top heavyweight fighter of all-time? That might be enough to make Joshua pay attention.

UFC rising star Mackenzie Dern just revealed she's PREGNANT -- but assures her fans she'll get back in the Octagon to fight again after the baby is born.

The 25-year-old is 7-0 as a pro MMA fighter -- with 2 of those wins in the UFC -- and she's been hailed as "the next Ronda Rousey" because of her dominant ground game.

But, her career will be put on hold for a while because Dern -- who's dating Brazilian pro surfer Wesley Santos -- is now with child.

"God makes everything so perfect! I am so happy to be able to share this news! I’m going to be a Mom," Mackenzie posted.

"I love so much our family and now I have one more HUGE motivation for inside and outside the ring!! Thank you God for this blessing."

As for her fighting future, Dern says ... "I can’t wait to be back in the ring!"

Congrats!

Dern is considered one of the top female jiu-jitsu practitioners in the world. She famously defeated Gabi Garcia at the 2015 World Pro Open.

Dern made her UFC debut in March 2018 -- defeating Ashley Yoder at UFC 222. She fought again in May 2018, beating Amanda Cooper in the 1st round at UFC 224.

During her May fight, Dern weighed in 7 pounds over the strawweight limit of 116 and she was fined 30% of her purse.

Unclear when the baby is due and when Dern expects to return to the Octagon.

UFC champ Tyron Woodley says he tried like hell to get a fight deal done with Georges St-Pierre behind-the-scenes FOR YEARS -- but the Canadian superstar just wouldn't sign a contract.

Woodley says he has tremendous respect for GSP -- and is congratulating him on an incredible run in the UFC ... but Tyron admits he's sad he never got an opportunity to test his mettle against one of the greatest of all time.

Tyron says he initiated the talks with the UFC -- and they went to Georges to try and make a deal -- but GSP ultimately felt like there was too much risk and not enough reward to accept the challenge.

Remember, Tyron had GSP as a guest on 'The Hollywood Beatdown' in 2017 and asked Georges straight-up to agree to a fight ... but GSP wouldn't commit.

Woodley says he completely understands why GSP ultimately never gave him the fight -- and tells us he's not even mad at the guy.

It's over ... UFC legend Georges St-Pierre just officially announced his retirement from mixed martial arts -- saying, "It takes a lot of discipline, though, to retire on top."

The 37-year-old is widely considered one of the greatest UFC fighters of all time -- some say the best -- racking up a 26-2 record and 3 UFC titles in his 17-year career in the Octagon.

GSP has signature victories over stars like Nick Diaz, Matt Serra, Matt Hughes, Carlos Condit, B.J. Penn (twice)... and most recently Michael Bisping.

During his press conference, GSP thanked Dana White, Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta and other key UFC people.

He also thanked UFC legend Royce Gracie for inspiring him to start MMA back in the day, and thanked Wayne Gretzky for being such an influential Canadian role model.

"I always wanted to be like Wayne Gretzky."

GSP says he's not sad about retiring -- "No tears, I'm very happy to do it."

"It takes a lot of discipline to retire on top ... you should retire on top and that is very hard to do."

As for one final fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov, Georges said he started negotiating with Khabib's camp but "the UFC had other plans."

"I wish Khabib the best of luck. I think he's the best fighter right now ... he's a great guy. I love to watch him fight and I can't wait to see what's next for him."

Khabib Nurmagomedov ain't happy with reports about Georges St-Pierre retiring from MMA on Thursday -- and wants the UFC legend to enter the Octagon one last time ... so they can finally fight!!!

ESPN's Ariel Helwani says GSP has made up his mind and will end his 15-year run with the UFC -- during which he racked up an amazing 26-2 record while winning multiple titles.

But, Khabib wants him to reconsider -- saying, "Let’s do it in November. After this fight you can retire."

Khabib added, "I grow up on your fights, and have nothing but respect for you, and I believe showed that to you George when you were in Moscow."

"But, it would be honor for me to share Octagon with one of the greatest fighters of all time."

"Let’s do it 155 lbs, or I give away 5lbs to you, cause you newer done 155. Well, it’s your choice 155 or 160, Montreal, NYC, Moscow or Abu Dhabi. Send me location my Friend."

Helwani says GSP had hoped to get a fight deal done with Khabib -- but it never materialized. And, instead of looking for another opponent, Georges decided to retire.

He hasn't fought since 2016 ... but Cain Velasquez says he's still a BEAST in the Octagon -- and after he runs through Francis Ngannou, he's confident he could take Jon Jones.

36-year-old Cain is squaring off with Francis on Feb. 17 -- his first fight since defeating Travis Browne at UFC 200 in July 2016. After that fight, Cain was sidelined with bone spurs in his back.

But now, the former 2-time UFC heavyweight champ says he's been training like a maniac and feels like his old self -- and he's ready to compete with the best in the world ... including Jones.

"I think I could beat him," Cain told us ... "I think I'm good enough."

"Jon Jones is an amazing athlete. I've watched him in all his fights. I know what he's capable of. Every guy poses a great challenge. I think he does as well."

Of course, he's gotta get through Ngannou first ... which ain't gonna be easy. That dude's a monster.

MMA fighter Josh Copeland -- who just fought (and lost) in the $1 MILLION match at PFL 11 -- was arrested for domestic violence after allegedly punching his wife so hard in the face, he left her bloodied and bruised.

It's all detailed in the police report obtained by TMZ Sports ... law enforcement in Adams County, Colorado raced to the couple's home on Feb. 2 after reports of an attack.

When they arrived at the home, Copeland's wife had "an obvious bruise on her left eye, a cut and was bleeding. There was blood down the front of her face and neck."

Copeland's wife said the two had been arguing -- when 36-year-old Josh pushed her so she pushed him back.

The two continued to attack each other -- with Copeland's wife admitting she slapped him in the face multiple times.

Finally, Copeland's wife said the 6'1", 265-pound fighter "then punched her in the face" and threw her on the bed. She says Copeland also took her phone so she couldn't call for help. Cops say they later found her phone in Josh's pocket.

Cops say Josh had redness and blood on his face -- but did not remember punching his wife.

Copeland's wife was transported to a nearby hospital. Josh was arrested and booked for second-degree assault, obstruction and child abuse ... since the whole incident allegedly took place in front of their child.

Copeland is due back in court next week.

Copeland is 18 and 6 as a pro-MMA fighter -- and even had a stint in the UFC in 2014 and 2015.

How much does Adrien Broner hate Jim Gray??

"F*ck Jim Gray. Jim Gray a bitch. You a bitch!"

Yeah, that much.

The boxing star famously got into it with the broadcaster after a loss to Manny Pacquiao last month ... and it's clear -- their beef ain't going anywhere anytime soon.

ICYMI ... Broner got the snot beat out of him against Pacman on Jan. 19 -- and when Gray tried to interview him about it afterward -- Adrien got testy.

"I'm 3-3-1 in my last seven [fights], but I'd be 7-0 against you!"

The clip went viral ... with tons of people blasting Broner for the comments -- and Adrien STILL hasn't forgiven Jim for the whole incident.

In fact, when we got A.B. out at LAX on Friday and asked if an end to the beef was anywhere in sight ... he responded simply, "F*ck Jim Gray."

Broner also seemed to threaten the guy ... telling us he can't "talk about on camera" what he would do to Gray if he saw him out on the streets.

For his part ... Gray still seems to think the whole altercation was insane -- telling TMZ Sports when we got him out Craig's earlier this week, "He was way off in his assessment."

Jon Jones. Brock Lesnar. Stipe Miocic.

If Dana White gets his way ... Daniel Cormier will fight all three of those monsters before he rides off into the sunset.

Cormier has been adamant that he's gonna hang it up on his 40th birthday on March 20 -- but, White says DC would be crazy to quit while he's at the top of his game.

"Cormier shouldn't hang it up, Cormier's the best in the world right now," White says ... and points to the fact he's never been afraid to tell a fighter to retire.

Case in point ... Chuck Liddell.

Fact is ... Cormier is in his prime as an athlete and as a draw -- and he stands to make a FORTUNE if he's down to fight Jones, Lesnar and Stipe ...

... a fortune that Dana seems happy to pay out.

"I could see those being the last 3 fights of his career," Dana says, "He's going out with a bang."

Right now, Cormier is dealing with an injury -- but it's clear, White is hoping like hell Cormier will heal up and sign on the dotted line.

For his part, when we spoke with Cormier back in November, he insisted his mind was made up -- he's out at his 40th -- and said he was "at peace with it."

Then again, Dana can be very persuasive ...

Imagine seeing a UFC fighter pull off a Stone Cold Stunner in a real fist fight?

Well, you might now have to imagine ... because Israel Adesanya says he's serious about trying to use a WWE finishing move in his scrap at UFC 234 this weekend.

Remember, Adesanya busted out the People's Elbow -- and some other moves from guys like Ric Flair and Booker T -- during his open workout in Australia.

But, Adesanya says those moves ain't just for fun -- he's actually EXECUTED a WWE move in a fight before ... and he's down to do it again.

"Sweet Chin Music, easy," Israel says ... referencing Shawn Michaels' famous boot-to-the-face attack.

Turns out, Adesanya used the move during kickboxing days -- and says he's thought about dusting it off against Anderson Silva on Feb. 9.

Floyd Mayweather says he could get a 10-FIGURE CHECK from the UFC ... if he told Dana White he wanted a deal to fight in the Octagon right now.

Yeah ... that's $1 BILLION.

The legendary boxer made the revelation to Kevin Hart on the latest episode of "Cold As Balls" -- saying if he agreed to a contract with the fight company ... he'd get PAID.

"I can go get a deal right now from the UFC. Probably 3-fight, 4-fight, billion-dollar deal if that's what I wanted."

Of course, Floyd's flirted heavily with the idea in the past ... remember, he teased a possible MMA fight with Conor McGregor just last year -- even stepping into an actual cage!!!

For his part ... Dana admitted he did have LEGIT interest in inking the boxer to a fight deal -- and said they were actually in talks in December 2017.

So ... will it ever go down????

Doesn't seem like it ... Floyd says there's just no need for the cash right now, "I'mma be honest. My life is great. Smart investments. I can buy whatever I want to buy, every month."

Rocky fought Drago in the Soviet Union ... and Kelvin Gastelum's fighting Robert Whittaker in Australia -- and just like "Rocky IV," Gastelum says he's gonna beat the hell outta the home-country hero.

TMZ Sports talked to Gastelum -- whose favorite boxer is Rocky Balboa (yes, we all know he's a fictional character) -- days before fighting Whittaker, the UFC middleweight champ ... in his home country.

Gastelum lives in California ... and traveled 8,000 miles for this fight. So, he's expecting everyone on the continent to be rooting against him.

Sounds a lot like "Rocky IV" ... but Kelvin says he ain't worried.

"It's all good. Look what happens at the end. Rocky turns everybody over on his side, and he wins the fight."

Gastelum says that's precisely what he's gonna do ... but instead of a crushing knockout blow, he's gonna "rip his head off" and take his belt.

"I plan on taking that 12 pounds of gold. It's a long flight home. I don't plan on going empty-handed."