MMA

Nick Diaz has a message for Colby Covington -- stop talking, let's fight.

Colby just went off about Nick during an interview with Helen Yee -- claiming he had signed a contract to fight Nick at Madison Square Garden in 2018 ... but Nick wouldn't put pen to paper.

"Nick was on board, he gave his verbal to the UFC that he wanted to fight me," Covington said ... "but when they sent him the contract, he never signed the contract.

He added, "We find out that he's a Stockton soy boy. He's scared. He has Stockton slaps but I got MAGA bombs and he ain't got sh*t on MAGA bombs."

So, when we saw Nick leaving Catch in L.A. on Monday, he disputed Colby's version of the story -- saying, "I'm not gonna sit here and call the man a liar, I never heard about it. I just found out."

But, Nick isn't a guy to dive into the details, he simply made a street offer to Colby instead.

"If you wanna fight man, you know where to find me. I'm not a hard guy to find ... step in my motherf*cking range right here."

He added, "Come at me, bro!!!!"

We also asked Nick about Georges St-Pierre -- and Diaz told us that there's no bad blood, he actually likes GSP ... he just wants the guy to move on with his life.

Conor McGregor's PR tour has touched down in Italy -- where the UFC superstar is still trying to prove he's just your average family man ... and not a violent maniac.

Just days after Conor went on ESPN to apologize for punching a man in the face at a pub, McGregor and his girlfriend, Dee Devlin, flew over to the Amalfi Coast for some R&R.

Conor also brought along his personal photographer to Italy to capture some lovey-dovey pics of the couple ... which we're sure they'll post on social media shortly.

Of course, Conor is desperately trying to push the narrative that he's not a bad guy ... telling Ariel Helwani last week his violent outbursts are a result of being "baited" by troublemakers.

The problem, obviously, is that video evidence doesn't seem to jive with Conor's explanation ... the guy at the Irish pub was just SITTING THERE when Conor punched him in the face.

And, the phone-smashing incident in Miami also seems to have been more about Conor being a jerk than the other guy antagonizing him.

And, don't forget about the 2018 bus attack ... when Conor chartered a plane from Ireland to New York to try and jump Khabib Nurmagomedov ... injuring several innocent people in the process.

The good news ... Conor is using his injured left hand to lift weights during his Italian vacation which is a good sign if he's REALLY hoping to fight again in 2019.

Jon Jones is "soft as baby sh*t" ... so says Corey Anderson, the guy who claims he's living rent-free in Bones head.

There's zero love between the fighters ... in fact, Anderson -- the #7th ranked UFC light heavyweight -- recently confronted Jon at an autograph signing near Corey's gym in NJ.

Anderson told TMZ Sports his version of what went down ... and had some, lets say, not nice things to say about Jones.

"You made yourself look like you just sensitive, bro. You soft body. You soft like Charmin. All that G.O.A.T. talk, boy, you soft as baby sh*t. I ain't even say nothing to you and you got in your feelings."

Corey says since the incident, he's noticed guys from Jones' team are keeping a close eye on his social media accounts -- and Anderson thinks he's in Jon's head.

"Watch me, see that I'm developing, get scared. I want you in the gym. I want you to relapse and start doing drugs again because you don't think you can beat me. I want to get in your head before we get in the cage."

Anderson continued ... "I'm the real deal. Like I said, I got fight IQ and I'm a mixed martial artist. I'm not a one hit wonder. You hit me, I'mma hit you. you kick me, I'mma kick you. we gon' wrestle and we gon' do Jiu-Jitsu. We can go all over, and it ain't gonna be an easy battle. Believe that."

But, before a fight with Bones ... Corey has a scrap with UFC rising star Johnny Walker at UFC 244 on November 2.

Anderson's plan -- derail the JW hype train, and then ... "I want that belt, and I want [Jon's] head on a platter."

Corey Brooks couldn't fight his way to the top spot in the "Big Brother" house, but he's fully prepared to whoop someone's ass in the Octagon ... or he will be soon.

The former season 18 contestant -- he finished in 4th place, BTW -- hit up Santa Monica Beach for some MMA sparring. Shirtless, of course, because when you've got washboard abs like Corey's ... ya flaunt 'em! Who's gonna complain?

The MMA workout's also no gimmick. For starters, it's one of Corey's preferred workouts -- he's been doing it for years. And, even though a UFC contract's not likely in his future, these pics leave no doubt about his athleticism.

In fact, he was a pitcher at Texas A&M and he's also a baseball coach for elite young players in his hometown of Dallas.

Justin Gaethje says he wants to beat the dog snot out of Conor McGregor for sucker punching the guy in the bar, telling TMZ Sports he wants the fight, and it's personal.

On Thursday, Conor told ESPN's Ariel Helwani that he and Gaethje were lined up to fight in July ... before he broke his hand, torpedoing the match.

But, it ain't curtains on the fight just yet ... 'cause Gaethje joined the fellas on the "TMZ Sports" TV show (airs weeknights on FS1) and says he badly wants to meet Conor in the Octagon ... and it ain't just for his sake.

"Of course I want to f**k him up. I see him punch an old man, do I want to punch him for that? F**k yeah, I want to f**k that dude up for s**t like that. He looks like a crackhead on your video."

We asked Gaethje if he's lost respect for Conor after seeing video of the bar attack.

"Absolutely. Who didn't? If you don't, then you're a piece of s**t yourself. C'mon. The lack of respect, lack of morals, whatever you wanna call it."

But, before any Conor superfight, Gaethje's gotta take care of business with Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone at UFC Fight Night 158 on September 14.

"Hey I got f**king business in front of me, I got 'Cowboy.' And then I'm your huckleberry," Gaethje says ... "I'm right here, this s**t has to go forward, has to move on. He's either in or out."

Mike Tyson says Conor McGregor is a "wonderful person" who's earned a shot at redemption with the public ... telling TMZ Sports, "He's a really kind man."

The boxing legend was leaving Cipriani in NYC on Thursday -- around the same time Conor was finally addressing his pub attack on ESPN ... when Iron Mike explained why Conor should be able to bounce back from his latest scandal.

"He's a wonderful person. He's a really kind man and he's gonna get good karma for that," Tyson said ... "I believe that."

Tyson also told us he thinks Conor has "earned" a 2nd chance for his actions.

Iron Mike and the Notorious aren't just friends -- they smoked weed together in late 2018 ... with Conor praising Mike on social media.

"I will always have the height of respect for you," Conor said after they kicked it together in Ireland ... "I love you Mike! Iron Mike Tyson!"

Of course, Conor essentially begged for forgiveness from his fans during an interview with ESPN's Ariel Helwani ... claiming he's trying to change for the better after several violent incidents.

He even owned up to acting like a jerk in an Ireland bar back in April -- admitting he was in the wrong for punching a 50-year-old man in the face.

As for Tyson, we also asked about the DOUBTERS who say Mike's claim about smoking $40k in weed per month is wrong. Tyson had a comment for them too ...

"They don't know how to dream," Tyson said before noting ... "Yeah, [the number] is a reality!"

Conor McGregor is finally apologizing for sucker punching a man in the head at a pub in Ireland ... saying, "I was in the wrong."

The UFC superstar is speaking out 1 week after TMZ Sports posted video of the incident ... telling ESPN's Ariel Helwani that there was no excuse for his behavior.

"I mean, in reality, it doesn't matter what happened there. I was in the wrong. That man deserved to enjoy his time in the pub without having it to end the way it did."

McGregor says that he made amends with the man shortly after the April bar attack -- which happened to be a dispute over his Proper 12 whiskey.

While at the pub, Conor poured shots for patrons at the Marble Arch in Dublin ... and threw a punch at the victim when he turned down the offer.

"And, although five months ago it was, and I tried to make amends, and I made amends, back then, it does not even matter. I was in the wrong."

McGregor continues ... "I have to realize that's not the attitude or the behavior of a leader, of a martial artist, of a champion. So, I must get my head screwed on and just get back in the game and fight for redemption, retribution, respect."

Conor clearly wants to move on from the incident ... but Ireland cops tell TMZ Sports they are still investigating the attack and could bring criminal charges.

As for the victim, he told the Irish Daily Star that Conor is a "bully with money" ... and claimed he wanted to drink his Guinness in peace.

Conor also addressed his fighting future, saying he's NOT retired and when asked if he'll fight before the end of 2019, he says that's the goal.

The man who was punched in the face by Conor McGregor at a pub in Ireland is breaking his silence ... and he's BRAGGING that he can take a punch!!!

The victim spoke with the Irish Daily Star on the condition of anonymity -- and explained why he thinks Conor socked him with a left during an incident caught on video back in April.

"I am sitting on the bar stool just having a quiet pint with my friend then all of a sudden because I refuse his drink I get a punch," the man said ... "You don’t need that in life."

TMZ Sports broke the story ... Conor had been pouring shots of his Proper 12 whiskey to people at the Marble Arch Pub in South Dublin when one man refused ... and Conor let his fist fly.

The man took the punch like a champ -- with UFC star Stipe Miocic praising the dude's "chin of steel" -- and now the guy is bragging about his toughness too.

"Look-it, I can take a punch,” he told the Irish Daily Star.

Despite the way it played out on video, the man claims the punch really hurt and he was in pain for a week ... and went after Conor during his interview.

"He is a bit of a bully, a bully with money ... I'm glad people saw the video. I don't like him."

The man still has one major beef -- but it seems to be with the media. It was reported the guy was 60-years-old ... but the man wants to set the record straight.

"I'm 50."

As we previously reported, Conor has not been arrested or charged with a crime for the attack ... and cops in Ireland say they're still investigating, which is crazy because the whole thing is ON VIDEO!!!

Nate Diaz ain't the only member of his family who thinks he can beat down Conor McGregor ... his bro Nick Diaz tells TMZ Sports, "I'll whoop his ass!"

The elder Diaz bro was leaving Warwick with his pal, Bellator fighter AJ Agazarm when we brought up the possible trilogy fight between Nate and Conor ... a fight EVERYONE wants to see!

"I'll whoop his ass," Nick told us ... which triggered his pal AJ to start talking a TON of crap about the Irishman.

"I can't believe he hit that old man! That was crazy! Who would do that?! If he's gonna hit an old man, I'll hit him," Agazarm told us.

By the way, Agazarm is a highly decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner who trains with the Diaz Bros at the Nick Diaz Academy ... so he's no punk.

In fact, AJ just defeated Jacob Landin at Bellator 224 in July ... and he wants a crack at Conor too!!!

"F*ck Conor, I'll f*cking choke him in the 1st round!"

Obviously, AJ will have to get in line ... Conor's got business to handle with Nate, Khabib and a long list of others before he gets a shot.

"Imma whoop Till ass, ain't no bones about it."

That's Derek Brunson -- fresh off his UFC 241 win over Ian Heinisch -- declaring to TMZ Sports that he'd beat Darren Till to a pulp.

"It ain't no beef, it's just business at usual, you know? Darren Till looking to move up to middleweight. He's a top guy. Fought for the title at welterweight. I feel it'd be a good challenge. A guy with a lot of hype behind him. I think we should definitely mix it up next."

Brunson is a 35 years old UFC vet who's been with the organization since 2012 and has messed up dudes like Lyoto Machida and Uriah Hall.

Till -- a 26 year old fighter from Liverpool -- is coming off the only 2 losses of his career (Tyron Woodley & Jorge Masvidal) ... but is still regarded as one of the baddest, brightest young stars in the UFC.

That's why Brunson wants this fight.

"It ain't I'm calling Till out cause I think I can just beat him up. I think I can beat everybody, but it's also about fights that make sense. Big fights, stuff like that."

Derek's dead serious about makin' this happen ... he already has his rep, Ali Abdelaziz, working on making the match.

"My agent reached out," Brunson told us ... "I'm yet to hear from [Till]."

UFC star Israel Adesanya is a phony champ who hasn't beaten any level fighters ... so says Paulo Costa, the dude who just beat Yoel Romero.

TMZ Sports talked to Costa -- the #2 ranked UFC middleweight -- about his next move after his epic win over Romero ... and it's clear he ain't impressed with the 2 champs in his division.

"Yoel Romero is more tough than Whittaker, I know. And, man, Adesanya, Adesanya is a fake champion."

Why does Costa -- the 28-year-old undefeated (13-0) fighter -- think Izzy's a fake champ???

"Because he not proven yet. He needs to prove. He won against who? Tavares? Derek Brunson. Gastelum. Gastelum is good fighter, but Gastelum is not a middleweight. Against Anderson Silva. Man, Anderson Silva is not top 10. Not top 5. I beat a real beast. I beat Yoel Romero."

FYI -- Adesanya won the interim belt against Kelvin Gastelum earlier this year.

Whittaker (middleweight champ) and Adesanya (interim middleweight champ) are fighting October 5 at UFC 243 in Australia ... Costa says he'll be there, and he has a message for both fighters.

"I am a real deal. I'm training like a crazy guy. This is my life. [I'm] born to fight. [I'm] born to win, and I will take the belt."

Conor McGregor just posted a message to Nate Diaz -- setting the groundwork for a 3RD FIGHT ... and telling Nate, "I'll be prepared."

The Irish superstar noted that Tuesday marks the 3-year anniversary of McGregor vs. Diaz II -- a fight Conor won by split decision at UFC 202 in 2016.

"3 years to the day myself and this Mexican animal went to war," Conor said.

Then he dropped this bomb -- "I’ll be prepared for it when we go again. If we go again."

"If not, respect always. A war for the ages. No bitch talk. Just real sh*t."

Conor also congratulated Diaz on his dominant victory over Anthony Pettis at UFC 241 over the weekend ... saying, "It was motivating to see it for my own comeback."

"I don’t blame you not mentioning me for the trilogy bout post fight, you know what I’m like when I get going. Vicious."

Conor hasn't fought since his loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 in October -- and while Dana White has told us he expects to see Conor back in the Octagon in 2019, he hasn't specified an opponent.

Clearly, Conor has his eyes on Nate ... but Diaz called out Jorge Masvidal instead.

Dominick Cruz hasn't fought in 962 days, but he's NOT retired ... he wants his belt back, now -- and he's ready to go through UFC champ Henry Cejudo.

The 34-year-old former champ has battled serious injuries -- a broken arm, torn shoulder ligaments -- and hasn't fought since UFC 207 in December 2016 ... but when TMZ Sports talked to Dom in L.A., he was crystal clear ... he ain't hanging up his gloves.

"I'm definitely not done. I'll absolutely be back."

Cruz is the 2x UFC bantamweight champion and the longest titleholder in the division's history -- and he wants his strap back.

"I want the title. The current titleholder right now called me out."

Remember, Cejudo called Cruz out after his UFC 238 win over Marlon Moraes in June.

"[Henry's] the champion, we're both Arizona natives. We're both on the same national wrestling team," Cruz told us ... "If he wants to be the best, he has to beat the longest reigning champion in the division."

"Anybody who has the title, if you wanna be the best, you should be trying to fight me."

FYI -- If the fight's gonna go down, it'll have to wait. Cruz and Cejudo both have injured shoulders -- and will be sidelined til 2020.

Question is, can Dom -- who has only fought 4 times since 2012 because of injuries -- beat the guy who took down Demetrious Johnson and T.J. Dillashaw?

Khabib Nurmagomedov wants Daniel Cormier to retire after fighting Stipe Miocic.

TMZ Sports talked to The Eagle days before his AKA gym mate headlines UFC 241 on Saturday.

It'll come as no surprise Khabib thinks Cormier will win ... what might shock you, KN says this should be Daniel's last trip to the Octagon.

"Honestly I want him retire, honestly. He have job, he have money. He's like one of the greatest athlete who ever compete in the UFC."

"I really want him to retire. Because 40 years is not like 30 years. I really want him to win this fight and say, 'Hey, I enjoy with you guys long time. Right now, I have to stop this.'"

Just to be clear, these guys are tight (as you could see when DC came into the TMZ office). It's not that Khabib thinks DC's lost a step ... he believes Cormier's been so successful outside of fighting, he doesn't have to risk his body anymore.

Question is, will DC actually hang up the gloves?

Khabib doesn't think so.

"I think, no. Know why? He's like Olympic athlete level. These people cannot say 'I'm finished.'"

Nurmagomedov continued ... "I don't think he's gonna retire after this fight. Me, Coach Jav, all team, we really want him retire, cause we love him."

If DC doesn't listen ... and he fights again, there's a good chance the opponent would be Jon Jones.

Anthony Pettis and Nate Diaz have beef... BUT, AP says that doesn't mean he won't spark a J with Diaz after they fight.

Their relationship is icy -- there's been bad blood between the fighters for awhile -- and they're gonna duke it out Saturday night at UFC 241.

"We're not cool. Me and Nate are not cool," Pettis tells TMZ Sports ... "I mean we never had any kind of relationship other than him throwing his middle fingers up at me. So, you do that to me, then I'm assuming we have a problem."

So, yeah, they ain't friends ... which made Pettis' answer to, "Would you smoke with Nate after the fight?" surprising.

"F**k yeah. Hell yeah. Honestly after this fight is done, there's no beef," he says, "I'm gonna settle it in the Octagon, and if we spark one up, we spark one up."

It could happen.

Diaz isn't shy about his love for weed, and even lit up a joint (it's unclear if it was marijuana or CBD) at his open workout on Wednesday.

Pettis loved it.

"That's dope, that's dope. Hell yeah. I support that. I smoke weed too."

Daniel Cormier's fought Jon Jones, Stipe Miocic, Rumble Johnson and Derrick Lewis ... and when it comes to grappling, Khabib's stronger than every one of them.

DC came into the TMZ offices earlier this week and joined the guys on the "TMZ Sports" TV show (airs weekdays on FS1) ... and we asked him about his training sessions with Khabib.

DC and Khabib are close friends and gym mates at American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) in San Jose, CA ... and they've trained together for years.

So, how does the 155-pound UFC lightweight champion fare against the 250-ish-pound heavyweight champ?

"The other day we started to grapple, and Khabib jumped on top of me. And, I'm like okay, I'm just gonna get up when I want to, but that is not the case," Cormier says.

"He is literally the strongest person I may have ever felt."

DC -- who's facing off with Stipe Miocic at UFC 241 on Saturday -- says when Khabib gets a hold of you, it's basically impossible to get loose.

"It was amazing to me to think a guy that weights 175, 180 pounds, was able to do that to me. It's positional control, it's strength. He's a phenomenal athlete, man."