MMA

Alexandre Pantoja says it'd be an "honor" to fight Demetrious Johnson -- if Mighty Mouse ever were to return to the UFC -- a guy he's looked up to for years, in and out of the cage!

TMZ Sports talked to 33-year-old Pantoja, the UFC's flyweight champion, ahead of his first title defense against Brandon Royval at UFC 296 on Saturday (more on that in just a minute) ... but we also talked about DJ.

"For me, if I have the opportunity to train with Demetrious Johnson it's gonna be awesome for me. If I think about fighting him it's gonna be like heaven. I have respect for him. He's one of the best guys fighting in the world fighting pound-for-pound," Pantoja said of the ONE champ.

But, it's not just about Johnson's exploits in the cage ... it's about how he conducts himself as a person, too.

"He's a family guy. He's a very good example for me. Not just for me, for everyone. He cares about his kids. He cares about his wife. Don't make mistakes, don't make trash talk. Don't try to go to the media with fake news. He is a true warrior and true man and family guy. A very good example of what this world needs right now."

That's about the best compliment a person could get from a peer.

As for what a fight would look like between the champs ... we asked Alexandre, and he answered with a Dragon Ball Z comparison.

Of course, the 125 lb. division was on life support for years ... but thanks to guys like Pantoja, Brandon Moreno, and Deiveson Figueiredo (who has moved up to bantamweight), who built upon what DJ started, the flyweight division is thriving.

If you need proof ... Pantoja and Royval are the co-main event on one of the year's most anticipated cards.

There's more with Alexandre ... who breaks down the matchup with Brandon, and while it's clear AP has a ton of respect for BR, he doesn't plan on giving up his belt come Saturday night!

We also talked to Royval ... who tells us why he's the best in the world and soon-to-be UFC Flyweight champ!

If Shawne Merriman was in Dean Spanos' shoes, he would NOT hire Bill Belichick or Jim Harbaugh to replace Brandon Staley ... telling TMZ Sports he thinks his former team needs to go younger with its next hire.

Of course, both coaching veterans have been rumored to be on the Bolts' radar following Staley's firing on Friday ... but Merriman made it clear, he would prefer it if L.A. looked elsewhere.

"The game has gotten much younger," the ex-Chargers pass rusher said. "If you look around, a lot of these head coaches are younger. They relate well to the players."

Belichick is 71 years old, while Harbaugh is 59 ... ages that Merriman obviously thinks just won't cut it when it comes to directing guys like 25-year-old Justin Herbert or 27-year-old Derwin James on the field.

But, don't get it twisted, he still loves both guys and their résumés -- he just said, "I don't know if that's the proper move in this situation."

"I really don't."

Merriman didn't have any names that he would rather hire -- though he did say he wants no part of being considered for the role ... as he's a bit preoccupied with his MMA promotion, Lights Out, which has a big event coming up on January 6.

Mark Zuckerberg's torn ACL won't derail his MMA career ... the Meta founder just revealed he's got plans to continue fighting once his knee heals up.

The 39-year-old provided an update on his recovery on his Instagram on Friday -- just about six weeks after he went under the knife to fix his busted-up knee -- and he said everything is "going well so far."

He then added that he's got about nine months to get healthy enough to step back into an Octagon and resume his fighting dreams.

"I can already walk and bike," he said. "Working towards running for the next couple of months. Then full leg strength."

He added, "Taking the time to do this well and come back stronger."

Zuckerberg, of course, has taken his MMA career very seriously over the last few months -- winning gold and silver in a Jiu-Jitsu tournament earlier this year ... while also famously challenging Elon Musk to a scrap.

Zuck has trained with UFC stars Israel Adesanya and Alex Volkanovski to get pointers on how to get better in the cage as well.

Colby Covington will have a very powerful supporter on hand next Saturday when he fights Leon Edwards for the UFC welterweight title ... 'cause Chaos tells us his friend Donald Trump will be in the building!

"110%, the greatest president in history, 45 and soon to be 47th president of the United States, Donald J. Trump, will be in attendance front row," 35-year-old Covington told Babcock on the "TMZ Sports" TV show (airs weekdays on FS1).

In fact, Colby says he nearly arranged for DT to escort him to the Octagon before the title fight.

"I was trying to get him to walk out with me. He was really excited to walk out with me, but it's a logistical concern for the UFC, and I understand that. The guy comes with a lot of Secret Service, and it's a big deal anytime he walks in. Unfortunately, I won't be able to have him walk out, but he will be front row cheering me on, and I'll get to put that belt around his waist. It's gonna be amazing!"

Of course, Trump is a huge UFC fan ... and has a relationship with Colby and Dana White. In fact, DT attended UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden last month where he received a raucous ovation (from everyone besides Bill Burr's wife).

Colby then took a shot at Leon ... who has been the 170 lb. champ since beating Kamaru Usman at UFC 278.

"It shows that I'm the A-side in this fight. Is he bringing out the Royal family? Is he bringing out Mary f***ing Poppins? Is he bringing out Paddington the Bear? Naw, he's a f***ing nobody!"

Covington hasn't fought since March 2022, when he beat former best-friend-turned-rival Jorge Masvidal. We asked CC how he felt after the long layoff.

"I feel great, man. I've never felt better.

"I haven't wanted to take this time off, but the time off has been good so I could focus on some of my weak areas. I feel like I'm the most well-rounded fighter in the game right now and next Saturday night fans are going to be surprised, they're going to be shocked. It's gonna be a great night, it's gonna be a 1776-type night, and that means the British don't come to American soil and call the shots. It means you're about to come all the way over here to America to get your ass kicked and over back home to the UK empty-handed, Junior. See you soon, Leon Scott."

La grandeza y el atletismo están en la sangre de Brock Lesnar porque la hija de la leyenda de la WWE acaba de hacer historia en la Universidad Estatal de Colorado (CSU), ¡con un récord de lanzamiento de peso escolar de 18,5 metros!

Mya, estudiante de tercer año en el equipo de atletismo de la CSU, lanzó la bola de casi 9 libras durante un encuentro el fin de semana y el momento quedó capturado en video.

"💥18.50m💥", dijo Mya en Instagram. "¡¡¡Un nuevo récord personal y un nuevo récord de la escuela!!!😤 Feliz con el sólido comienzo de mi temporada".

Tal vez el récord no es tan sorprendente si tenemos en cuenta que su padre es uno de los atletas más impresionantes que hemos visto. Brock no solo es una leyenda de la WWE, sino que también fue campeón de los pesos pesados de la UFC y campeón de la NCAA div. 1 de lucha libre en 2000. Lesnar también jugó en la NFL.

¿Qué tal todo eso?

Solo el tiempo dirá si Mya sigue el camino profesional de su padre y se involucra en la lucha libre profesional después de la universidad.

Por ahora, ha competido en 16 encuentros esta temporada y continuará acumulando victorias a su ya impresionante lista de galardones.

De hecho, terminó entre las tres primeras en los campeonatos de atletismo en pista cubierta y al aire libre de 2023. También fue nombrada All-Mountain West.

En cuanto a su padre, Brock no ha luchado desde SummerSlam en agosto y no se espera que vuelva hasta 2024.

Greatness and athleticism are in Brock Lesnar's blood 'cause the WWE legend's daughter just made history at Colorado State -- with a school-record-breaking 18.5-meter shot put!

Mya -- a junior on the CSU track team -- launched the near 9-pound spherical ball during a meet over the weekend ... and the historic moment was captured on video.

"💥18.50m💥," Mya said on Instagram. "A new PR and a new school record!!😤 Happy with a strong start to my season."

Perhaps the record-breaking put isn't shocking when you consider her dad is one of the most impressive athletes that we've ever seen. Not only is Brock a WWE legend, but he was also a UFC heavyweight champion and NCAA div. 1 wrestling champ in 2000. Lesnar also had a cup of coffee in the NFL.

How's that for an athletic pedigree?

Only time will tell if Mya follows her dad's career path and gets involved in professional wrestling after college.

For now, Mya, who has competed in 16 meets this season, will continue racking up wins, and adding to her already list of impressive accolades.

In fact, she finished in the top 3 of the indoor and outdoor track and field championships in 2023. She was also named All-Mountain West.

When it comes to her dad, Brock hasn't wrestled since SummerSlam in August ... and the 46-year-old isn't expected back until 2024.

8:32 AM -- Cops say in a police report obtained by TMZ Sports that James Hill Jr. told them the assault was preceded by a series of disputes between him and his brother ... including one that involved the cleaning of Jamahal Hill's freezer.

In the docs, officers say James told them he had picked Jamahal up from a Michigan airport ... but when the two arrived at Jamahal's house a short time later, they realized that because the residence had been left vacant for months, the electricity in the unit had been turned off -- causing "all the food in the house to spoil and rot."

Cops say James told them he and Jamahal had agreed James would clean the house with his wife for $300. James said, according to the docs, "he cleaned out the whole house besides the chest freezer in the garage."

But, cops say in the police report James told them that after he and Jamahal got into an argument over the UFC fighter's alleged treatment of women and their own mother -- he left the home.

James, according to cops, said Jamahal texted him the next day and asked why he didn't clean out the freezer ... allegedly demanding half the money back for the unfinished job.

Police say James, however, came back on Nov. 25 to clean it all out ... and once he completed the task, he went to talk to Jamahal -- and another dispute broke out.

This time, according to the docs, James and Jamahal got into it over Thanksgiving Day texts. The argument, cops say James told them, then turned physical.

Officers say James told them Jamahal "sucker punched" him with a closed fist -- before hitting him a second time.

According to the docs, James left the home and debated on calling police because "he didn't want to ruin Jamahal's UFC fighting career." Though after Jamahal allegedly wouldn't respond to texts or apologize, he called cops to report the incident.

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill allegedly got so violent during an altercation with his brother last month that he knocked a tooth right out of the man's mouth.

The allegations are spelled out in a probable cause affidavit, obtained by TMZ Sports.

In the docs, police say James Hill Jr. told them from a Kentwood-area hospital in Michigan that Jamahal had assaulted him on Nov. 25 after the two had gotten into an argument.

Jamahal, according to the docs, punched his brother once, sending him to the ground. Cops say when James got up, Jamahal punched him again -- hurling him right back to the floor.

According to the docs, James' face and left eye were "very swollen" after the alleged attack ... and officers also say James was "missing a front tooth that he stated got broke when Jamahal assaulted him."

Jamahal was arrested over the allegations on Nov. 27 ... and formally charged with one count of aggravated domestic violence shortly after. He's due in court for a hearing on the matter next month.

In a video Jamahal released on Saturday, the 32-year-old said he's "been advised not to speak on" the arrest ... though he did say, "I just can't wait for the truth to be told in court and I will wait for that day and I look forward to that day."

"The people who know me and know my character and truly, truly rock with me and know who I am, hold on to that and stay true to that and yeah, that's all I'm gonna say on that."

Conor McGregor isn't the only UFC fighter making a splash in the liquor industry ... The Notorious' rival, Michael Chandler, tells TMZ Sports he's now part owner of a premium tequila, Hiatus!

37-year-old Iron Mike joined Babcock to discuss the new business venture ... with Chandler teaming up with Kris DeSoto five years after he initially founded the tequila.

"A little over a year ago I found Hiatus Tequila. From the first sip I wanted more," Chandler told us, adding, "So I made an investment in the company, and have now been working behind the scenes with the team with our teams to try to get it in the glasses of as many people possible around the world. It's tequila for tequila people."

Michael says the brand's values line up perfectly with what he believes ... so it was a partnership that made sense.

"It's exactly what I try to be -- authentic, true to myself," Chandler said, adding, "I'm excited about it and we're gonna take it to the moon!"

Of course, over the years athletes and entertainers alike have made huge sums of money in the liquor industry. Perhaps none had more success than McGregor, who raked in hundreds of millions of dollars on Proper 12 whiskey.

We also talked to Chandler about fighting. Michael has been inactive for a year, having last fought in November 2022 against Dustin Poirier.

Michael and Conor, last season's "The Ultimate Fighter" coaches, are supposed to scrap ... but, does Chandler believe it's going to happen?

The answer is a resounding yes.

"From everything that I've been hearing, first quarter of 2024 is when the [Conor McGregor] fight will be happening," Mike told us.

While he's on ... hiatus, MC says he's been studying Conor, from his past fights to his current interviews.

11:18 AM PT -- Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ Sports ... James Anthony Hill Jr. is Jamahal Hill's brother.

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill was arrested in Michigan for domestic violence earlier this week ... TMZ Sports has learned.

According to records, the fighter was booked at a Kent County jail on Monday at around 1 AM ... and released later that evening, at 7:35 PM. That same day, prosecutors formally charged the 32-year-old with one count of misdemeanor aggravated domestic violence.

In court documents we obtained, officials allege Hill assaulted James Anthony Hill Jr., inflicting "serious or aggravated injury upon him."

It's unclear if the two Hills are related, though officials said in the docs James is "a resident or former resident" of Jamahal's household.

Further details surrounding the allegations were not made immediately available. Hill is due in court in January for a hearing on the matter.

We've reached out to Jamahal's reps for comment, but so far, no word back.

Jamahal just recently earned his light heavyweight crown in January with a win over Glover Teixeira at UFC 283 -- though he relinquished the title in July after he ruptured his Achilles while playing basketball.

Once healed, Jamahal is expected to get another crack at regaining his belt in a fight with the division's current champ, Alex Pereira.

12:16 PM -- Conor McGregor just shared some pictures of he and Dee Devlin's newborn son ... saying, "Another chunky healthy boy into the world. Dee you are my hero ❤️🙏"

The future of MMA has arrived -- Conor McGregor and his longtime partner, Dee Devlin, just welcomed their fourth child together!!

Notorious shared the big news just minutes ago ... saying, "My baby boy is born! Mammy and baby doing amazing, 8.1lbs of prime Irish double champion beef! ❤️🙏"

The McGregor family hasn't revealed the new youngin's name just yet ... but that'll come in due time.

Of course, Conor and Dee share three other kids together -- Conor Jr. (6), Croia (4) and Rian (2).

McGregor announced the addition to the family back in June ... and even then, he was super stoked about being a papa of four. In fact, the champ-champ was spotted kissing Dee's baby bump during a beach day back in August.

The UFC superstar gave his millions of social media followers a heads-up on Wednesday ... saying they were prepping for the big arrival first thing in the morning.

We're sure Conor can't wait to get the kid in the gym -- after all, Conor Jr. is already picking up on the craft!!

Congratulations to the family ... and look out, future fighters!!

Gilbert Burns is back.

6 months after tearing multiple muscles in his left shoulder during his UFC 288 scrap with Belal Muhammad, Durinho tells TMZ Sports he's ready to climb back in the Octagon, and he knows who he wants to fight!

First, the injury.

"I'm clear. No pain. Shoulder is moving good. All range of motion is back. Strength," Gilbert says, "I'd say anything March or April, UFC 299 or UFC 300, I'll be ready to go."

As for who Gilbert wants in his return fight, he has an opp in mind ... though much could change with the upcoming welterweight title fight at UFC 296.

"I would love to fight Colby [Covington]," Burns said of the number 3 ranked contender, who will face champ Leon Edwards on December 16.

"I think Leon Edwards is gonna get the win, but who knows when he's gonna come back. Or when either one of these guys is gonna come back. That would be my number one pick."

Whatever happens at 296, Gilbert will see it with his own two eyes ... 'cause he says he'll be at T-Mobile Arena.

"I think after that night I'm gonna see who I'm fighting next."

Of course, Burns lost by unanimous decision in May ... when he was injured early in the fight. Because of the circumstances, it's tough to say who would've won if GB didn't get hurt, unless you're Gilbert. He's totally confident he would've kicked Belal's ass.

UFC star Tony Ferguson has been sentenced to one year of probation in his truck wreck
case, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

According to court records, Ferguson was tagged with the punishment on Nov. 20, after reaching an agreement with prosecutors.

The records show as part of the deal with officials, Ferguson pleaded no contest to one misdemeanor count of wet reckless driving upon a highway. In exchange, his DUI charge was dismissed.

As we reported, Ferguson had first been hit with the driving under the influence count in the spring ... after authorities alleged he drunkenly crashed his pickup truck into two parked cars outside of a Hollywood club just before 2 AM on May 7.

The scene was terrifying ... Ferguson's truck had ended up on its side after the alleged crash -- though, somehow, he and nobody else were injured.

Ferguson had initially pleaded not guilty to the charge in June.

Patchy Mix is Bellator's Bantamweight champion, but the 19-1 fighter has no doubt in his mind that he's the best in the world, regardless of the MMA promotion.

"I believe deep down, full-heartedly, in my heart of hearts, I actually know I am the best bantamweight in the world."

Of course, different promotions have different champions ... the most well-known Bantamweight title holder being MMA star Sean O'Malley, the UFC champion.

TMZ Sports had a conversation with Mix this week after his impressive 2nd round submission win over Sergio Pettis at Bellator 301 ... and we asked him about his standing in the Bantamweight hierarchy.

"100%. 150%. 1,000%. I don't think I just take them, I'd finish them. I'm a finisher. I'm the best finisher at Bantamweight. My record speaks for itself. 19-1. 15 finishes. I think I finished 13 or 14 out of my last 15 wins. It speaks for itself. I can finish anybody in the world."

On a matchup with O'Malley -- who became champ with a TKO win over Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292 -- Patchy is very confident in how he'd fare in the hypothetical scrap.

"Different styles, and I can strike too. I'm very good on the feet, as well. I'm just as tall as [O'Malley]. Just as long as him," Patchy said,

Mix continued ... "I just believe I'm better than him. I think I could finish him within 2.5 rounds. I don't think he'd really have much for me."

Now, unless the fighters move promotions, it's a fight that'll likely never happen.

For Mix, it's an interesting time. Bellator was just bought by PFL, and although it sounds like PFL execs plan to keep the promotion running, there's some uncertainty about what the future holds for Bellator.

Demetrius Andrade wants to fight Canelo Alvarez, finally ... after he beats David Benavidez later today ... the boxer says that's if the Mexican superstar stops duckin' him!

The 32-0 (19 KOs) boxer has the biggest fight of his career against Benavidez on Nov 25. ... going down at the Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Considering Andrade is an elite fighter in the eyes of many, it's puzzling that the 35-year-old hasn't gotten high-level fights until now. but DA tells TMZ Sports he understands why ... fighters are afraid of him.

"The point [is] that I can really hurt somebody," Andrade said, "I can hurt careers, too."

And, the boxers Andrade says are avoiding him is a whose who ... we're talking brand name boxers like Jermall Charlo, Gennady Golovkin, and Canelo, who Demetrious ripped for taking on weaker opponents instead of him.

"It's a difficult fight for them. It's business, too," Andrade said. "Those are all three guys that trying to save themselves. Fight the easier fights."

"Canelo can end up picking 'em because they're more beatable than I am."

Andrade believes the winner of the fight with Benavidez (27-0, 23 KOs) should get Alvarez next ... and of course, he promises that it will be him.

"I'm going to beat his ass!" Andrade said of Benavidez.

"I know that in this fight, there's gonna be a lot of hard punches coming towards his way."

We also spoke with Benavidez about the huge fight ... and he explained to us what a win on Saturday would mean to him.

David also told us how he's planning to hand Andrade his first L ... and he can't wait to knock the guy out.

Sean Strickland's the UFC Middleweight champ today, but by the end of 2024, Brendan Allen believes the top of the division will look different ... he expects to be the titleholder!

TMZ Sports talked to 27-year-old Allen, the #10 ranked 185-pounder in the promotion, ahead of his UFC Fight Night main event scrap with #13 ranked Paul Craig on Saturday in Las Vegas ... a big fight for the rising star.

We asked Brendan for his assessment of the division.

"I think I'm the best in the world. It's up to me to prove it," Allen said, adding ... "I think Sean [Strickland] will be there for a little bit. Hopefully, ending of next year it'll be 'And new' for me. That's the goal. I don't care who's there when it's my turn. But obviously, the goal is 'And new' when I get my turn."

Allen, 22-5, is coming off a win over Bruno Silva in June ... his 5th straight victory.

35-year-old Craig had lost two in a row -- against Volkan Oezdemir (July '22) and Johnny Walker (January '23) -- before rebounding against Andre Muniz in July. Paul's 17-6-1 over his pro career.

Brendan also weighed in on Paul's decision to go from 205 lbs. to the 185 lb. division ... a move that could come around to bite Craig, according to Allen.

"I think the weight cut will play a role, but it's not the sole or main reason [I'll win]. I just think that I'm gonna be too good, too fast, too strong. He may be bigger, but I'm just a different guy when it comes to this weight class, and I'm gonna show just that.," Brenda told us.

We also talked to Craig ... who is going to do his best to (at least momentarily) stop the Allen hype train.

Floyd Mayweather's returning to the boxing ring to take care of some unfinished business ... the legendary fighter is taking on John Gotti III in Las Vegas over Super Bowl weekend in February, a rematch of their '23 fight that ended in chaos!

TMZ Sports is told the event will happen around Super Sunday (February 11 in Sin City) and will be headlined by 46-year-old Mayweather vs. 31-year-old Gotti III.

Floyd, 50-0, is one of the greatest fighters to ever put on a pair of gloves. Gotti III, grandson of the legendary Gambino family crime boss, John Gotti, was originally an MMA fighter (5-1), who eventually got into boxing (2-0).

The rest of the card will be anchored by Floyd's Mayweather Promotions fighters.

Of course, Floyd and John have history. Back in June, they boxed at FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Florida ... but the bout was called in the sixth round after a bunch of holding and other shenanigans in the ring.

Although the fight was technically stopped by ref Kenny Bayless, it was just the beginning of the fighting ... as mayhem erupted inside the squared circle, and outside of it, too.

In fact, Joseline Hernandez and Big Lex were seen scrapping.

Order was eventually restored ... and reps for the fighters spoke and peaced things up.

Now, the men are set to battle again ... during what was already one of the biggest weeks in all of sports.

And, to make sure there isn't a repeat of the first fight, we're told there are clauses in the contracts that could trigger a financial fine if anyone gets out of line.

The fight, a pay-per-view event airing on Zeus network, will be promoted by Mayweather Promotions, along with partner Hidden Empire Films!