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UFC fighter Natan Levy says he's currently around 25-30 miles away from the heinous attacks Hamas is unleashing on his native Israel ... and the scene is horrifying.

The 32-year-old flew to Israel just a few days before the weekend wave of terror began ... and simply intended to spend time with his family at a cousin's wedding.

But, Tuesday on "TMZ Live," he told us about the moment all their plans changed, and they went into survival mode.

Natan said he and his family fled to a bunker as soon as they heard sirens in the area, but thought it was "just missiles" ... something that's, sadly, fairly common. Initially, they didn't realize the terrorists were invading on foot and killing civilians.

He adds, "What's happening -- it's not far from here. It's a war zone, and it's just by the hand of God I'm not there inside the war zone."

Citing the reports of Hamas beheading babies and burning others alive ... Natan said he's hoping Israel's severe retaliation continues.

"I think we're going to have to attack -- they've left us no choice," he said. "Hopefully the least amount of civilians get hurt, but all of the blood is on their hands."

Dorothy Hoffner, the 104-year-old Chicago woman who set the record for the oldest tandem skydive, died in her sleep just days after the monumental jump.

Hoffner made worldwide news just 10 days ago on October 1, when she became the oldest living person to jump out of a plane ... when she went skydiving at Skydive Chicago.

The record is still being confirmed by Guinness, but Dorothy toppled the previous record held by a 103-year-old Swedish woman who jumped in 2022.

Youngster.

As far as the timing, it appears to be nothing more than a coincidence. Dorothy died in her sleep.

In fact, Hoffner was over the moon after the jump, telling local media ... “Skydiving is a wonderful experience, and it’s nothing to be afraid of. Just do it!”

Skydive Chicago even released a statement on Dorothy's passing ... and they believe there's a lesson to be learned here about living.

“We are deeply saddened by Dorothy’s passing, and feel honored to have been part of making her world record skydive a reality,” the company said.

Mary Lou Retton -- an Olympic gold-winning gymnast  -- is currently fighting for her life in the ICU ... this according to her daughter, who says her mom is battling a rare form of pneumonia.

McKenna Kelley shared the sad news on Tuesday via her Instagram story with a photo of a SpotFund account that she started for Retton's medical costs.

"Please help my mom continue to fight," Kelley said in the post.

The fundraiser says the 55-year-old former athlete is unable to breathe on her own due to the rare form of pneumonia.

"Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details," Keller said on the page. "However, I will disclose that she not insured."

"We ask that if you could help in any way, that 1) you PRAY! and 2) if you could help us with finances for the hospital bill."

Kelley added, "ANYTHING, absolutely anything, would be so helpful for my family and my mom. Thank y’all so very much!"

The fundraiser has a goal of $50k and as of Tuesday, over 79 donors have contributed.

"If anyone can WIN we know it’s YOU! GEAUX MARYLOU!" one fan said on the page. "We are praying hard for you from La!"

Retton was a massive star in gymnastics ... in fact, she made history as the first American woman to win the all-around gold in the 1984 Olympics. She also won two silvers and bronzes that same year.

After retiring, she was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997 and was the first woman to be selected into the Houston Sports Hall of Fame in 2020.

Barry Melrose -- considered by many to be the best NHL analyst on television -- has sadly been diagnosed with Parkinson's ... and he'll now be stepping away from his role at ESPN while he battles the disease.

Longtime ESPN personality John Buccigross just made the heartbreaking announcement minutes ago on X ... revealing Melrose will be off camera and spending time with his family for the foreseeable future.

"I've worked with Barry at ESPN for over a quarter century," Buccigross said. "Cold beers and hearty laughs in smokey cigar bars. A razor sharp wit, he was always early & looked like a million bucks. I love him. I'll miss him."

"Wayne Gretzky on a life dedicated to hockey," he added.

Melrose both played and coached in the NHL for years ... before he began breaking down games for ESPN beginning in 1996. He took a brief hiatus from the network to coach the Lightning, but returned a short time later.

He's since become a mainstay on NHL broadcasts -- so much so, commissioner Gary Bettman said Tuesday, "Hockey on ESPN won't be the same without him."

"Barry's gigantic personality and trademark style have made our game bigger, more exciting and more entertaining," Bettman said.

"His love for hockey is obvious and infectious. And it is impossible to have a conversation with him without a smile on your face."

Aaron Rodgers wants to settle his back-and-forth with "Mr. Pfizer" once and for all ... proposing a star-studded Covid-19 debate with Travis Kelce -- and he wants Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Dr. Fauci to get involved!!

As we previously reported, AR8 and the Kansas City Chiefs superstar have been sending playful jabs toward each other over the past week ... ever since the New York Jets coined his new nickname for Kelce on "The Pat McAfee Show."

Rodgers returned for his weekly appearance with McAfee on Tuesday ... and he responded to Kelce claiming the two were in a "vax war."

"This ain't a war, homie," Rodgers told McAfee minutes ago. "This is just conversation. But if you want to have some sort of duel, debate, have me on the podcast, come on the show. Let's have a conversation."

The four-time MVP added he wants both sides to pick some backup help for the potential hash-out sesh ... revealing he wants RFK Jr. in his corner, and Kelce can choose Fauci or "some other pharmacrat" as his support.

Of course, a potential debate would surely be popcorn-worthy -- Rodgers and RFK Jr. have been outspoken against the Covid-19 vax, and Kelce and Fauci are strong proponents of getting the jab.

Arthur Blank is stepping up in a huge way, donating $750k to hospitals and medics in Israel ... all to help those maimed in the Hamas terror attacks.

The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation made the announcement of the incredibly generous gift on Tuesday, announcing the funds would go to two medical centers near the Israeli/Gaza border, as well as an organization that supports thousands of volunteer medics across the country.

"The unimaginable, distressing terrorist attacks on Israel that have resulted in death, injury and trauma for scores of people over the past few days are an attack on all humanity, and there is no place in this world for the horrific violence we have witnessed," Arthur said in a statement released by his organization.

Blank, who is Jewish, co-founded Home Depot in the late '70s, and bought the Falcons in 2002. With a net worth around $7.5 billion, per Forbes, AB is one of the richest people in the world.

In addition to the money going to the Barzilai Medical Center, a frontline hospital, and Soroka Medical Center, a trauma facility, in southern Israel, Blank's donation will also go towards supplying United Hatzalah's medical professionals with protective equipment (vests and helmets), as well as medical supplies like oxygen tanks, defibrillators, and bandages.

Three-quarters of a million is generous, but it sounds like Arthur may even donate more, calling the $750k an "initial emergency grant," saying they'd be working with other relief groups to "identify areas of most critical need for additional support."

Deion Sanders is hoping Shedeur Sanders cashes in on his now-famous watch celebration ... telling media members Tuesday his son's ready for a "lucrative" deal.

The Colorado star quarterback has been hitting the move -- one in which he shows off a timepiece on his left wrist after making big plays -- for weeks now ... but after he flashed it following an epic victory over Arizona State on Saturday, it took off.

Players from all over the NFL -- including superstars like Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall and Davante Adams -- copied it both before and after games this weekend.

And, after DJ Khaled dubbed it "The Shedeur" earlier this year ... Deion says he's now hoping his 21-year-old boy can pad his bank account soon over it all.

"It's hilarious to me because he and I joke about it on a daily basis," Coach Prime said. "We just got to get him a lucrative watch deal. He can't keep doing it for free. He can't keep doing it for nothing."

"We gotta capitalize now," he added with a smile. "He is my son. We gotta capitalize on the moment!"

Good news for Shedeur ... the NCAA's name, image and likeness rules will allow him to get any such deal that comes forward.

Tragic news in the basketball community -- longtime NBA coach Brendan Malone has passed away, the Denver Nuggets announced Tuesday. He was 81 years old.

"It is with tremendous sadness that we share the passing of longtime NBA coach Brendan Malone, who holds a special place amongst the organization and will be a Denver Nugget forever," the team said in a statement.

After several years at the high school and college level, Malone served as an assistant with the New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic over the span of four decades.

Malone -- who helped orchestrate the famous "Jordan Rules" used to beat the Chicago Bulls -- was on staff for the Bad Boy Detroit Pistons teams that won the Finals in 1989 and 1990.

He was the first head coach in franchise history for the Toronto Raptors in the 1995-96 season. Malone also led the bench as interim head coach for the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2004-05 campaign.

Brendan is the father of current Nuggets coach Michael Malone, who helped bring the franchise its first NBA title this past season.

"Coach Brendan Malone was a great man who left behind a great legacy in the word for basketball, but he will be remembered even more for the amazing husband, father, son, and grandfather that he was and the profound impact he had on the friends, family and colleagues who were lucky enough to know him," the Nuggets continued.

"Our thoughts are with the entire Malone family and all of Brendan's loved ones who are feeling this loss today."

Donald Trump just lowkey dissed his friend Bill Belichick, hilariously roasting the NFL coach's struggling football team during a speech ... admitting they suck while taking a shot at President Joe Biden!

#45 was in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire this week (deep in Pats country), speaking with supporters ahead of the 2024 presidential race ... when he likened Biden negotiating with Chinese President Xi Jinping to a high school football team playing a great NFL squad.

Cue the shade.

"Let’s see, what’s a good football team nowadays?" Trump asked.

"I used to say New England. I used to say the Patriots," Trump said. "I’d love to be able to say the Patriots. I’d love to be able to say the Patriots. [Belichick's] a great guy, great coach, but they’re having a little hard time."

Trump's remarks came a day after the Patriots were whooped 34-0 at home against the Saints, the worst loss in Belichick's era. The Pats lost to the Cowboys the week prior, 38-3.

The team is currently 1-4 record and in last place in the AFC East.

"What’s going on with the Patriots?" Trump said. "But he’s a great coach. He’ll figure it out somehow. He's gonna figure it out but that was not a good game last night, was it?"

Even though Donald and Bill are cool, some Patriots fans didn't take the jabs lightly ... one of 'em used Will Smith's Oscars outburst quote to respond on X, writing, "Keep my team's name out your GD mouth lol."

Another fan wrote ... "We’re getting bantered by Trump, it’s so over."

It doesn't get any easier for NE -- who play the division rivals Bills and Dolphins (they have a combined record of 7-3 and are one of the best squads in the AFC) -- over the next three weeks.

Bob Costas is apparently just as good in life-or-death situations as he is in the broadcasting booth ... 'cause he recently saved a restaurant-goer from choking.

A rep for Costas says the Hall of Fame play-by-play man was out grabbing a bite to eat when he noticed a fellow diner gasping for air -- so he raced in to help out.

According to the rep, the 71-year-old performed the Heimlich maneuver ... saving the person's life. But, afterward, he made it clear he wasn't looking for accolades.

"Bob doesn’t think this was that big of a deal," the rep told Page Six.

"He really feels he did what just about anyone else would do in a similar situation."

Mark Davis is apparently interested in exhausting every option to add to his massive fortune ... 'cause the Raiders owner was just seen hoping to score some cash on a slot machine at an airport in Vegas!!

According to one social media user, the billionaire got in the gambling sesh before the Raiders took on the Packers on "Monday Night Football."

His game of choice ... "Wheel of Fortune" -- but based on his reaction to the flashing lights in front of him, it doesn't seem like he was finding a whole lot of wealth.

But, if that was the case, Davis can certainly afford to take the hit ... after all, the 68-year-old is reportedly worth $2.3 BILLION!!!

It seems the slot machine play was all interrupted regardless when a lady friend arrived. She appeared to be the same person Davis sat with during the MNF game at Allegiant Stadium.

Former L.A. Dodgers star Steve Garvey is swinging for the fences in a whole different field -- the World Series champ officially announced he's running for U.S. Senate in California.

The 10-time All-Star and National League MVP launched his campaign with a number of sports references on Tuesday ... saying, "In baseball, it's not about the individual; it's about the team."

"I believe the same holds true for politics. It's time we come together, find common ground, and work towards a brighter future."

74-year-old Garvey -- who is a newbie to politics -- explains he has always had a passion for leaving an impact on the community ... and has used his platform to help numerous charitable efforts off the field. Now, he's ready to bring his state back to where he feels it should be.

“Over 50 years ago, I came to California for the first time ... September 1st of 1969, the Dodgers called me up and my dreams came true," Garvey says.

"Over the next 20 years, I played for the Dodgers and the San Diego Padres. I played in front of millions of fans. I never played for Democrats or Republicans or independents."

"I played for all of you. Now I'm running for the U.S. Senate in California. A state that I believe at one time was the heartbeat of America. And now it's just a murmur."

Garvey -- who is running as a Republican -- is calling his run a "common sense campaign" ... focusing on quality-of-life issues, public safety and education as he attempts to take over for Dianne Feinstein, who passed away last month.

Tyreek Hill has a ring, now he wants a medal! 🥇

Flag football was proposed as one of a handful of new sports that could be coming to the 2028 Summer Olympics ... and Cheetah's aiming to put together an Avengers-like all-star squad and win gold!

"Calling all NFL guys let's bring one home," the 29-year-old tweeted in response to the news on Monday.

It's not a done deal just yet ... flag football, in addition to baseball/softball, lacrosse, cricket and squash will be voted on by the International Olympic Committee in the coming days.

Assuming FF gets enough votes, it'll debut in five years in the City of Angels, and Hill clearly wants to represent the U.S.

Hill would be 34 when the Games commence.

Professional flag football leagues do exist, but it's hard to imagine anyone being better than Tyreek and his fellow NFL stars.

Sure, there's no need for Trent Williams ... but, imagine Cheetah, Justin Jefferson, Ja'Marr Chase -- scary!

In fact, we've seen what Hill can do sans pads ... Tyreek took on an entire women's flag team last year, and was unstoppable, all by himself.

Savannah Chrisley looks like she's super into her new boyfriend ... because they were all over each other at a Zach Bryan concert, and wearing matching outfits to boot.

The "Chrisley Knows Best" star and her new boo, former college football player Robert Shiver, packed on the PDA at an Alabama rodeo Saturday .... kissing and hugging in the VIP section while Zach was on stage.

Throughout the show, Savannah kept a hand either on Robert's back or in one of his back pockets ... and he did the same with her.

Savannah also seems like one of those girls who love coordinating fits with their dude because she and Robert were rocking matching Zach Bryan merch.

This relationship is fairly new ... Savannah revealed last month she was talking to Robert, who is mainly known for 2 things ... playing football for Auburn University and surviving his ex-wife's alleged murder-for-hire plot.

The rodeo appeared to be a double date of sorts, too ... Savannah's younger brother, Grayson, was also there with his girlfriend.

Folks who wanna be Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce can play make-believe on Halloween -- and it's a lock that lots of people will do just that, much to the joy of one costume shop raking in the dough.

A rep for 3 Wishes, an online Halloween retailer, tells TMZ ... their Taylor and Travis-inspired getups this year are far and away the most popular costumes, as people snap 'em up in droves. So much so, they're completely sold out!

Customers have been able to double-dip a bit, up to this point -- 3 Wishes has had 2 different TS costume options ... a solo "Pop Star" one and a separate item that actually paired the pop star costume with a whole other football player outfit. Naturally, that's in the style of the Chiefs tight end ... right down to his jersey number.

Those were selling for $27.95 and $119.95, respectively, but now -- 3 Wishes says its inventory's been ransacked by fans wanting to resemble the new showbiz "it" couple. They had 500 of the solo TS costumes, and 300 of the duo costumes.

We're told the Taylor/Travis duo costume is their second-fastest-selling product in the company's history -- with their 'Tiger King' costume from 2020 still reigning supreme. 3 Wishes says they're out of stock right now, but will re-up on the 16th.

Asante Samuel says if Tom Brady came out of retirement and rejoined forces with the New England Patriots ... he'd almost certainly win his eighth Super Bowl this season.

"This terrible team that everybody sees is a terrible team," Samuel told TMZ Sports on Monday, Brady "can come right now, today, and win a Super Bowl for the New England Patriots. Because that's Tom Brady."

Samuel made the bold claim while discussing the state of the 2023 Patriots -- who, with a 38-0 loss to New Orleans on Sunday, are now just 1-4.

The former All-Pro said the bad losses are all further proof that Bill Belichick has largely been a failure when Brady is not under center for his teams. In fact, he said it's all showing that TB12 was the one most responsible for the Patriots' dynasties.

"I don't understand why is it such a big drop off when one man leaves the 53-man roster -- why is it such a big dropoff and you can't replace it but you're supposed to be a great coach?" Samuel said.

Samuel, who played for Belichick and alongside Brady from 2003 to 2007, added that he thinks Brady could solve all of this team's woes ... if he just simply showed up.

"I compare this team to the 2015 Super Bowl champions," Samuel said. "I see the same exact team -- it's only minus Tom Brady is the difference. And I can see Tom coming and leading this to the Super Bowl."

He continued, "My point in saying that is Belichick is a guy there that's not providing much for the team. And it's showing over and over and it's getting worse and worse."