TMZ Sports - Page 50

Tito Ortiz says he's IN for a rematch with Chael Sonnen -- telling TMZ Sports, "I'm gonna pummel him for 3 rounds."

The two have been going back and forth on social media -- but Tuesday night in L.A., 43-year-old Ortiz told us the fight is definitely gonna happen ... "most likely with Bellator, Scott Coker will make the deal."

It's interesting considering Tito just fought Chuck Liddell under the Golden Boy MMA banner -- and said partnering with Oscar De La Hoya would be the way to go in the future.

But, it seems those plans are out the window ... and he's reuniting with Bellator.

FYI, Tito fought Chael back in Jan. 2017 at Bellator 170 -- and won by rear naked choke in the 1st round.

This time, Tito says he's got more violent plans for his 41-year-old nemesis.

"I'm gonna smash Chael," Ortiz said ... "I'm not gonna choke him. I'm not gonna submit him. I'm gonna smash him."

Ortiz says he'd like the fight to go down at Madison Square Garden in New York -- where legends like Muhammad Ali have fought in the past.

This is how it started last time ...

Floyd Mayweather came face-to-face with Manny Pacquiao at an NBA game on Tuesday -- begging the question ... are they finally going to rematch?!

Manny was a VIP guest during "Filipino Heritage Night" at the L.A. Clippers game at Staples Center ... where Floyd happened to be sitting in his usual courtside seats.

By the way, Floyd chartered his private jet from Vegas to L.A. specifically for the Clippers game -- and then flew back immediately after it ended.

Seems the point of the trip was less about taking in the game and more about that photo op with Manny to hype a potential rematch ... a rematch they've been talking about for months.

Remember, back in January 2015, Floyd and Manny had a similar face-off at the Miami Heat game -- where they exchanged numbers and really kicked the negotiations into high gear.

They ultimately fought in May 2015 ... with Floyd getting the dub in a pretty underwhelming 12-round snoozefest.

Manny has a big fight coming up against Adrien Broner on Jan. 19 -- but he's previously told us he wants Floyd after he gets through AB.

As for Floyd, he just pummeled Tenshin Nasukawa in a bizarre New Year's Eve exhibition match in Japan ... and while many question if Tenshin took a dive, Floyd looked pretty good.

As for the game ... Clips beat the Charlotte Hornets 128-109.

The NFL and NFLPA both say Eric Reid was NOT targeted for excess drug tests as a punishment for kneeling ... claiming they have PROOF the process was truly random.

The Carolina Panthers safety is currently suing the NFL for collusion -- claiming owners blackballed him (along with Colin Kaepernick) for taking a knee during the national anthem -- and believes the 7 drug tests he was forced to take in 11 weeks this season was payback.

"That has to be statistically impossible," Reid told reporters last month ... "I'm not a mathematician, but there's no way that's right."

But, in a joint statement released by the league and the NFL Player's Association on Wednesday ... both say, "Mr. Reid's tests were randomly generated via computer algorithm" and "his selection for testing was normal."

"There is no evidence of targeting or any other impropriety with respect to his selection for testing."

The league and the player's association added, "We take any claim questioning the integrity of our collectively bargained performance-enhancing drug policy seriously."

So far, no comment from Reid -- guessing we'll hear from him soon.

This counts as being humble ... right?

Terrell Owens ran into Jerry Rice at the airport Tuesday night -- and ADMITTED that #80 is the greatest wide receiver of all time ... even better than #81.

Hey, it's obvious to most people ... but hearing it come from T.O.'s own mouth is a big deal from a guy who once proclaimed, "I love me some me!"

During the encounter, Owens said ... "I know I'm great. But, I've always said there's only one person better than me at the pigskin and guess who that guy is?!"

Owens added, "You heard it here from the horse's mouth. He's #1. I'm always gonna be 1A, Anybody else they can be #2."

Both guys had pretty solid NFL careers -- Owens ended up with more than 1,000 receptions, 15,934 yards and 153 TDs.

Rice had 1,549 career catches, 22,895 yards and 197 TDs.

Ryan Garcia is one of the fastest rising stars in boxing ... with a 17-0 record and a huge contract with Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions.

But, what he REALLY wants ... is a date with Selena Gomez!!

"She's single so lemme shoot my shot," the 20-year-old told us ... "Lemme take you out!"

Garcia even gave a pitch to Gomez ... saying, "I would protect you, you know!?"

He's right ... dude's got a lethal left hook and has been obliterating opponents since he turned pro at 17 years old back in 2016.

Since then, Garcia has developed a huge following -- with 1.7 million followers on Instagram! He's also starring in a new series "On the Ropes" produced by the Brat digital studio. Dude's killing it right now.

Garcia tells TMZ Sports he's working on closing a deal for his next fight in March -- but he's also seriously interested in fighting Tenshin Nasukawa ... the guy who got beat up by Floyd Mayweather.

"He should fight me," Garcia says ... while making his case for why the two 20-year-olds would actually be an entertaining matchup.

Long story short ... they're more equally matched in size and experience -- but Garcia says the outcome will be the same ... Tenshin gets KO'd.

Adrianne Haslet -- who lost her left leg in the '13 Boston Marathon bombing -- is recovering after undergoing an 8-hour surgery to rebuild her left side after being hit by a car on Saturday.

As we previously reported, Haslet -- who's been training for the 2019 Boston Marathon -- was hit while crossing the street around 7:15 PM by a driver making a left turn.

Haslet has undergone multiple procedures -- and says she's still pretty groggy after a major operation on Monday, where doctors "put in a bunch of metal plates and screws trying to rebuild ... because my entire left side was shattered."

She hasn't gone into specifics about her injuries -- but, obviously, it's bad.

Haslet says she's not certain if she'll be able to run again -- and admits she's too afraid to ask the doctors for a prognosis.

That said ... if there's anyone who's tough enough to bounce back from this tragedy -- it's Adrianne.

Remember, back in 2016 ... after she was fitted with a prosthetic leg, Haslet decided she was going to complete the Boston Marathon to prove as a way of turning tragedy into triumph.

Even Tom Brady was impressed at the time ... saying, "Adrianne thank you for being my inspiration!! #BostonStrong"

USC head coach Clay Helton says there's no hard feelings with Kliff Kingsbury for leaving the coaching staff to take an NFL head coaching job ... saying he doesn't blame the guy for jumping ship.

Of course, Kliff -- who was fired from Texas Tech -- signed a contract to become USC's offensive coordinator just last month ... only to back out this week when the Arizona Cardinals expressed interest.

Kliff officially signed with the Cards on Tuesday -- and his short-lived boss, Clay Helton, finally broke his silence about all of the drama that's been going down behind the scenes.

"I am happy for Kliff," Helton said in a statement.

"Any time you get an opportunity to be an NFL head coach, it is special. He is a talented coach, that’s why we brought him here. I wish him nothing but the best."

Helton continued ... "USC has always attracted the best coaches in the country from all levels. We will spend the upcoming weeks finding the best possible fit for USC and our program."

Great news for CC Sabathia ... the Yankees ace has been officially cleared to work out after undergoing heart surgery last month.

ICYMI --the Cy Young winner needed an angioplasty to unblock an artery back in December after experiencing acid reflux, heartburn and other symptoms.

At the time, team officials say Sabathia could have suffered a heart attack if he did not seek help.

The surgery was a success ... and after a follow-up stress test on Tuesday, the team announced Sabathia has been cleared to workout and resume baseball activities after.

Joe Namath is keepin' it classy when it comes to Alabama losing in the National Championship game -- congratulating Clemson for simply outplaying his alma mater.

"Never like losing," Namath said on his way out of CBS in New York ... "We got outplayed and that's the way it goes."

"Congratulations to Clemson."

Namath says the 44 to 16 loss to Clemson wasn't exactly heartbreaking -- probably because Bama has won FIVE national titles since 2009 ... not bad.

By the way, Namath was a beast at Bama back in the day ... starting at QB for the Tide in 1962 (as a sophomore) under legendary head coach Bear Bryant.

Sen. Lindsey Graham is in such a good mood after his home state Clemson Tigers won the national championship ... he's inviting Democrats to call him up to make a deal to end the shutdown!

In fact, the Senator from South Carolina says he's INSPIRED by the Tigers -- saying the way they came together as a team is a lesson for Congress on the whole.

"Remember that to be successful you have to be a team .. and so, I'm gonna take that attitude about trying to bring the Congress together."

Graham says he's still gung-ho about finding a way to fund the border wall -- and it seems he's willing to work with Democrats when it comes to the Dream Act.

"There's a deal to be had ... secure that border with a wall component, help the Dream Act population [and others] who have been here for decades who are about to lose their legal status and do some legal reforms and call it a day."

"There's a deal to be had so let's go get it ... and after the football game, I'm in a good mood, so if you're a Democrat, give me a call."

Devon Still says he's rooting hard for Marvin Lewis to get another shot to coach in the NFL -- telling TMZ Sports he'll always be grateful to Lewis for helping to save his daughter's life.

Remember, it was Lewis who kept Still on the Cincinnati Bengals roster back in 2014 when his daughter Leah was battling cancer ... so she could keep the team health insurance coverage.

The story made national news -- and people from all over the country bought Still's Bengals jersey to show their support for Devon, Leah and the Bengals organization. It was an amazing thing.

The good news ... we got Still out in New York with 8-year-old Leah -- who's been cancer-free for 4 YEARS! It's an amazing story and Devon tells us he'll always be grateful for his former coach.

"He did a lot for me and my family during a time where I really couldn't do nothing for that organization," Still says ... "So, I definitely want to see him fall on his feet."

Lewis got the ax in Cinci last month after 16 years with the organization. The 60-year-old has suggested that he wants to continue coaching.

Still has chronicled Leah's battle in his new book "Still In the Game" -- in which he describes how he handled the pain and stress of watching his daughter fight for her life.

"I basically wanted to share my playbook that I taught my daughter how to beat cancer with, so people can overcome the struggles they're facing in their life."

How 'bout them Cowboys!?

Jerry Jones just bought himself one of the sickest yachts we've ever seen -- 357 feet long with TWO helipads and a gym ... and a reported price tag of $250 MILLION!!!!

The ship is called "Bravo Eugenia" -- which the 76-year-old billionaire named after his wife, Gene Jones. It was built in the Netherlands and delivered to Jones on Dec. 20 ... an early Christmas present.

The ship can hold 14 guests with 30 members ... and has all the bells and whistles you'd expect.

Fun features include a steam room, full gym, massage room, plunge pool, rain shower and a storage area for all of the cool water toys Jones decides to take out to sea.

The interior is also top of the line -- featuring light woods and lacquered surfaces.

One of the designers, Pascale Reymond, issued a statement on his work ... saying, "We worked very closely with the Owner to find the perfect artisans and craftsmen in creating bespoke artworks, fabrics and signature furniture pieces that reflect the Owner's style and essence and combine to create a warm, inviting environment for all on board."

Trevor Lawrence's girlfriend landed a winner ... and she knew it 2 YEARS AGO ... 'cause she predicted her man would win the national championship back in 2017!!!!

The freshman Clemson star has been dating college soccer player Marissa Mowry since early 2016 ... and while we were doing some research on the dreamy QB's lady, we came across this prophecy from January 9, 2017:

"Two more years then you'll be a National Champ😉 #GoTigers"

Not only was Marissa right ... but the fact that Trevor beat out Kelly Bryant to take over the starting gig as a true freshman and lead the Tigers over Bama in the title game makes this just. plain. FREAKY.

The prediction was bold ... but the confidence in her man was justified -- Trevor was considered one of the greatest high school QB prospects ever.

We've reached out to Marissa for comment (and some lottery numbers) ... so far, no word back.

The Governor of Kentucky HATES Lil Wayne -- and seemed disgusted someone would book the rapper to perform with Imagine Dragons at the college football National Championship game.

Weezy joined the rock band during the halftime show of the Clemson vs. Alabama game and performed 2 songs -- first, he did "Uproar" followed by a rap verse in the Imagine Dragons hit "Believer."

Most people LOVED the "Believer" verse ... but not Gov. Matt Bevin, who went to social media to vent about how much he hated the performance.

"Way to ruin an entertaining @Imaginedragons half-time concert with the weird rantings of a tired, has-been like @LilTunechi," Bevin said.

"One act still rising...The other, not so much."

Damn, Gov!

Some Weezy supporters have fired back at Bevin on Twitter, saying things like ...

"Well if there's anyone who knows weird, tired rantings when they see 'em, it's you."

And ... "Imagine me draggin’ deez nutz across yo face."

Good times.

The biggest critique of Wayne's performance was his outfit -- jackets on jackets on jackets ... with a striped scarf, floppy hat and big Elton John sunglasses.

So far, no response from Wayne.

DABO DANCE MOVES ARE BACK!!!

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney pulled a page outta BlocBoy JB's book to celebrate winning it all on Monday night ... bringing out his "shoot" dance -- and his players totally lost it!!

Clemson shocked Alabama by whoopin' the Tide 44-16 in the College Football Playoff National Championship ... and the Tigers capped off the win with a dance party for the ages.

Dabo's been known to get loose after Clemson dubs ... and already had the "dab" and "hit dem folk" in his repertoire.

But, this one had to be even better than his other moves, and the dude didn't disappoint.

Of course, there was more shade towards new Bama fan, Drake ... as the team jumped around and chanted his song, "Big Rings."

Charging into the ring in a "Mean Gene-O-Mania" shirt, Hulk Hogan grabbed the mic on 'Raw' Monday night, and gave a 5-minute tribute to his longtime friend, "Mean" Gene Okerlund.

"You know something guys, I came out here wide open tonight in character because that's exactly the way 'Mean' Gene woulda wanted it," Hogan told the crowd at the Amway Center in Orlando.

"I want to let all you guys know, 'Mean' Gene loved entertaining, and he loved entertaining everybody here in the WWE universe."

"I love you, 'Mean' Gene. I miss you."

The crowd began to chant, "Thank You, 'Mean' Gene" ... Hulk stopped his rant to listen.

That's when Hulk began shouting out other fallen WWE superstars -- saying Gene is no doubt in heaven orchestrating a tag match with Macho Man Randy Savage and Ultimate Warrior taking on Rowdy Roddy Piper and Mr. Perfect ... with Andre the Giant as the guest ref.

Hogan closed out his tribute with a trademark Hoganism ...

"Whatcha gonna do when 'Mean' Gene-O-Mania runs wild on you, brother?"

'Mean' Gene passed away on January 2 after battling health issues for months. He was 76.

R.I.P.