TMZ Sports - Page 50

UFC welterweight champ Tyron Woodley says he's already punched his ticket to be a UFC Hall of Famer ... but when it comes to Nate Diaz, the man from Stockton ain't exactly a lock.

Woodley broke it down on "The Hollywood Beatdown" -- explaining why he deserves to join MMA greats like Chuck Liddell, Royce Gracie, Ken Shamrock and Ronda Rousey.

So, why not Nate Diaz? Tyron says his resume ain't that impressive -- and if he wants to add "HOF" next to his name, he needs to chalk up a few more MAJOR wins.

Woodley also weighed in on the Hall of Fame chances for Jon Jones, Brock Lesnar, Daniel Cormier and Nick Diaz.

There's more ... Woodley also reveals his favorite story about his old friend, Kimbo Slice, and why he's super excited for the upcoming movie about the late MMA star.

Ben Simmons wasn't texting Tinashe while partying with Kendall Jenner, despite what the singer told photogs ... TMZ has learned.

Ben, Kendall and Tinashe were all at Delilah in West Hollywood Thursday. Ben and Kendall left together, and Tinashe took off with some friends. Our photog asked Tinashe if she and Ben exchanged greetings inside the club and the singer took it one step further, claiming Ben was texting her.

Sources close to Ben tell us Tinashe's texting claim was a flat-out lie. We're told Ben called Tinashe out after seeing our video Friday morning, she admitted she made it up and created unnecessary tension.

The release of Future's new mixtape isn't a jab at baby mama Ciara ... in fact, it's a courtesy move to fellow rapper Drake.

Future dropped his surprise project, "BEASTMODE2," Friday, which also happens to be the same day as Ciara and Russell Wilson's second wedding anniversary. Fans were quick to make a connection between the two events ... and pondered if Future picked the date on purpose.

Sources close to the rapper tell us there was no ill will or planned attack in the mixtape's release. In fact -- it was originally supposed to drop on July 4 -- but Future felt that date was too close to Drake's release of "Scorpion" so he didn't want to compete or mess with Drake's numbers. The two have a long history together -- they've been on tour together and collaborated on an album.

Clifford Rozier -- college basketball star and Golden State Warriors' first-round pick in 1994 -- has died from a heart attack at the age of 45 ... Rozier's brother tells TMZ Sports.

We spoke to Kobie Rozier -- who told us the former Louisville standout went into cardiac arrest two days ago ... and was put on life support. Kobie says Cliff passed away Friday morning in Florida.

Rozier -- a 6-foot-11 center -- was a consensus first-team All-American in '94 (Jason Kidd and Grant Hill also made 1st team) after he averaged 18.1 points and 11.1 rebounds per game with the Cards.

Clifford went on to spend four seasons in the NBA after the Warriors selected him with the No. 16 overall pick in the draft.

UFC star Max Holloway has broken his silence after the medical emergency that forced him to back out of his big fight at UFC 226 this weekend ... and he's vowing to return to the Octagon.

Holloway was hospitalized this week after presenting concussion-like symptoms in the days before he was set to fight Brian Ortega in Vegas. Unclear what caused Max's condition.

But now, Max is speaking out on Twitter ... saying simply, "It was what it was."

Holloway also had a message for fans -- saying he definitely plans to fight again as soon as possible.

"I know this rollercoaster can be frustrating because my team is also on it with you. All I can say is I’m truly sorry and I hope you guys stay buckled in because it is far from being over."

Holloway also shouted out the UFC fighters who offered to fight Ortega in his place.

"Respect to Ortega and his team. Thank you @danawhite and the @UFC staff for making my health priority. Also thank you to [Jeremy Stephens] and [Frankie Edgar] for being about that champ life and stepping up. I see you."

Wanna own a piece of Wayne Gretzky hockey history?! Hope you got $400,000 laying around ...

A game-worn jersey from Wayne's insane record-setting 1979-80 season is hitting the auction block and experts believe the bidding could hit the $400k range.

Remember, Wayne LIT UP the NHL during his first year in the NHL -- scoring 51 goals, leading all 1st-year NHL players in points and assists ... and winning league MVP.

Dude was unreal.

Now, Goldin Auctions has an authentic autographed game-worn uni from that legendary season ... and it's hitting the auction block with a starting price of $125,000.

Of course, Gretzky went on to be the greatest hockey player that ever lived ... his 894 career goals are nearly 100 more than second place on the all-time list!!

Goldin tells TMZ Sports ... they were able to authenticate the jersey, in part, by using photos to match up markings, tears, and other imperfections on the item.

The Colombia national soccer team got one helluva homecoming on Thursday -- with thousands of fans lining up in Bogota to show support -- just days after they were eliminated from the World Cup.

Star players like Falcao and Juan Cuadrado got giant ovations alongside teammates Abel Aguilar, David Ospina and Yerry Mina.

Colombia made it to the Round of 16 -- but, they were ultimately eliminated by England on Tuesday after the match went to penalty kicks.

Disappointing end for Colombia -- but, the team showed heart and resilience and the fans clearly appreciated it.

Jeremy Stephens has a message for Brian Ortega after the UFC star wouldn't take him on in a replacement fight at UFC 226 this weekend: "F*ck you, bitch!"

Yeah, Jeremy ain't happy.

After Max Holloway pulled out of his bout with Ortega this weekend after presenting concussion-like symptoms, Dana White offered the fight to Stephens -- but, Brian turned it down because of the short notice.

That has Jeremy livid ... with the fighter saying Ortega cares more about his hair than actually getting in the Octagon.

"I keep telling this kid, man, if you want to make money, and you want to make a name for yourself and you want to be a champion ... you have to fight," Stephens says.

"Like shut the f*ck up and fight. Ain't nobody caring about your hair, ain't nobody caring about what type of flying moves you're doing. I don't give two sh*ts what you do, let's fight."

Ortega reportedly is holding out for Holloway to get better, so he can fight for the title -- but, Stephens says he's ready for the scrap anytime and anyplace.

TOM BRADY HAS NO CHILL!!!!

The future Hall of Fame quarterback threw a laser AT HIS OWN MOM during a crazy dodgeball game ... and had zero regrets!!!

TB12 was holding a family dodgeball game at the home where they're staying in Montana -- with everyone from Gisele to their kids and other family members (?) ... including Tom's parents.

The balls flew fast and furiously -- people were laughing, but you can tell there's some serious aggression!!

But, the craziest moment was when Tom's mom daintily underhanded a ball at her son to get him out ... and he responded with a 90 mph fastball!!!

Sorry, Mom ... shoulda remembered the 5 Ds of dodgeball -- dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge.

Don't sleep on the Clippers -- so says Patrick Beverley who tells TMZ Sports his "superteam" is better than Golden State AND the Lakers ... if they can stay healthy.

Beverley says he and Avery Bradley are the best two defenders in the HISTORY of the NBA -- "that's like two Gary Paytons playing with each other."

He also says guys like Danilo Gallinari and Tobias Harris could push the Clippers into the upper echelon of the NBA.

As for rumors the Clippers could go after Kawhi Leonard, Beverley says it would be cool to get a star like KL ... but, they don't need him.

LeBron James was FEELIN' HIMSELF in Italy on Friday -- busting out some dance moves while a local band played "I Will Survive" ... and the video is solid!

The Lakers' new $154-million man was relaxing with his wife, Savannah, at a night spot in Capri -- where the house band played the Gloria Gaynor classic.

LeBron fired up a cigar and did a little dancing -- while the other bar patrons pulled out their phones and shot videos and pictures of the King.

James and his wife didn't seem to mind -- by now, they're used to it.

It's funny that everyone else in the club is dressed up in button-up shirts and fancy clothes ... LeBron is wearing sweatpants and a hoodie.

Ronda Rousey became the first female fighter EVER inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame on Thursday -- and proudly told the crowd, "We have changed what it means to fight like a girl."

She's the UFC's first-ever women's champion and defended her belt SIX TIMES during her historic run from 2012 to 2015 ... and, during her speech, thanked the fans for their support.

"Because of you, I am the first woman standing up here accepting this incredible honor," Rousey said ... "May I be the first of many."

"I look around and think, together we built this. This division. This sport. This revolution."

"Together, we have redefined what it means to be strong, to be sexy. We have changed what it means to fight like a girl."

Remember, back in 2011 ... Dana White famously told TMZ Sports he would never sign a woman to a UFC contract -- but, Ronda was so dominant and interesting, she essentially forced his hand to create a women's division.

Now, the women's division -- filled with stars like Amanda Nunes, Cris Cyborg, Holly Holm and others -- is thriving ... and they credit Ronda for opening the door.

Kendall Jenner and boyfriend Ben Simmons showed up to the same club as his ex, Tinashe, and things had to have been weird for everyone, although Tinashe brushed it off like a pro.

All three hung out at Delilah Thursday night in WeHo, but no one stayed out too late, which should be a sign things likely were awkward inside.

We got Kendall and Ben leaving the club first. After they leave, Tinashe follows and gets into her own car only a few minutes behind.

Then came the real shocker -- we ask if she and Ben are getting along, and Tinashe held up her phone. She says Ben was texting her WHILE he was in the club ... presumably right next to Kendall.

Ya can't REALLY blame soccer stars like Neymar for flopping worse than Vlade Divac in the '90s ... because there's a really smart reason behind the fake pain -- so says Trevor Noah.

The 34-year-old 'Daily Show' host is a massive soccer fan -- and has thought long and hard about the flopping epidemic that's taken over the World Cup ... particularly in regards to the Brazilian superstar.

You gotta watch Noah break it down outside of Mastro's Steakhouse in Beverly Hills ... and how he ultimately explains why guys like Neymar will flop to prevent themselves from suffering a major injury.

"Some people overdo it," Noah admits ... "Don't get me wrong. But, I understand where it came from."

A minor league baseball pitcher had the ultimate feather in his cap on Wednesday -- when he caught a bird with his glove ... and wore it on his head!!!

The bird collector is Jesus Cruz -- who plays for the St. Louis Cardinals' minor league affiliate, Peoria Chiefs.

Cruz was exiting the mound after pitching 4.2 innings -- when a little bird flew in his path.

The 23-year-old righty snatched the animal on his way to the dugout ... and when it fell to the ground, he scooped it up into his glove and appeared to say a prayer for his new feathery friend.

It worked ... the bird sprung to life -- so Cruz promptly placed it on top of his head!!

Don't worry ... the bird looked all good after the incident (hopefully, he's okay!).

3:56 PM PT -- A rep for the UFC tells TMZ Sports ... Cormier insists he's "fine" and will be okay to fight on Saturday.

Daniel Cormier slipped and fell while leaving the UFC 226 news conference in Vegas moments ago ... and it looked like he came up limping.

Cormier was getting up from the table after promoting Saturday's fight against Stipe Miocic when he slipped and hit the ground. You can see his championship belt go flying.

Cormier eventually got up and gingerly walked off stage. He returned to the stage minutes later to square off and pose with Stipe.

We're making calls right now to check on DC's health ... stay tuned.