Dillon Danis Banned from UFC After Violent Brawl at MSG

UPDATE: The UFC has officially banned Dillon Danis from all future events following a violent brawl at UFC 322 in Madison Square Garden on October 14, 2023. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the ban during a post-fight press conference, declaring that Danis would “never” be allowed at a UFC event again after his altercation with members of UFC champion Islam Makhachev‘s team.

The incident erupted just moments before the main card began, which featured Makhachev defending his welterweight title against Jack Della Maddalena. Footage from the event shows Danis embroiled in a scuffle with Makhachev’s teammates, Abubakar Nurmagomedov and Magomed Zaynukov, escalating tensions that have simmered since their rivalry began.

White stated, “I was on the other side [of the Octagon] and went, ‘F—, I know exactly what this is,’” indicating the chaotic nature of the brawl. While he confirmed that no charges would be pressed against Danis, the CEO’s strong words leave no doubt about the severity of the incident and Danis’s future with the UFC.

This ban marks a significant turn for Danis, who was once a training partner of MMA superstar Conor McGregor. Danis has been at the center of controversy before, notably during the heated rivalry between McGregor and Nurmagomedov, which culminated in a notorious brawl in Las Vegas in 2018 when McGregor lost to Nurmagomedov.

The environment surrounding UFC events is already charged, and incidents like this threaten to overshadow the athletes’ performances and the integrity of the sport. Danis’s social media posts mocking Makhachev during fight week likely fueled the flames leading to the altercation.

As the UFC moves forward from this chaotic event, fans and fighters alike will be watching closely to see how the organization handles security and behavior protocols at future events. With tensions high, the incident at Madison Square Garden serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of mixed martial arts and the thin line between rivalry and violence.

For the latest on UFC developments and reactions to this shocking ban, stay tuned as we continue to monitor this story.