UFC Bans Dillon Danis Following Brawl at Madison Square Garden

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has banned Dillon Danis from attending future events after his involvement in a brawl at UFC 322, held on March 16, 2024, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The incident occurred just moments before the main card began, which featured UFC champion Islam Makhachev headlining a welterweight title fight against Jack Della Maddalena.

Multiple videos captured the altercation between Danis and several members of Makhachev’s team, including Abubakar Nurmagomedov and Magomed Zaynukov. The chaos unfolded cageside, escalating tensions that had been brewing for some time. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the ban during the post-fight news conference, stating that Danis would “never be welcome at a UFC event again.”

White expressed his disapproval of Danis’s actions, noting, “I was on the other side [of the Octagon] and go, ‘F—, I know exactly what this is.'” His comments reflect the seriousness with which the UFC views such disruptions, particularly during high-stakes events.

Danis, a former training partner of MMA star Conor McGregor, has a history of rivalry with fighters associated with Makhachev’s camp. He was present in McGregor’s corner during the infamous UFC title fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018, a bout marked by intense animosity and personal attacks. Although the rivalry has somewhat diminished over the years, tensions remain high, especially during fight weeks.

Leading up to UFC 322, Danis had made several derogatory comments regarding Makhachev on social media, further aggravating the situation. White’s decision to ban Danis underscores the UFC’s commitment to maintaining a professional environment at its events, especially when they are being broadcast to a global audience.

As the UFC continues to grow in popularity, the organization faces the challenge of balancing the excitement of the sport with the need for decorum. The ban on Danis serves as a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated, ensuring that the focus remains on the athletes and their performances in the Octagon.