Massive Brawl Erupts at UFC 322, Fighter Receives Lifetime Ban [WATCH]

A chaotic scene unfolded at UFC 322 inside Madison Square Garden when a cage-side altercation broke out involving jiu-jitsu world champion Dillon Danis.

The incident occurred during Saturday’s event as fights were taking place inside the octagon.

Danis, known as a training partner of Conor McGregor, became involved in a physical confrontation with members of Islam Makhachev’s team.

During the exchange, Danis received several punches to the back of the head, which appeared to be thrown by Magomed Zaynukov.

UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell and multiple security officials attempted to intervene and separate the groups.

Security ultimately apprehended Danis and removed him from the area.

At the post-fight press conference, UFC President Dana White stated that Danis was not present at the event in any official capacity.

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White explained that Danis had purchased a ticket and was not invited by the promotion.

The situation escalated earlier in the night when Danis began moving between different seats.

White expressed significant frustration over the incident.

“Dillon Danis will never be at a UFC event ever again,” White said, calling it a lifetime ban.

When asked whether Danis might ever have an opportunity to fight in the promotion, White dismissed the idea immediately. “[He starts trouble] among a lot of other things,” he added.

White also said he had been alerted that Danis was present when former welterweight title challenger Jorge Masvidal confronted him, stating that he was going to fight Danis.

According to White, he should have stepped in at that moment, acknowledging there was longstanding tension between Danis and members of Makhachev’s team.

During the confrontation, one of Danis’ red shoes was knocked off and sent across the area.

Danis appeared to retrieve it after the brawl was broken up.

Abubakar Nurmagomedov, a cousin of UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, also appeared to be involved in the commotion.

MASSIVE BRAWL breaks out cageside at #UFC322 with Dillon Danis and others in the fighter section.

@mikebohn pic.twitter.com/djgEcCdGRt

— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) November 16, 2025

There is a lengthy history of disputes between Danis and members of the Nurmagomedov and Makhachev teams.

Danis was part of McGregor’s inner circle during the buildup to the UFC 229 fight, which ended with Khabib submitting McGregor.

After the bout, Khabib threw his mouthguard toward Danis before leaping over the cage and sparking a large-scale melee involving coaches, teammates, and officials.

McGregor and Danis were central figures in that rivalry, which extended across members of the Nurmagomedov family, Makhachev, and representatives associated with both fighters.

Danis is not under contract with the UFC. He has been competing in regional organizations while attempting to earn an opportunity with the promotion.

He previously told The Post that he remained in regular communication with the UFC regarding a potential debut.

Danis holds a 2-0 professional record and last competed in August, securing a first-round submission victory over Warren Spencer with a guillotine choke.

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