UFC Bans Dillon Danis Following Brawl at UFC 322
The Ultimate Fighting Championship has permanently banned Dillon Danis, a former associate of MMA star Conor McGregor, from attending future events following a physical altercation with members of champion Islam Makhachev’s team.
The incident occurred on Saturday, November 16, 2025, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, immediately before the main card of UFC 322, headlined by Makhachev’s welterweight title defense against Jack Della Maddalena. Multiple videos circulating online depict Danis engaged in a scuffle with Abubakar Nurmagomedov and Magomed Zaynukov, both teammates of Makhachev.
Escalation of a Long-Standing Rivalry
The banishment comes as no surprise given the history between the involved parties. Danis was present in McGregor’s corner during the infamous 2018 bout against Khabib Nurmagomedov in Las Vegas, a fight marred by a post-fight brawl that saw Nurmagomedov leave the Octagon to confront Danis and his team. Leading up to that contest, McGregor made controversial statements regarding Nurmagomedov’s family and religion, fueling intense animosity.
While the direct rivalry between McGregor and Nurmagomedov has diminished over time, the connection remains through their respective teams. Nurmagomedov and Makhachev have a long-standing training relationship, and Danis reportedly intensified tensions during fight week by posting critical comments about Makhachev on social media.
UFC Response and Legal Considerations
UFC CEO Dana White addressed the situation at the postfight news conference, stating, “I was on the other side [of the Octagon] and go, ‘F—, I know exactly what this is.’” White unequivocally declared, “You will never see Dillon Danis at a UFC fight ever again.”
Despite the severity of the altercation, White confirmed that the UFC would not be pursuing criminal charges against Danis. This decision suggests the organization is prioritizing a swift resolution and a clear message regarding acceptable conduct at its events.
Implications for Danis and the UFC
The ban effectively closes the door on any potential future involvement for Danis within the UFC ecosystem. While Danis has not competed in mixed martial arts since 2019, his presence at events, particularly those involving McGregor or Nurmagomedov’s team, has consistently generated controversy.
This incident underscores the UFC’s commitment to maintaining order and security at its events, particularly in light of past incidents. The organization is likely to review its security protocols to prevent similar confrontations in the future. .
The fallout from this event serves as a stark reminder of the deep-seated animosity that can exist within the world of combat sports and the potential for escalation when personal rivalries collide.
