When Dillon Danis charged into a crowd of fighters and managers during the opening moments of UFC 322Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2025, he didn’t just break a rule—he shattered the last thread of tolerance the UFC had for his behavior. Within seconds, security personnel and New York Police Department officers were swarming the fighters’ section, pulling combatants apart as bottles flew and fists connected. One security guard was hospitalized with a fractured rib, according to eyewitnesses from Express US Sports. And just like that, Dana White, the 65-year-old president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, made his call: no more Danis. Ever.
The Fight That Wasn’t Supposed to Happen
The brawl erupted just as the pay-per-view main card was about to begin, interrupting the buildup to the night’s biggest bout. Danis, wearing a black hoodie and sunglasses despite the indoor lighting, had been seated near the fighters’ entrance, visibly agitated. Witnesses say he pointed at Abubakar Nurmagomedov, the cousin of retired UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, and shouted something that triggered a physical response. Within moments, Magomed Zaynukov, another fighter linked to the Dagestani camp, lunged forward. Danis didn’t back down. What followed was a chaotic 90-second melee that spilled into the press row and knocked over barricades meant to separate fighters from spectators."I was on the other side," White told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto. "And I go, ‘F—k, I know exactly what this is.’" He didn’t wait for the police report. He didn’t call a meeting. He just walked over, ordered Danis out, and made the decision live on the arena’s internal comms system.
A History of Chaos
This wasn’t Danis’s first rodeo at Madison Square Garden. In October 2018, after Khabib Nurmagomedov defeated Conor McGregor at UFC 229Madison Square Garden, Danis—then part of McGregor’s corner—taunted Khabib from ringside. Khabib jumped the cage, chased him down, and the two exchanged blows before security pulled them apart. Danis was ejected. No ban. Just a warning.Then came November 2021, during UFC 268Madison Square Garden. This time, Danis confronted Ali Abdelaziz, Khabib’s longtime manager and CEO of Dominance MMA Management. Abdelaziz, 56, slapped Danis across the face backstage. Danis responded by shoving him. Security stepped in. Again, no ban. Just a quiet warning.
Now, three incidents in seven years. Three times at the same venue. And this time, White had seen enough.
Why This Time Was Different
Past altercations, while volatile, were contained—mostly between individuals. This time, it became a mob. Fighters from both camps got involved. Cameras caught Abubakar Nurmagomedov swinging a chair. A journalist from Sherdog was hit by a flying water bottle. The chaos lasted long enough for the UFC’s production team to cut away from the broadcast feed."It wasn’t just him being a jerk," said former UFC fighter and analyst Michael Bisping on a post-event podcast. "It was the escalation. The lack of control. The fact that he’s not just a fan—he’s a professional fighter with a platform. And he used it to incite violence. That’s not edgy. That’s dangerous."
The UFC has banned people before—fans, commentators, even managers. But never a reigning champion of a major promotion like Misfits MMA, which Danis won in August 2025 with a 15-second armbar on Warren Spencer. This ban isn’t just about one night. It’s about setting a line: even the most famous fighters aren’t above the rules.
What Happens Now?
Danis still holds the Misfits MMA title. He’s scheduled to defend it against Anthony Taylor on December 20, 2025, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. That event will proceed as planned. Misfits MMA, which operates outside the UFC’s jurisdiction, has yet to comment.But the ripple effects are already spreading. Fighters who once saw Danis as a charismatic provocateur are now distancing themselves. "He’s a liability," said one unnamed UFC fighter on condition of anonymity. "You don’t want to be seen with him at a weigh-in. You don’t want your name tied to his drama."
Meanwhile, the UFC is reviewing its crowd-access protocols. Sources say they’re considering biometric scans for fighters’ entourages and stricter seating zones. The organization also faces mounting pressure from New York State athletic regulators, who are investigating whether the venue’s security failed to prevent a foreseeable incident.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just about Danis. It’s about the culture of MMA. For years, the sport has celebrated the rebel—the guy who talks trash, who stirs the pot, who lives on the edge. But when that edge turns into violence that endangers staff, journalists, and other fighters, the sport has to choose: chaos or control.White’s decision signals that control has won. And for the first time in over a decade, the UFC is drawing a hard line—not just against fans, but against its own stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this ban affect Dillon Danis’s career outside the UFC?
Danis remains the reigning Misfits MMA champion and is scheduled to defend his title in Dubai on December 20, 2025. Since Misfits MMA operates independently of the UFC, his ban doesn’t impact his eligibility there. However, his reputation has suffered among other promotions, and major events like Bellator or ONE Championship may now avoid signing him due to the association with uncontrolled violence.
What led to the UFC’s sudden zero-tolerance policy?
The UFC has long tolerated Danis’s behavior because of his drawing power and media presence. But the November 15, 2025 brawl crossed a line: it involved multiple fighters, injured staff, and disrupted a global broadcast. With the UFC preparing for a potential public listing and increased corporate oversight, White could no longer afford the reputational risk.
Who is Abubakar Nurmagomedov, and why was he involved?
Abubakar Nurmagomedov is the younger cousin of retired UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and a rising prospect in the Russian MMA circuit. He’s been part of Team Khabib’s inner circle since 2020 and has trained alongside top Dagestani fighters like Magomed Zaynukov. His involvement in the brawl was likely fueled by years of tension stemming from Danis’s past taunts toward Khabib and his camp.
Could Danis ever return to a UFC event?
Under current policy, no. Dana White’s ban is permanent and applies to all UFC-owned events, including UFC Fight Nights, UFC Apex shows, and international events. Even if Danis apologizes publicly, the UFC has shown no precedent for reversing such bans—especially when they involve violence against staff or other fighters. His only path back would be through a third-party mediation, which White has ruled out.
What’s the difference between being ejected and being banned?
Ejection means you’re removed from the venue for that night—usually with a warning. A ban means you’re permanently barred from attending any future UFC events, even as a spectator. Danis has been ejected twice before. This is his first lifetime ban, making it one of the most severe disciplinary actions in UFC history against a fighter with active status.
How did fans and fighters react to the ban?
Fan reactions were split: some praised White for finally enforcing order; others called it hypocritical, noting that UFC has ignored similar behavior from other fighters. Fighters like Israel Adesanya and TJ Grant publicly supported the decision, calling Danis’s actions "unprofessional" and "embarrassing." Meanwhile, social media posts from Dagestani fighters praised Abubakar Nurmagomedov’s response as "protecting family honor."