MMA Fighter Who Punched Dillon Danis Reveals What Started Brawl at UFC 322

The MMA fighter who punched Dillon Danis before a mass brawl ensued at UFC 322 has finally revealed why he struck the American.

UFC 322 was eventful for more than one reason, with blows being exchanged both inside and outside of the octagon.

In the main event of the evening, Islam Makhachev became a two-weight world champion by dominating Jack Della Maddalena and, in doing so, was crowned UFC welterweight champion. Just 10 other fighters have achieved the feat.

Earlier in the night, Britain’s Leon Edwards suffered a knockout defeat against Carlo Prates. The loss was Edwards’ third in a row, which has now left the future of his career in doubt.

And despite it being a thoroughly entertaining event inside the octagon, the contests were somewhat overshadowed by unsavoury scenes in the crowd.

MMA fighter and Conor McGregor’s former training partner, Danis, became embroiled in a physical altercation with several members of Makhachev’s team ahead of the main event.

After the event, UFC president Dana White said that “you will never see Dillon Danis at a UFC fight ever again”, meaning he is effectively banned for life.

Danis, 32, boasts a professional MMA record of three wins from three bouts, having competed on MisFits and Bellator cards.

The 32-year-old also fought Logan Paul in a professional boxing match in Manchester back in 2023, but lost via disqualification after attempting an MMA-style guillotine choke before a mass brawl broke out.

But what was the catalyst for his most recent brawl?

Well, most fans thought it was related to the ongoing bad blood between Team Khabib and Danis, which dates back to the Russian’s 2018 bout with McGregor, for which the American was in the Irishman’s corner.

Danis broke his silence by posting a photograph of himself being restrained by security alongside another snap of WWE legend 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin in the same position. The caption read: “They’re the same picture.”

A member of Makhachev’s team has also since spoken out.

Magomed Zaynukov – otherwise known as ‘Chanco’ – offered his thoughts during an interview with Red Corner MMA.

The MMA fighter, who boasts a pro record of 8-0, revealed that Danis was the sole target of the attack before adding that “it’s not enough for him”.

“He should’ve got more,” he said. “In terms of what he’s done, it’s not much. That type of thing can’t be forgiven.”

“You have to be responsible for that. That’s our way of life. If you said something, you’ve got to be responsible for your words.”

Both McGregor and Danis made distasteful remarks about Khabib’s religious beliefs and culture before the UFC 229 main event.

“We have such stereotypes that you said, you have to answer for your words,” Chanco added.

“But it’s for them, you see. I don’t know how they live here. What they want to say can hurt the family, and for them, it’s nothing. But for us, every word is sacred, and you have to answer for it.”