The UFC 322 event at Madison Square Garden was supposed to be a showcase of elite MMA talent, but it was a massive brawl involving Dillon Danis and Islam Makhachev’s teammates that stole the spotlight. The incident, which erupted just before the main card began, led to a lifetime ban for Dillon Danis from the UFC, marking a dramatic turn in his controversial career.
The Brawl That Shook UFC 322
The brawl broke out in the crowd, with viral footage capturing multiple men, including fan favorite “John Pork” (real name Magomed Zaynukov), throwing punches at Dillon Danis, Conor McGregor’s former training partner. Danis was eventually escorted out of the venue by police, but the fallout from the incident was far from over. The melee disrupted the broadcast and left fans and fighters alike stunned.
Dana White’s Reaction and Lifetime Ban
During his post-fight press conference, UFC President Dana White addressed the incident with a mix of frustration and accountability. White admitted he was at fault for allowing Danis to remain in the arena despite warnings from security. “I hold myself accountable for that, in fact,” White stated. “They told me Dillon Danis was here, moving around, sitting in fighters’ seats, not his own. I said, ‘If the guy has a ticket, let him sit in his seat, let him keep doing what he’s doing and keep an eye on him.’”
White revealed that he was unaware of the potential for conflict, especially given the presence of Islam Makhachev’s supporters in the front rows. “As soon as it broke out, I was over on the other side, and I go, ‘F—! I know exactly what that is.’ I knew it,” he said. You will not witness Dillon Danis at a UFC fight again. Yeah, you’ll never see him at another fight.”
White declined to press charges against Danis, stating, “This is the fight business, man. I could’ve prevented this tonight, and I messed up.”
Dana White says he blames himself for the massive brawl between Dillon Danis and Team Khabib at UFC 322 😳
“It never even crossed my mind as stupid as that may be that the entire Muslim brotherhood was here in the first 5 rows for Islam” pic.twitter.com/M4AN1A3Auo— FULL SEND MMA (@full_send_mma) November 16, 2025
Dillon Danis’ Recent MMA Comeback
Dillon Danis returned to MMA after a six-year layoff at Misfits 22 in August, where he submitted Warren Spencer in just 15 seconds to become the Misfits light heavyweight MMA champion. His quick victory reignited interest in his career, and he even faced off with Eddie Hall, agreeing to fight the former World’s Strongest Man if Hall could cut down to 300 lbs.
Upcoming Grudge Match
Three months after his UFC 322 ban, Danis has been booked to defend his Misfits MMA belt in a grudge match against Anthony Taylor, a rival he previously brawled with on the streets. The fight is set for the undercard of Andrew Tate’s bout against Chase DeMoor on December 20, adding another layer of drama to Danis’ comeback story.
The Impact on Dillon Danis’ Career
The lifetime ban from the UFC is a significant setback for Dillon Danis, who has been a polarizing figure in the MMA world. Known for his association with Conor McGregor and his outspoken personality, Danis has always courted controversy. The UFC 322 brawl and subsequent ban have further cemented his reputation as a fighter who thrives on drama and confrontation.
What’s Next for Dillon Danis?
Despite the ban, Danis remains active in the MMA scene, with his upcoming grudge match against Anthony Taylor generating considerable buzz. The fight will be a test of his resilience and ability to overcome adversity, both inside and outside the cage. Whether Danis can continue to build his legacy in other promotions remains to be seen, but his journey is far from over.
Conclusion
The UFC 322 brawl and lifetime ban for Dillon Danis have sent shockwaves through the MMA community. As Danis prepares for his next fight, the incident serves as a reminder of the fine line between fame and infamy in the world of combat sports. With his controversial career showing no signs of slowing down, Dillon Danis continues to be a figure of fascination and debate in the MMA world.