“Attacks at the tournament are absolutely unacceptable. The New York Police Department is conducting a full investigation, and all those responsible will be punished,” Adams wrote on his social media page on X.
The incident at UFC 322 occurred between members of Islam Makhachev's team (specifically, Abubakar Nurmagomedov and Magomed Zainukov. — Note from “Championship”) and American fighter Dillon Danis, who had repeatedly insulted Makhachev and his team on social media.
The UFC 322 tournament took place on the night of November 16 at Madison Square Garden, where Islam Makhachev became the first Russian to win a championship title in two weight classes. The event was memorable not only for its spectacular fights but also for a mass brawl that occurred among the spectators.
The conflict began when Danis, known for his provocations, attended the event despite his recent insults directed at Makhachev and his team. He openly stated his intention to “accept any challenges” from UFC fighters.
As a result, a fight broke out involving, among others, Magomed Zainukov and Abubakar Nurmagomedov. The conflict escalated to such an extent that security had to intervene. Zainukov managed to hit Danis several times before the situation was brought under control. Hunter Campbell was also involved in the altercation, pulling Nurmagomedov away.
After the incident, security escorted Danis out of the arena, and the other participants in the fight were also removed from watching the tournament. Later, Dana White, the president of UFC, stated that Danis would no longer be allowed at tournaments, acknowledging his part in the incident:
“I am to blame for this situation. I was informed that Danis came to the tournament and sat in seats designated for UFC fighters. I didn’t think that this could cause a conflict since there were fans nearby supporting Islam. As soon as the noise started, I realized what was happening. You will never see Danis at UFC events again. I could have prevented this, but I didn’t.”
Danis has a long history of conflict with Dagestani fighters, particularly with Khabib Nurmagomedov, with whom he had an incident in 2018. He has openly expressed his hatred for Dagestanis and has repeatedly stated his desire to fight Makhachev: “Let me meet him — he hit me in the cage seven times, and I never sued the UFC for that.”
Dana White has repeatedly raised the issue of not wanting to sign Danis due to his problematic behavior: “Every time he’s around, something happens. This is unacceptable at our events.”
Islam Makhachev also commented on the incident: “Danis got what he deserved. If you say what he said, you must be ready for the consequences. Yes, he has been banned from UFC tournaments, but he should also be banned from visiting our country.”
As for the consequences for the participants in the fight, particular concern surrounds Zainukov, as he is an active UFC fighter. Recall that Arman Tsarukyan was banned for nine months for a minor incident with a fan, so it is possible that Zainukov may also face sanctions. Other participants in the fight who do not compete in the UFC may receive a temporary ban from attending tournaments, but this is not as critical for their careers. Danis will likely continue his attempts to attract attention, portraying the incident as a heroic story.
