A Night of Mayhem at Madison Square Garden
UFC 322 was supposed to be a celebration of combat sports inside Madison Square Garden. Instead, the event erupted into headline-making chaos when a massive brawl broke out cageside—prompting UFC CEO Dana White to step in and accept responsibility. In his own words, “I blame myself for that, actually.” Dana White Takes Blame for UFC 322 Chaos.
White revealed during the post-fight press conference that, before the main card even began, he was informed Dillon Danis was inside the arena—but not sitting in his assigned seat. Danis has a notorious history with UFC crowds, including the wild post-fight melee at UFC 229 that involved Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor’s camp. Suspended, fined, disqualified in boxing, and constantly surrounded by controversy, Danis’ presence spelled trouble.
How It All Escalated
According to White, security asked if Danis should be removed. There was also another problem brewing: a retired UFC veteran nearby was loudly threatening to attack Danis “on site.” Still, White allowed Danis to remain in his seat under close watch.
What White didn’t anticipate? The first five rows were filled with members of Islam Makhachev’s team—Muslim teammates and friends of Nurmagomedov—who had clashed with Danis years earlier.
White later admitted the situation was a powder keg waiting for a match:
“It never even crossed my mind, as stupid as this could be, that the entire Muslim brotherhood was here tonight in the first five rows for Islam.”
Moments later, fists flew. Cameras caught Danis igniting a scuffle with Makhachev teammates Abubakar Nurmagomedov and Magomed Zaynukov just before the main card kicked off. The scene instantly went viral.
Dana White’s Final Verdict
White quickly recognized what was happening from across the arena:
“As soon as it broke out… I go, ‘I know exactly what that is.’ And yeah, you’ll never see Dillon Danis at a UFC fight ever again.”
Though White won’t press charges, his message was clear—Danis’ time with the UFC crowd is officially over.
Dillon Danis: MMA’s Most Controversial Wildcard
Danis, a former Bellator fighter and current MF MMA Light Heavyweight Champion, has only three professional MMA fights—but his headline count rivals that of superstars. From legal trouble and cryptocurrency scandals to public feuds and heated fight-night altercations, he has built a brand on chaos.
Now banned from UFC events, Danis remains active in MMA and boxing. But after UFC 322, one thing is certain.
