New York: Islam Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has issued a sharp warning to Ilia Topuria, suggesting the featherweight champion could suffer the same consequences as Dillon Danis, who was recently banned for life by UFC CEO Dana White.

The UFC’s annual showcase event at Madison Square Garden delivered several high-profile clashes, but it was an explosive brawl in the stands that dominated headlines. Viral footage captured former Conor McGregor training partner Dillon Danis involved in a heated altercation with Magomed Zaynikov (popularly known as “John Pork”) and other members of Team Khabib, ultimately resulting in Danis being attacked by the group.

Following the incident, Dana White announced a lifetime ban on Danis from all UFC-related activities, citing repeated misconduct and the disruption at the event.

Days after the melee, Abdelaziz appeared on the Believe You Me podcast, where he issued a pointed message to Ilia Topuria, who has been embroiled in a long-running rivalry with Makhachev and his team.

“Honestly, I don’t understand Topuria,” Abdelaziz said. “I’ve met him before—he’s a decent guy. But you haven’t defended your title once. Islam has defended four times. Have a couple of fights, build your legacy, and then Islam will face you—no problem.”

He went on to compare Topuria’s behaviour to Danis and even to Conor McGregor’s trash-talking approach.

“People think they can go online and talk, but one day you’ll meet the same people you talk about. Topuria is in the same situation Dillon Danis was in.”

The comments come shortly after Islam Makhachev’s dominant victory at UFC 322, where he defeated Jack Della Maddalena to claim the welterweight title, becoming a two-division UFC champion and further solidifying his status as one of the sport’s most unstoppable forces.