NEW YORK: UFC CEO Dana White has announced a lifetime ban on controversial MMA fighter Dillon Danis following an explosive altercation with members of Islam Makhachev’s team during UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.
Although the annual New York event delivered a blockbuster main card, attention shifted outside the Octagon when footage went viral showing Danis involved in a heated confrontation with Magomed Zaynikov, popularly known as ‘John Pork’, and other affiliates of Team Khabib.
Security rapidly intervened and Danis was escorted from the arena by police after the situation escalated.
White later confirmed during the post-event press conference that Danis would no longer be welcome at any future UFC-hosted show.
Taking responsibility for allowing Danis to remain inside the venue after being informed of his presence, White said:
“I blame myself for that, actually… They told me he was here, moving around and sitting in fighters’ seats. I said, if he has a ticket, let him sit where he’s supposed to and keep an eye on him.”
White then issued a clear verdict:
“You will never see Dillon Danis at a UFC fight ever again.”
He further revealed he refused to press charges despite the commotion, stating:
“This is the fight business… I could’ve prevented this tonight, and I messed up.”
Meanwhile, the UFC 322 main event saw Islam Makhachev defeat former welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision, making him a two-division UFC champion.
