NYC Mayor Pledges Accountability for UFC 322 Brawl Fighters
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has promised accountability following a significant brawl at UFC 322, held on November 15 at Madison Square Garden. The incident, which has drawn considerable attention, involved fighters Dillon Danis and several members of Islam Makhachev’s team right before the main card commenced.
Details of the UFC 322 Brawl
During the chaotic scene inside Madison Square Garden, video footage revealed that Danis, a former teammate of Conor McGregor, engaged in a physical altercation with Makhachev’s teammates. The tension has historical roots, as animosity between Danis and Makhachev’s camp dates back to 2017, linked to McGregor’s challenge for the UFC lightweight championship against Makhachev’s mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
City Response to the Incident
- Investigation: Mayor Adams emphasized that the New York Police Department (NYPD) is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.
- Accountability: Adams stated, “These assaults at Madison Square Garden are completely unacceptable.” He assured the public that those responsible would face consequences.
Impact on Fighters
UFC CEO Dana White announced at the post-fight news conference that Dillon Danis would receive a permanent ban from future UFC events. Danis has previously garnered attention for various public altercations and made derogatory posts about Makhachev online leading up to the event.
Involved Parties
- Islam Makhachev: Successfully defended his welterweight championship title during UFC 322.
- Dillon Danis: Involved in the brawl, leading to his ban from UFC events.
- Teammates: Magomed ‘Chanco’ Zaynukov and Abubakar Nurmagomedov played significant roles in the incident.
Despite the UFC’s tendency to move past altercations quickly, the involvement of the city and law enforcement has underscored the severity of this situation. Moving forward, accountability will be key in restoring order and safety at future events.