Complete disorder engulfed UFC 322 when jiu-jitsu world champion Dillon Danis initiated a violent cage-side clash with members of Islam Makhachev's team, resulting in security intervention as multiple strikes were delivered to Danis' head by Magomed Zaynukov while UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell attempted separation, New York Post reported. UFC President Dana White disclosed at the post-event press conference that Danis purchased his own ticket after the promotion declined to invite him, and issues commenced when Danis began moving between seating locations, according to New York Post.
White announced that "Dillon Danis will never be at a UFC event ever again," implementing a permanent prohibition while dismissing any possibility of Danis competing for the organization, stating he "starts trouble among a lot of other things," New York Post noted. White revealed he received alerts about Danis' presence when former welterweight title challenger Jorge Masvidal approached declaring intentions to confront Danis, and acknowledged he should have intervened given existing hostilities between Danis and Makhachev's associates, according to New York Post.
Throughout the confrontation, one of Danis' red shoes flew through the air before he recovered it, while Abubakar Nurmagomedov – cousin of UFC icon Khabib Nurmagomedov – participated in the disorder amid long-standing animosity between these groups.
Islam Makhachev says Dillon Danis got his comeuppance in the #UFC322 brawl.
"He say a lot of bad things about our team. ... He should be banned from his country also." pic.twitter.com/otOi5g0EWa
– MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) November 16, 2025
"You will never see Dillon Danis at a UFC fight ever again." - Dana White, reacting to the brawl at the post-fight presser #UFC322 https://t.co/zgy9gwEsfv
– Matthew Wells (@MrMWells) November 16, 2025
The conflict's roots extend to UFC 229, when Khabib submitted Conor McGregor then extracted his mouthguard and hurled it at Danis before vaulting the barrier to spark another notorious melee, New York Post reported. McGregor and Danis served as partial instigators of hostilities involving numerous Nurmagomedov family members, Makhachev, and representatives of both fighters.
Danis hasn't competed within the UFC, instead participating in smaller-scale promotions while seeking an opportunity to join the organization. Danis informed New York Post previously that he maintained regular communication with the UFC regarding joining the organization.
Makhachev fulfilled his two-division championship ambitions Saturday by overwhelming Jack Della Maddalena through five rounds at UFC 322 in Madison Square Garden, securing the welterweight title with judges scoring 50-45 unanimously, ESPN reported. The victory marked Makhachev's 16th consecutive win, matching Anderson Silva's UFC milestone, while the Russian fighter accumulated 19 minutes and 10 seconds of control time against the Australian champion. "This is the dream," Makhachev said, according to ESPN. "All my life I've fought for this. I worked hard for this moment."
Della Maddalena entered with determination following an undefeated streak since 2016's early career losses and May's title-winning performance against Belal Muhammad, yet Makhachev's suffocating grappling – initiated seconds into the bout with an immediate takedown – neutralized every offensive attempt, ESPN stated. The Russian's strategic calf kicks compromised Della Maddalena's mobility while superior top control kept the 18-3 champion grounded and defensive. "My life has changed," Makhachev said of moving to welterweight, per ESPN. "I didn't have to cut weight. I can do what I want. It made this night easy."
Makhachev's comprehensive dominance produced 123-32 striking advantage while Della Maddalena spent extended periods attempting to escape submissions and regain footing, though the Australian's resilience prevented a finish despite the one-sided contest, according to ESPN. "This was my plan, and it's not a secret," Makhachev said, ESPN noted. "All of my opponents know this, but nobody can stop it."
The welterweight division now features Makhachev among dangerous contenders including Carlos Prates and Michael Morales, who delivered devastating finishes earlier Saturday – Prates stopped Leon Edwards while Morales handled Sean Brady, ESPN reported. However, UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria immediately challenged the new two-division titleholder with aggressive confidence. "You're the most boring thing in this game," Topuria wrote on X, according to ESPN. "Every day I'm more certain I put you to sleep."
Makhachev avoided directly addressing the Topuria challenge but revealed his preferred next venue, stating according to ESPN, "Open the White House," referencing the UFC's anticipated 2026 event. "I am coming."
