Islam Makhachev’s Teammate Has No Regrets for NYPD-involved Brawl at UFC 322

The new UFC double champion Islam Makhachev's teammate, Magomed Zaynukov, talks about the incident involving Dillon Danis.

Islam Makhachev’s Teammate Has No Regrets for NYPD-involved Brawl at UFC 322

Islam Makhachev's teammate Magomed Zaynukov beats up Dillon Danis at UFC 322 (via X)

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Last weekend, Islam Makhachev secured his place in UFC history by becoming the 11th double champion after a dominant performance. He controlled Jack Della Maddalena for five rounds using superior wrestling skills to claim the welterweight championship. Meanwhile, outside the cage, Makhachev’s team clashed with Dillon Danis during a chaotic brawl that left Danis noticeably bloodied afterward.

The incident occurred earlier during the main card when several members of Islam Makhachev’s team aggressively jumped on Danis unexpectedly. Among them, Magomed Zaynukov AKA ‘Chanco’, was seen taking multiple heavy swings at the Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner. Zaynukov later discussed the situation during a recent interview where he openly shared his perspective regarding the entire confrontation.

He should’ve got more. In terms of what he’s done, it’s not much. That type of thing can’t be forgiven. You have to be responsible for that. That’s our way of life. If you said something, you’ve got to be responsible for your words

Magomed Zaynukov via Ushatayka

Zaynukov explained that in the United States, people freely speak without consequences, whereas in Dagestan, such disrespect is treated seriously. Throughout fight week, Danis repeatedly targeted Islam Makhachev’s team with several provocative tweets intended to irritate and frustrate them online.

He specifically mentioned Ali Abdelaziz’s controversial past while also mocking Hasbulla publicly, escalating tensions even further. Danis also bet $80000 on Makhachev losing, which probably angered Zaynukov, who recently gained popularity among passionate MMA fans.

The fighter is widely known as ‘John Pork’ in the MMA community, thanks to Makhachev previously mispronouncing Chanco in an interview. Since then, the fighter has gone viral and received a huge welcome from fans at Madison Square Garden. Chanco recently secured his UFC contract by defeating Lucas Caldas via unanimous decision, and Makhachev has already praised him for his skills.

His virality, combined with the recent heated brawl, has significantly increased his popularity across the MMA community and online audiences. The fighter later posted a picture alongside UFC veteran Jorge Masvidal after the incident, showing bloodied knuckles from an altercation.

Islam Makhachev reacts to the brawl involving his team and Dillon Danis

The rivalry between Dillon Danis and Islam Makhachev dates back to UFC 229 during the intense buildup surrounding Khabib Nurmagomedov versus Conor McGregor. After defeating McGregor, Nurmagomedov famously leaped over the cage and directly charged toward Danis, sparking an unforgettable chaotic brawl.

Islam shares views on Dillon Danis
Islam shares views on Dillon Danis (via X)

That explosive confrontation, combined with the heated rivalry, helped propel UFC 229 into one of the highest-grossing events ever. This longstanding tension resurfaced recently, reigniting old hostilities and reminding fans how deeply rooted their dislike has always been. This time, however, UFC CEO Dana White publicly accepted responsibility for the chaotic brawl involving Makhachev’s team.

He expressed genuine surprise, admitting he never expected what he called the “Muslim Brotherhood” to collectively attack Danis. Following the incident, White announced Dillon Danis is officially banned from attending any future UFC events. The new UFC double champion also talked about this during the post-fight presser while backing his team. 

Last five years, you talk about someone. When you meet them you have to answer what you say. He said a lot of bad things about our team and today he coming and somebody just meet him (confronted). He have to ban him from this country also.

Islam Makhachev via UFC 322 post-fight presser 

Makhachev’s team was removed from the arena alongside Dillon Danis and forced to watch the remaining fights from hotel rooms. They stayed intensely hyped about Islam Makhachev’s victory despite the circumstances and celebrated enthusiastically. Danis has continued retweeting numerous posts on X since the chaotic incident, but still has not offered any statement.

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