Controversial Jack Doherty’s Money-Making Challenge to Former UFC Champion Andrei Arlovski is Going Viral

UFC legend Andrei Arlovski gets his wish to fight Jack Doherty's bodyguard following their scuffle at the Kaseya Center.

Controversial Jack Doherty’s Money-Making Challenge to Former UFC Champion Andrei Arlovski is Going Viral

Jack Doherty calls for Andrei Arlovski to fight his bodyguard (via Instagram, MMA Fighting)

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A controversy involving former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski and influencer Jack Doherty has taken a new turn after Doherty challenged Arlovski to enter the ring with his bodyguard. The bodyguard was present during a heated backstage confrontation between the two at Miami’s Kaseya Center. What began as a brief altercation has now shifted toward the possibility of a sanctioned fight.

The altercation occurred backstage following the Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul boxing event. Video footage showed Arlovski involved in a hallway scuffle with members of Doherty’s team. Doherty himself did not physically participate in the brawl, while Arlovski appeared to strike individuals from the influencer’s entourage. The confrontation ended after the UFC legend faced off with Doherty’s bodyguard.

In the aftermath, both sides offered their own explanations of how the incident unfolded. Arlovski made it known that he was prepared to confront Doherty’s bodyguard in a regulated setting if a fight were arranged. The situation escalated when the influencer publicly challenged Arlovski to face his bodyguard rather than fight him directly. The exchange turned the backstage clash into a potential matchup.

My security is down to box that Andrei guy in a fight. So Andrei, you want to box or fight my security guard, let’s set it up and do it the right away. You guys would get the biggest paydays of your lives, and me too, baby. You’re not leaving me out of this sh*t because I brought you back. We’re going to do a fight: My security vs. you. I’ll get all the money, but you two will fight. Let’s go.

Jack Doherty via X

Arlovski’s manager, Abe Kawa of First Round Management, later confirmed acceptance of Doherty’s proposed matchup involving the security guard. Kawa stated that Arlovski’s team is attempting to contact Doherty to formalize fight details and move forward with organizing the bout. The response signaled Arlovski’s openness to a sanctioned contest.

Arlovski is one of the most accomplished heavyweights in UFC history, competing in the promotion from 2000 to 2024 across multiple runs. He captured the interim UFC heavyweight title and earned notable wins over Tim Sylvia, Roy Nelson, Travis Browne, and Frank Mir. His longevity and résumé established him as a prominent figure in the division, as few heavyweights matched his career span.

Since leaving the UFC, Andrei Arlovski has remained active under the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship and Dirty Boxing banners. He is scheduled to face former UFC rival Ben Rothwell at KnuckleMania 6 in February 2026. The potential bout with Doherty’s bodyguard adds another unusual chapter to his post-UFC career. Doherty’s involvement continues to keep the situation in the spotlight.

Fans react to Jack Doherty’s proposition for Andrei Arlovski

Fans across social media reacted quickly to the unusual challenge, with many expressing surprise that the situation escalated from a backstage scuffle into a proposed sanctioned fight. A common reaction focused on the age and experience gap, as supporters noted Andrei Arlovski’s decades of elite-level competition compared to the unknown combat background of Doherty’s bodyguard.

Andrei Arlovski
Andrei Arlovski (via MMA Fighting)

Fans also used the moment to criticize Jack Doherty, with many clowning him for appearing unaware of the risks involved in challenging a veteran like Arlovski. Online discussions frequently highlighted Arlovski’s decades of experience and knockout power, suggesting the proposal underestimated the dangers of facing a former UFC champion.

Another common theme centered on Doherty’s background as an influencer known for staging controversial pranks and stunts. Fans referenced his history of provoking confrontations for content, framing the challenge as another attempt to generate attention rather than a serious competitive endeavor. This perception led to skepticism about whether the proposed fight would ever materialize.

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