UFC President Dana White has delivered a direct and pointed message to Dillon Denis, the current Misfits light heavyweight champion, advising him to steer clear of the upcoming UFC 328 event. The warning comes amid concerns about potential confrontations involving Denis and other fighters on the card.
During a live broadcast on Nina Drama's channel, White explained his reasoning. He suggested that if Denis were to appear at the venue, the attention of certain fighters, whom he referred to as 'the Muslim brothers,' might become so fixated on the Misfits champion that it could interfere with their focus on their scheduled bouts. The main event of UFC 328 features a middleweight title fight between champion Khamzat Chimaev, who represents the UAE, and American contender Sean Strickland.
The roots of this tension trace back to an incident at UFC 322 in November 2025. During that event, which was headlined by a fight between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena, a significant altercation broke out involving Denis. He was directly involved in a mass brawl that saw him clash with Abubakar Nurmagomedov.
The situation escalated further with the active participation of Magomed Zainukov, a known sparring partner of lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Video footage from the incident captured Zainukov landing multiple strikes to Denis's head during the chaotic scene. This past violence is the clear catalyst for White's current advisory.
White's public statement serves as a preventative measure, aiming to avoid any repeat of such disorder at a major pay-per-view event. The UFC organization prioritizes the safety and security of its athletes and staff, and managing potential off-stage conflicts is part of that responsibility.
For his part, Dillon Denis has built a career and public persona that often courts controversy and confrontation, particularly in the crossover space between professional boxing and influencer-led events under the Misfits banner. His presence at UFC events has previously proven to be a catalyst for unrest.
The warning underscores the ongoing challenges of managing fighter conduct and interpersonal rivalries that extend beyond the Octagon. While the UFC 328 card promises high-level athletic competition, the organization is taking clear steps to ensure the focus remains solely on the scheduled fights.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.