UFC: Massive brawl erupts ahead of Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev
UFC fans have received more than they bargained for ahead of the blockbuster title showdown between Australia’s Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev.
The famous Madison Square Garden in New York was buzzing on Sunday (AWST) ahead of what is set to be a bitter battle of attrition for Australia’s UFC star.
And the tensions that were already boiling away behind the scenes spilled over into one of the biggest crowd brawls in the sport’s history ahead of the main event.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.American martial artist Dillon Danis, who does not fight as part of the UFC, was in the thick of it as punches rained down, the second time he has been a part of an ugly fracas.
Security attempted to break up the dozens of brawling men but had little impact.
Team Khabib members Khabib Nurmagomedov and Magomed Zaynukov were also among the fighters.
Ex-UFC fighter Abubakar Nurmagomedov was dragged away by security.
Danis was also walked out of the arena.
Della Maddalena’s mother was almost caught up in the melee but was fortunately able to avoid the fracas.
The incident is linked to a famous fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor of Ireland in 2018, where Nurmagomedov leapt over the cage and went after the former grappling champion, who had sparred with the Irishman as part of his training camp.
New York Police officers were also present during the incident, attempting to calm the situation.
