Dillon Danis insists UFC is 'afraid' to sign him, pointing fingers at his infamous clash with Khabib Nurmagomedov. Danis, known for his bold personality, is eager to fight in the UFC but claims the promotion is hesitant to offer him a contract due to concerns over his behavior. According to him, top UFC executives—including CEO Dana White and CFO Hunter Campbell—worry he might cause trouble if brought into the octagon. His recent return to MMA at Misfits Boxing 22, where he secured the organization's first-ever light heavyweight title by submitting Warren Spencer in just 15 seconds, proved he’s more than ready for top-tier competition. Yet, he remains sidelined by the UFC.
Danis revealed on the MightyCast podcast with Demetrious Johnson that he once proposed joining the Ultimate Fighter house, only to be met with skepticism from Hunter Campbell, who feared Danis would incite conflict for publicity. "They think I'm too wild," Danis explained. "There was the whole Logan Paul build-up where I hit him with a microphone, and they think I'd bring that craziness to the UFC, but that’s a completely different environment. This time I kept things calm to show I can be respectful, but if someone hits me with a bottle, of course I’m going to defend myself."
He continued, "Dana White even said I’m always getting into trouble. Whenever I’m in a situation, UFC fighters with security sometimes clash with me when I’m alone. I’m not about to just take it; I’ll fight back."
This reluctance from the UFC isn’t without reason. The shadow of the infamous post-fight melee at UFC 229 in 2018 still looms large over Danis. After Khabib Nurmagomedov defended his lightweight title by submitting Danis’s friend Conor McGregor, Khabib jumped over the cage and attacked Danis, sparking a chaotic brawl also involving Islam Makhachev. The aftermath led to heavy fines and suspensions for several fighters, including McGregor and Nurmagomedov, with Danis himself receiving smaller penalties. Danis firmly believes this incident has left an indelible mark on how UFC officials perceive him.
"Absolutely," he said. "When I show up at UFC events now, they restrict where I can go, deny me security, and treat me differently because they expect me to start trouble. Sure, I stir things up sometimes, but if the UFC gives me an order, I respect it."
Having now built an undefeated 3-0 record in MMA rules competition, Danis claims he earned a lucrative, seven-figure sum from his latest fight against Spencer. His drive to challenge UFC fighters isn’t about money anymore but about proving himself. With the belt from Misfits Boxing in hand, he’s eyeing a showdown against Islam Makhachev—if Makhachev manages to upset Jack Della Maddalena for the UFC welterweight title at UFC 322 in New York on November 15.
"Everyone knows who I am and where to find me," Danis stated confidently. "This is the real 170-pound championship. Islam isn’t the champ yet; JDM holds that title, but Islam will be king soon. I want a champion vs. champion bout—me versus Islam—to settle the score and complete the storyline."
But here’s where it gets controversial—could Danis’s reputation for volatility be overshadowing his talent? Is the UFC right to be cautious, or is it time they give him the chance he’s been demanding? What do you think—should Dillon Danis be signed and given his shot, or is UFC’s hesitation justified? Share your opinions below!
