UFC CEO Dana White responded to calls to discipline Khamzat Chimaev following the former champ’s viral brawl with Dillon Danis.
Former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev’s decision to remain active just weeks after his stunning loss to Sean Strickland resulted in a wild brawl at Real American Freestyle 10.
Chimaev and polarizing fighter Dillon Danis headlined a stacked card at RAF 10 last weekend in St. Louis. Just 45 seconds into their matchup, Chimaev scored a pin against Danis, before Danis attempted a guillotine choke, and chaos ensued in the arena.
Chimaev, Danis, and their respective teams were involved in an all-out brawl on the mats at RAF 10. Luckily, neither athlete suffered any serious injuries stemming from the incident.
However, this incident was the latest involving Chimaev in or out of the UFC. The Danis match took place just weeks after the UFC hired a high security presence for Chimaev vs. Strickland at UFC 328.
Many UFC fighters, including Arman Tsarukyan and Chimaev, have competed in RAF in between UFC bouts. UFC CEO Dana White’s relationship with RAF could’ve been jeopardized after the viral brawl, but the UFC head isn’t concerned.
Dana White ‘not concerned’ about Khamzat Chimaev’s latest melee at RAF 10
At the UFC Freedom 250 post-fight press conference, White was asked if Chimaev’s brawl at RAF 10 could potentially jeopardize the promotion’s relationship with the wrestling upstart.
WILD BRAWL breaks out after Khamzat Chimaev PINS Dillon Danis at #RAF 10.
(Via @MikeHeck_JR) pic.twitter.com/Hl8a7AUevp
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) June 14, 2026
“Who’s in trouble? Dillon Danis is not my fighter,” White said of the Chimaev/Danis brawl.
“Is (Khamzat) in trouble? Yeah, he was in a brawl with 100 people. Let me tell you what I could do: if Dillon Danis is the opponent, I can guarantee you a brawl is gonna break out. No, (I’m not concerned).” (h/t Bloody Elbow)
Despite initially telling White of his plans to move to light heavyweight, Chimaev wants to run it back with Strickland later this year. As for what’s next for Danis, he’s signed to a multi-fight contract with RAF, although it’s uncertain if the promotion will discipline him for his role in the brawl.
Who should Khamzat Chimaev fight in his UFC return? Let us know in the comments!
