Dana White Breaks Silence on DWCS Star Brawl and Behind-the-Scenes Drama
- Dana White addressed a behind-the-scenes altercation involving Dana White's Contender Series star Namo Fazil and Khamzat Chimaev's teammate Baisangur Susurkaev, confirming that the UFC handled the incident privately...
- The confrontation occurred during a high-stakes week for the organization surrounding week two of Dana White’s Contender Series season 10, which featured Namo Fazil facing Kaik Brito in...
- You guys have no idea how much s— goes on in this business behind the scenes.
Dana White addressed a behind-the-scenes altercation involving Dana White’s Contender Series star Namo Fazil and Khamzat Chimaev’s teammate Baisangur Susurkaev, confirming that the UFC handled the incident privately after the 29-year-old fighter claimed he was attacked by a group of fifteen Chechens during his weight cut.
Behind the Scenes Altercation Details Emerge Following Contender Series Main Event
The confrontation occurred during a high-stakes week for the organization surrounding week two of Dana White’s Contender Series season 10, which featured Namo Fazil facing Kaik Brito in the main event. Fazil entered the matchup carrying significant social media momentum as the “Grandson of Saladin” before being hit with a third-round overhand right that knocked him out cold, an event widely discussed by fans online. Following the bout, Fazil stated on social media that he experienced severe disruptions leading up to the fight, later specifying that he was targeted by fifteen Chechens, including Khamzat Chimaev’s teammate Baisangur Susurkaev, during his weight-cutting process. UFC CEO Dana White addressed the situation publicly during a press session following UFC Sacramento, acknowledging the volatile nature of the promotion’s internal operations.
You guys have no idea how much s— goes on in this business behind the scenes. I said at the post-fight press conference we had kind of a weird week here.
Dana White
UFC Management Response and Internal Handling
When questioned by reporters whether Susurkaev would face formal disciplinary action or punishment for his alleged involvement in the physical dispute, White indicated that the matter was already resolved without public intervention.
Yeah, I didn’t even talk about it. You guys wouldn’t even know about it if he didn’t talk about it. We handled it behind the scenes and that’s the business we’re in. A lot of crazy s— happens behind the scenes in this business.
Dana White
The disclosure sheds light on parallel developments within the promotion, as Khamzat Chimaev approached White following his UFC 328 defeat to Sean Strickland to announce his intention to move up to the light heavyweight division. White noted that Chimaev faced a difficult weight cut ahead of his middleweight title fight before dropping a close split decision, reinforcing the demanding physical hurdles athletes manage across various rosters.