Chimaev Restrained During RAF 14 Presser Brawl
Khamzat Chimaev was restrained by multiple people during the chaotic RAF 14 press conference brawl Thursday in Las Vegas, according to footage published by MMA Mania.
The melee erupted when Dillon Danis wore a shirt reading "Khamzat is my b—ch" to the event, prompting lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan to charge across the stage and swing at the jiu-jitsu black belt. MMA Mania reports that Chimaev was being held back by approximately four individuals — a mix of RAF staff and civilians — during the commotion.
Chimaev yelled at Danis during the scuffle, according to the report. The Russian was desperate to reach Danis but could not break free from those restraining him.
Tsarukyan Defends Training Partner After Danis Insult
Tsarukyan missed his initial punch at Danis and appeared to hit a security guard instead, per MMA Mania, which opened the floodgates for both teams to storm the stage. Fighters, coaches, and security personnel exchanged shoves and punches as officials worked to separate the camps.
The shirt makes little sense given Chimaev pinned Danis in 44 seconds at RAF 10 in June. Danis kicked at Chimaev after that match, igniting another brawl between the teams. The two have become close friends through training and refer to each other as brothers.
Tsarukyan and Danis wrestle for the inaugural RAF Middleweight Crossover championship Friday night at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Chimaev faces former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler in the co-main event.
Photo: Ghazi Twaissi / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Original reporting:
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