Dillon Danis: Too Hot for the UFC? It seems like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) isn't quite ready for Dillon Danis. The controversial grappler, known for his unpredictable behavior, recently revealed that he was turned down for a spot on 'The Ultimate Fighter' (TUF), a reality show that serves as a launchpad for UFC hopefuls. But why? Let's dive in.
Danis, with a professional mixed martial arts record of 2-0, has a reputation that precedes him. According to Danis himself, UFC executive Hunter Campbell allegedly cited his 'unpredictability' as the reason for the rejection. Campbell seemed concerned that Danis would cause a ruckus on the show, only to use it for self-promotion and clout.
This isn't entirely unfounded. Danis has a history of stirring up trouble. He's been involved in altercations and is known for creating chaos at events. Remember the microphone incident with Logan Paul before their boxing match in 2023?
However, Danis argues that the UFC shouldn't expect the same antics from him. He claims he understands the different dynamics of the UFC and has been trying to present a more professional image. He even became the Misfits Boxing light heavyweight MMA champion recently, showcasing his submission skills against Warren Spencer.
"I offered to be in the TUF house, which is crazy," Danis stated on a podcast with Demetrious Johnson. "And Hunter said that I was going to punch someone in the house and just get out and then just use it for clout… They're scared that I'm just going to be too crazy."
But here's where it gets controversial... Danis's fight against Logan Paul ended in a disqualification after he jumped a guillotine in the final round, leading to a full-blown brawl. This incident likely reinforced the UFC's concerns about his conduct.
Danis first gained notoriety as Conor McGregor's primary jiu-jitsu training partner, although their relationship appears to have cooled. He was also involved in the infamous UFC 229 brawl between McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov's teams. In his two professional bouts in Bellator, Danis secured first-round victories.
And this is the part most people miss... Is the UFC justified in its decision, or is it missing out on a potentially exciting, albeit unpredictable, personality? Does Danis deserve a chance to prove himself in the UFC, or is his reputation too much of a liability? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
