Khamzat Chimaev returned to action with a quickfire win over Dillon Danis tonight, and things soon turned ugly.
Former UFC middleweight champion Chimaev almost immediately scored a tech fall victory over Danis, scoring the win within just 50 seconds. However, when the BJJ black belt refused to let go of a hold, the Chechen star kicked out, leading to an all-out brawl.
Dozens of teammates from both sides ran on to the mat causing chaos after the match, although the referee was able to get Chimaev back on to the mat to award him the victory. The result was just moments after Arman Tsarukyan, the former champion’s close friend, defeated Tony Ferguson.
- HEAVYWEIGHTS: Bodybuilder Larry Wheels signs up to face ‘Tarzan’ Mike Holston on RAF Wrestling
Chaos in St Louis as Khamzat Chimaev kicks out at Dillon Danis sparking brawl
As expected between these two, tensions were high as Dillon Danis took on Khamzat Chimaev. The pair had to be kept apart on the streets when they ran into each other, and it all boiled over once they got on the mats.
Danis seemed to give up position quickly and Chimaev got the victory in around 44 seconds by tech fall. However, the crafty black belt clearly wanted a viral moment of his own and held on to a submission hold for a solid length of time after the bell.
This clearly irritated the former UFC champion, who just last month was relieved of his belt by Sean Strickland. He kicked out at Danis, before being dragged away by the referee as both teams stormed the mat.
It quickly got ugly with punches thrown, but somehow the referee was able to calm tensions and even get Chimaev back to the center of the mat to be declared the official winner.