Magomed ‘Chanco’ Zaynukov, a UFC fighter who was allegedly among those who brawled with Dillon Danis at a recent MMA event, received a hero’s welcome when he got back to his home gym in Dagestan.
The wild scenes outside the Octagon at the UFC 322 event marred the headline results like Islam Makhachev‘s domination of Jack Della Maddalena. As GIVE ME SPORT reported at the time, it all seemed to start when Danis, a Misfits fighter, reportedly kept encroaching into an area for which he did not have a ticket. The UFC boss Dana White even told reporters later that Danis “was moving around and sitting in fighter seats, and not sitting in his own.”
Danis also has a checkered history for his trolling nature, particularly on social media, which can irritate Makhachev and his fellow Dagenstani fighters who take pride in respect and their culture. And it all boiled over at UFC 322. White banned Danis, and now ‘Chano’ appears to be the most popular fighter in his gym.
Dillon Danis, a close friend of Conor McGregor’s, seemed to cause a lot of trouble in the crowd at UFC 322.
Magomed ‘Chanco’ Zaynukov’s Hero’s Welcome For Getting Dillon Danis Banned
Speaking to the media, White said: “It never even crossed my mind that the entire Muslim Brotherhood was here tonight in the first five rows, for Islam. As soon as it broke out, and I’m in the front row, I went f***. I know exactly what that is. I knew it.”
White knew it was Danis. “You will never see Dillon Danis at a UFC fight ever again.”
Even Makhachev reacted to the news of Danis’s ban from the UFC, as he suggested he should be banned from the country, too.
But though Danis remains in the US, Makhachev, and Chano’s teammates in Dagestan all appeared thrilled at how the controversial incident played out.
The fighter, who rose to fame in regional leagues and UAE Warriors, won via decision in a Contender Series bout in October but it remains to be seen when his actual UFC debut will be. Considering the fighter’s surging popularity right now, it’s a debut we might see sooner, rather than later.
This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.
Tommy Fury defeated Eddie Hall in their bizarre exhibition contest in the main event of a Misfits Boxing card at the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday night.
Billed as ‘The Beauty vs The Beast’, there was a massive 108lbs weight difference between the two participants, with former World’s Strongest Man Hall enjoying a massive weight advantage.
The fight was signed over six two-minute rounds, in a marked departure from the three-minute rounds typically seen in boxing.
Hall made an impressive start in the first, constantly pressuring his smaller opponent and finding success with a big right hand towards the end of the session.
‘The Beast’ continued his good work in the second, using his imposing frame to prevent Fury from getting into his rhythm. His exertions in the first four minutes looked to have taken their toll on Hall in the third, as he was noticeably feeling the pace. Tommy was able to use Hall’s tiredness to land a few stiff shots and find his way into the fight.
Fury again used his movement well in the third, although Hall still found his way through with a few blows. Ultimately, though, the extra weight Hall was carrying was reflected in his cardio.
Although he swang heavily up until the final bell, Hall couldn’t find the blow he needed to end the fight, with Fury taking the win on the judges’ cards.
This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.
James McClean has always been one to speak up when he believes a moral line has been crossed.
The former Republic of Ireland international, who earned 103 caps for his country, has spoken out in a characteristically forthright fashion following a decision that had Irish fans up in arms.
The context is the FAI’s confirmation that Ireland’s UEFA Nations League fixture against Israel, scheduled for the 4th of October, will be moved to a neutral venue and played behind closed doors, rather than at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
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The organisation cited operational challenges and potential disruption as the driving factors behind the decision, with UEFA approving the request following consultation with various stakeholders, including the Palestinian Football Association, which expressed its appreciation for Ireland’s stance on the conflict while respecting the FAI’s course of action.
McClean Accuses FAI of Cowardice
For McClean, the compromise satisfied nobody and stood for nothing. “I think we’ve missed a massive opportunity here,” he told RTE Sport (via the Irish Mirror). “I think the decision to move to a neutral venue behind closed doors, of all the decisions we could have made, is by far the worst one.
“The FAI have missed a massive opportunity to stand on the right side of history.”
“If you’re going to go ahead with the game, at least have the courage to face the backlash that was going to come with it being played in Dublin. But to move it away is a cowardly move.”
The Irish pair have finally swept their different under the carpet after a lengthy feud.
The Derry City man also drew on Ireland’s own history to make his point: “If there’s one country that can relate to the oppression and famine and what’s going on in Gaza, it’s the people of this country.”
The FAI’s lengthy statement on Saturday made clear that the decision wasn’t taken lightly. They’ve been engaged with UEFA on the issue for almost two years and submitted a formal motion in November 2025 that called for the suspension of the Israel Football Association from UEFA competitions. That motion was passed at the FAI’s general assembly, but UEFA’s competition rules left the association with limited room to manoeuvre.
The former Wrexham man, who has recently joined Derry City, couldn’t help but rile up the opposition fans one last time.
Had Ireland refused to fulfil the fixture entirely, the consequences would have been significant: Six points forfeited, potential relegation to League C in the Nations League, damage to UEFA and FIFA rankings, and perhaps most frustratingly, a boost to Israel’s own competition standing as a direct result.
It’s a seriously difficult position, and the statement reflects an organisation trying to balance sporting obligation against increasingly vocal moral pressure. Whether moving the game to a neutral venue reads as a reasonable compromise, or a failure of leadership, will depend largely on where those who read into it stand. McClean, for his part, has made his view rather clear.
Arsenal are reportedly in talks to sign Christos Tzolis ahead of the summer transfer window, but they are also ready to spend £87m on a ‘superstar’.
The Gunners are in the strongest position they’ve been in for years when it comes to recruiting players in the summer transfer window.
Mikel Arteta’s side lifted the Premier League title after a 22-year wait, while they also reached the Champions League final before being beaten by Paris Saint-Germain.
They are now one of the most attractive prospects to play for in Europe, which could see them enjoy a busy summer window.
Arsenal don’t need too many signings in order to go to the next level, with Arteta and his recruitment team already building a phenomenal squad.
The Gunners are making their first move in the summer transfer window
Arsenal Ready to Sign ‘Superstar’
According to Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Arteta considers Juventus star Kenan Yildiz as his dream target for the summer transfer window.
It is claimed that the Gunners would be ready to spend around £87 million for Yildiz, with Tzolis considered an alternative option after Arsenal open talks.
Arsenal want to sign a key player for the left-hand side of attack, and Yildiz, described as a ‘superstar’, could be the ideal signing for that position.
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Yildiz Better Than Tzolis
Although Tzolis’ numbers were more impressive during the 2025-26 season, there is no doubt he is playing in a lesser league than Yildiz is.
Tzolis is also now 24, meaning he is approaching his prime years, whereas Yildiz is three years younger and yet to reach his full potential.
Tzolis has played in England before with Norwich City in both the Premier League and the Championship, but he struggled to make an impact.
The Greek international has certainly developed since then, but there’s no doubt Yildiz is the player with a higher ceiling and also more proven at the highest level.
