Chuck Liddell is calling for consequences after Arman Tsarukyan and Dillon Danis’ RAF 14 press conference ended in a brawl involving fighters, their teams and security personnel.
The former UFC light heavyweight champion discussed the confrontation in a TMZ Sports interview published October 24, criticizing athletes who lose control at events meant to promote competition.
Real American Freestyle had brought the men to Las Vegas for a wrestling card at the Fontainebleau. The promotion puts competitors with mixed martial arts backgrounds on the mat under wrestling rules.
Robbie Lawler, who was seated onstage when the disturbance began, also spoke afterward about the conduct of his fellow athletes. He had been preparing for his own appearance on the card.
Liddell Warns That the Wrong Person Could Get Hurt
Chuck Liddell Sounds Off On Arman, Dillon Danis Brawl, Calls For Punishment https://t.co/DaQPHZHEh6
TMZ (@TMZ) October 24, 2026
“Someone’s gonna get hurt,” Liddell told TMZ Sports. He pointed to the number of capable fighters gathered in one place and the danger of a blow reaching the wrong person when an altercation spreads.
Better security was one part of the response he wanted. Liddell also criticized what he regarded as growing acceptance of these incidents, saying athletes appeared to believe such behavior was permissible.
His message to the fighters themselves was direct: “A real man can control his anger.”
Danis Displayed a Shirt Insulting Tsarukyan’s Teammate
During the October 22 press conference, Danis was asked about his black T-shirt. He stood to display an image of Khamzat Chimaev without his beard, accompanied by a profane insult directed at him.
Chimaev, a former UFC middleweight champion, is Tsarukyan’s friend and training partner. Danis and Chimaev had already been involved in a confrontation after their RAF 10 match in June.
According to MMA Fighting, the exchanges had remained verbal until Tsarukyan stood and charged toward Danis. Supporters and security personnel converged on the stage as officials struggled to separate the participants.
Chimaev also became involved in the disturbance. Journalist Ariel Helwani reported that a security guard was bleeding in the aftermath, without identifying who had injured him.
Once officials regained control, they cleared the stage for the customary faceoffs. Tsarukyan and Danis did not return for that part of the event.
Tsarukyan Won 10-0 Before Another Confrontation on the Mat
The main event went ahead Friday, October 23, with Tsarukyan quickly taking control. MMA Fighting’s match report described an early warning from the referee after Tsarukyan appeared to slap Danis during the opening exchanges.
Tsarukyan scored through push-outs, takedowns and turns, building a lead that Danis could not answer. The contest ended by technical fall in the first period when the advantage reached 10 points.
As Danis began getting back to his feet, Tsarukyan stepped on him. Security rushed onto the mat and kept the competitors apart before the confrontation could develop into another large brawl.
Danis then stood and shook Tsarukyan’s hand without retaliating. Tsarukyan suggested afterward that he still considered the rivalry unresolved.
He also pointed toward another wrestling appearance in Abu Dhabi while continuing to pursue a UFC title opportunity.
Lawler Says Competitors Should Set a Better Example for Young Fans
The former UFC welterweight champion told MMA Fighting in a separate interview that he was focused on wrestling and competing, with no interest in joining the confrontation.
He emphasized that children excited about wrestling were watching. Lawler encouraged competitors to help build the sport and take it forward, instead of treating attention and spectacle as the main objectives of an appearance.
“And I just think we need to do a better job as competitors,” he said.
Lawler faced Chimaev in the co-main event the following night and lost.