23
Nov,2025
It wasn’t the fight that got everyone talking—it was what happened after. On Saturday, November 22, 2025, just 90 minutes after UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs. Hooker ended at the Lusail Sports Arena in Doha, Qatar, a heated exchange turned physical between two of the UFC’s most feared fighters: Khamzat Chimaev, the undefeated middleweight phenom, and Ian Machado Garry, the rising welterweight contender. What started as a handshake turned into a shove, a scream, and a security scramble—leaving fans, analysts, and the UFC itself scrambling to make sense of it all.
From Congrats to Confrontation
According to verified footage from Bleacher Report and eyewitness accounts compiled by Bloody Elbow, Garry approached Chimaev shortly after Tsarukyan’s TKO win over Dan Hooker. Garry, still in his corner gear, clapped Chimaev on the back and said, "Good job tonight." It was a simple, sportsmanlike gesture—or so it seemed. Chimaev, visibly tense, didn’t respond. Then Garry, perhaps sensing the silence, turned to nearby security and added, "We literally were just cool with each other. He’s not going to fight me." That’s when Chimaev moved. Fast. He shoved Garry hard enough to knock him back a step. Two security guards rushed in, pulling them apart. A third joined, forming a human barrier between two men who, just months ago, were training partners.A History of Shared Sweat
This wasn’t a random clash. Garry made it clear in his post-fight interview with MMA Fighting: "We’ve trained together. Like, we’ve trained together. We fought together." They’d shared mats at undisclosed gyms, likely in Ireland or the U.S., where both trained under the SBG Ireland umbrella. Garry, now 12-0, has long been considered one of the most technically sound welterweights in the division. Chimaev, 13-0 and ranked #1 at 185 pounds, is a force of nature—unpredictable, dominant, and notoriously private. Their paths crossed often in sparring, but never in competition. Until now. The tension didn’t come from the fight. It came from what came after. Chimaev had spent the night coaching Arman Tsarukyan, his close friend and fellow Chechen-descended fighter, through a brutal three-round war. Tsarukyan won by TKO at 4:32 of Round 3. Chimaev, visibly drained, was still in fighter mode. Garry, fresh off a win over Belal Muhammad—described by ESPN’s Brett Okamoto as "the most durable, the most awkward" performance of his career—was celebrating. The energy mismatch was electric. And volatile."Little Dick Energy" and the Fallout
Garry didn’t hold back after the incident. "He’s got little dick energy," he told reporters, a phrase that instantly went viral. "It practically came out of nowhere. We’ve never had an issue." His tone wasn’t angry—it was confused, almost hurt. He wasn’t looking for a fight. He was trying to be respectful. And Chimaev, in his silence, sent a message that spoke louder than words. Chimaev hasn’t spoken publicly. No interview. No social media post. Just the shove. And the silence. That’s his style. But silence doesn’t erase consequences.
The UFC’s Quiet Storm
The Ultimate Fighting Championship moved fast behind the scenes. Spokesperson Dave Shaw declined to comment on the record, but sources confirm an internal review was launched under Article 3.1 of the Unified Rules, which governs fighter conduct outside the octagon. A disciplinary meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 25, 2025, at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas, Nevada. President Dana White has yet to speak publicly, but insiders say he’s furious—not because of the shove, but because it happened on international soil, under global scrutiny. The UFC’s Department of Athletic Regulations, led by Marc Ratner, has until Friday, November 29, 2025, to complete its investigation. Penalties could include fines of up to 30% of each fighter’s purse—or even a suspension, per Section 7.3 of the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy. Chimaev, signed through 2027, is a crown jewel. Garry, under contract until 2026, is a rising star. Neither can afford a mark on their record.What Comes Next?
The most tantalizing question isn’t about punishment—it’s about pay-per-view. Former UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar, now an analyst for TNT Sports, didn’t mince words: "If they don’t fight, the UFC is leaving money on the table." The social media reaction has been explosive: the Bleacher Report video hit 1.2 million views in under 12 hours. Fans are already penciling in a matchup: Chimaev vs. Garry. The chemistry? Toxic. The stakes? Massive. Chimaev’s last fight was in April 2024. Garry hasn’t fought since November. Both are due for a return. And now, the narrative is written in blood and shove.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just about two fighters losing their cool. It’s about the invisible pressures of elite sport. The isolation. The ego. The weight of being the next big thing in a league where silence is often mistaken for strength. Chimaev doesn’t talk. Garry doesn’t back down. And now, the UFC has to decide: do they punish the behavior, or do they let the story write itself?Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the altercation between Khamzat Chimaev and Ian Machado Garry?
The incident began when Garry approached Chimaev to congratulate him after Arman Tsarukyan’s win, saying, "Good job tonight." Chimaev, still emotionally charged from coaching, didn’t respond. When Garry turned to security and said, "He’s not going to fight me," Chimaev shoved him. Their history as training partners added layers of tension, making what seemed like a simple gesture feel loaded.
Who is responsible for investigating the incident?
The UFC’s Department of Athletic Regulations, led by Executive Director Marc Ratner, is conducting the official investigation under the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts. A disciplinary meeting is set for November 25, 2025, at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas, with findings due by November 29, 2025.
Could this lead to an actual fight between Chimaev and Garry?
Yes, and it’s increasingly likely. Former UFC champion Frankie Edgar called it a "pay-per-view dream." Both fighters are undefeated, highly ranked, and overdue for a return. With over a million views on the video and fan demand surging, the UFC may see this as a chance to create a must-see matchup—even if it started with a shove.
What penalties could Chimaev and Garry face?
Under UFC Fighter Conduct Policy Section 7.3, they could face fines of up to 30% of their fight purses or a suspension. Chimaev’s purse for his last fight was $1.2 million; Garry’s was $350,000. A fine would be significant, but a suspension could delay their return to the octagon—something both fighters want to avoid.
Why didn’t Chimaev respond after the incident?
Chimaev is known for his silence. He rarely gives interviews, avoids social media, and lets his fights do the talking. In his mind, the shove was the message. Speaking now might dilute it—or invite more scrutiny. His silence is strategic, and it’s working: the world is still talking.
Is this the first time UFC fighters have clashed backstage?
No. In 2020, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor exchanged heated words after their fight, and in 2022, Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz had a tense moment at a press conference. But physical altercations are rare. The last documented shove between UFC fighters occurred in 2018 between Kelvin Gastelum and Tyron Woodley—resulting in a fine. This is the most public and high-profile since.
