UFC Fighter Who Defended Merab Dvalishvili in Fan Altercation Faces Extended Suspension

The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) has extended UFC featherweight Dennis Buzukja’s suspension following his involvement in a physical altercation with a fan at UFC 310 in Las Vegas. The incident occurred after the fan allegedly instigated a confrontation with reigning UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, leading to a heated exchange that escalated quickly.

Buzukja, who was attending the event to support longtime teammate Aljamain Sterling, claims he was attempting to calm the situation when things spiraled out of control.

“I went to de-escalate the situation,” Buzukja said in an interview following the incident. “I put his hand down, told him to relax, and then out of nowhere, he landed a clean left hook on me. Instinct took over, and I hit him back. Security stepped in before it could get worse, but for a second, I thought, ‘Should I just drop everything and go all in?’ Luckily, it didn’t come to that.”

As a result of the altercation, NSAC placed Buzukja under temporary suspension, which was officially extended during Tuesday’s hearing. A final decision on his disciplinary action is expected at next month’s commission meeting.

Buzukja, 27, earned his UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series but has struggled since making his promotional debut. Holding a 1-3 UFC record, the featherweight is still looking to find his footing in the division.

While he remains sidelined due to the ongoing investigation, Buzukja’s future in the UFC remains uncertain. Will he be able to bounce back from this setback and prove himself inside the Octagon? Fans and analysts alike are eager to see what’s next for “The Great.”