The MMA title fight everyone’s been waiting for is finally official: Dillon Danis will defend his Misfits MMA Light Heavyweight Championship against Anthony Taylor on December 20, 2025, at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This isn’t just another fight—it’s the culmination of a three-year feud that began with a punch thrown during a chaotic press conference in 2022, escalated through social media warfare, and now culminates in a championship bout that could redefine both men’s legacies.
The Feud That Refused to Die
The tension between Danis and Taylor exploded in August 2022 during a Misfits Boxing press event. Taylor, known as "Pretty Boy Taylor" for his polished demeanor, landed a clean right hand on Danis during a heated exchange that spiraled into a full-blown brawl. Videos of the incident went viral, with Happy Punch capturing the moment and later tweeting on November 10, 2025: "Dillon Danis looks to defend his Misfits MMA title and to settle the score in this long standing feud with Anthony Pretty Boy Taylor." Danis, never one to let an insult slide, spent the next three years calling Taylor out—on Instagram, on podcasts, even during UFC events. Taylor, meanwhile, stayed quiet, focusing on boxing, until his loss to Darren Till in January 2025.
It’s worth noting: Taylor hasn’t competed in MMA since 2020. His last fight was a decision win over a journeyman in a regional promotion. Since then, he’s been in the ring with boxers—losing to Till by sixth-round knockout on January 15, 2025. That defeat, oddly enough, may have been the push he needed. With no boxing title in sight and his reputation fading, stepping into the MMA cage against Danis offered redemption—or a public reckoning.
Danis: The Submission Machine Returns
Dillon Danis, 32, hasn’t fought MMA in over six years before his stunning return on August 30, 2025. That night, at the Manchester Arena in England, he stepped in as a late replacement for an injured fighter and submitted Warren Spencer with a mounted guillotine choke in just 15 seconds—winning the inaugural Misfits MMA Light Heavyweight title. It was the kind of performance that reminded people why he was once considered one of the most dangerous grapplers in the world.
His record? A perfect 3-0, all by submission. His first win came back in 2019 at Bellator 222, where he choked out Max Humphrey with an armbar. His second was a controversial win over a lesser-known fighter in 2020, which many dismissed as a fluke. But the Spencer fight? That was different. It was clean, brutal, and emphatic. Danis didn’t just win—he announced himself.
But the path to Dubai wasn’t smooth. Just one week before the official announcement of his opponent, Danis was banned for life from any UFC events by Dana White after a ringside brawl at UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2025. It wasn’t his first time being ejected from the Garden—he was thrown out in 2021 after a backstage argument with MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz during UFC 268. Now, with no UFC future, Danis has fully committed to Misfits MMA, a promotion that’s betting big on chaos as entertainment.
Weight Class Confusion and the Big Show
Here’s the twist: Misfits MMA officially lists the Light Heavyweight limit at 175 lbs. But The Body Lock MMA confirmed the Danis-Taylor bout will be contested at 180 lbs. Why? Because Taylor hasn’t trained for MMA in years, and Danis, who’s bulked up since his Bellator days, reportedly insisted on the extra five pounds. It’s a small detail, but telling. Danis wants to make sure Taylor can’t hide behind weight-cutting excuses.
The event, officially titled Misfits Mania – The Fight Before ChristmasDubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, is being marketed as a holiday spectacle. Headlining the card is Andrew Tate’s professional boxing debut against Chase DeMoor for the inaugural Misfits heavyweight title. The venue, which holds 5,000 fans, has hosted major boxing cards before—but never a fight this charged with personal history.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just about belts. It’s about redemption, reputation, and the blurred lines between MMA and spectacle. Danis, once a fringe figure in the grappling world, has become a lightning rod—loved by some, despised by others. Taylor, the polished boxer with a reputation for being "too clean," now has to prove he can survive in the cage. And Misfits MMA? They’re not just filling a card—they’re building a brand on drama, defiance, and direct confrontation.
The UFC may have cut Danis loose, but in Dubai, he’ll have the spotlight all to himself. No referees to pull him off, no officials to stop the trash talk. Just two men, a cage, and a grudge that’s been simmering since 2022.
What’s Next?
If Danis wins, expect him to demand a unification bout with the Bellator or PFL champion. If Taylor pulls off the upset? He’ll become the biggest underdog story in Misfits history—and possibly land a deal with ONE Championship. Either way, the loser’s career will face serious questions. And for fans? This fight is a rare chance to see raw, unfiltered emotion in the cage—not scripted promos, not corporate marketing. Just two men with something to prove.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this fight happening in Dubai instead of the U.S.?
Dubai has become a hotspot for high-profile combat sports events due to its lax regulations, tax incentives, and willingness to host controversial figures. With Danis banned from UFC venues and Tate’s polarizing persona making U.S. states wary, Dubai offers a neutral, high-profile stage with minimal legal risk. The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium has hosted major boxing events since 2019, making it a proven venue for large-scale combat sports.
How does Danis’ grappling background give him an edge over Taylor?
Danis is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with over 15 years of elite competition experience. Taylor, a boxer with no formal MMA grappling training, has never been submitted in his career—but he’s also never faced someone of Danis’ caliber on the ground. In MMA, a single takedown can end a fight, and Danis has finished all three of his pro fights via submission. Taylor’s best hope is to keep it standing, but Danis’ speed and precision make that unlikely.
What’s the significance of the 180-pound weight limit?
The 180-pound limit is a compromise. Misfits MMA’s official Light Heavyweight limit is 175 lbs, but Danis has added muscle since 2019, and Taylor hasn’t fought in a cage since 2020. Raising the limit slightly allows Taylor to compete without drastic weight cuts, while giving Danis a size advantage. It’s also a psychological move—Danis wants Taylor to feel the pressure of being the heavier man, not the more skilled one.
Could this fight lead to a UFC return for Danis?
Unlikely. Dana White’s ban is reportedly permanent, and UFC brass see Danis as too volatile. But if he wins decisively in Dubai—especially with a highlight-reel submission—it could pressure the UFC to reconsider, especially if the event draws over 1 million PPV buys. For now, though, Misfits MMA is his only home. His future lies outside the UFC’s corporate structure.
Is Anthony Taylor the underdog in this fight?
Absolutely. Taylor is a 7-to-1 underdog according to early betting markets. He hasn’t fought MMA in five years, lost his last boxing match by KO, and has zero experience defending against elite BJJ. Danis, despite his controversies, is a proven finisher with a clear game plan. Taylor’s only path to victory is a knockout in the first two rounds—before Danis can take him down. It’s a tall order.
Why is Misfits MMA gaining so much attention now?
Misfits MMA is leveraging celebrity, controversy, and social media virality. With Andrew Tate headlining and Danis-Taylor as the co-main, they’ve created a perfect storm of drama. Unlike traditional promotions, they don’t hide the chaos—they amplify it. Their audience isn’t just fight fans; it’s people who follow drama online. That’s why this event is expected to break pay-per-view records for an independent MMA promotion.