Dennis Buzukja Handed Nine-Month Suspension by NSAC for Fan Altercation at UFC 310

The UFC 310, which took place on December 7, 2024 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, was primarily hyped for its headline fixture for the flyweight title between Alexandra Pantousa and Kai Asakura. Another most highly anticipated clash was between Movsar Evloev and former UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling which was followed by a post-fight altercation between Dennis Buzukja, Sterling’s cornerman and a fan. Following the very controversy, The Nevada State Athletic Commission has official suspended Buzuka for nine months on Wednesday, 26th February, 2025.

Buzukja, a 27-year-old fighter and teammate of Sterling and Merab Dvalishvili, was initially handed a temporary suspension following the incident and was awaited for further review. While NSAC has handed him a nine months suspension, he still has a chance to reduce the suspension to six months through community service.
The altercation involved both Buzukja and Dvalishvili, when they were engaging with the fan, leaving everyone curious regarding the origin of the incident. Dvalishvili went ahead to claim that the individual was not just a random spectator but rather someone who was sent to provoke them. However, NSAC ruled against Buzukja, emphasizing that physical altercations between fighters and fans are strictly prohibited no matter what.

Buzukja joined the UFC in 2023 post securing a contract after a string of victories on the regional circuit. A two-time Dana White’s Contender Series veteran, Buzukja has struggled to gain momentum in the promotion.. His tenure in the UFC has been difficult, holding a 1-3 record to date.
His promotional debut saw him miss weight and suffer a decision loss to Sean Woodson, followed by another defeat to Jamall Emmers. Buzukja finally earned his first UFC victory in March 2024, defeating Connor Matthews. However his success was a one-time thing as he lost again to Francis Marshall in August.
With his career being side-lined now for at least six months, Buzukja’s UFC future is uncertain. Given his losing record, this suspension may add further pressure on his career, with some fans and analysts speculating that the UFC could part ways with him.
NSAC officials made it clear that any further incidents of this nature could result in a lifetime ban from competing in Nevada. The commission has taken a strict stance on fighter-fan altercations, citing previous cases like Arman Tsarukyan’s nine-month suspension for a similar offense.
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For now, Buzukja will have to serve his suspension and decide on his next steps, both in terms of competition and professional conduct.