Jack Doherty fired back at UFC legend Andrei Arlovski after their backstage brawl at the Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua event in Miami. The 22-year-old streamer vehemently denies instigating the fight, claiming Arlovski started the altercation Friday night at Kaseya Center. The competing narratives have sparked heated debate about who was truly responsible for the December 20 incident.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Altercation occurred backstage on December 20, 2025 at Kaseya Center in Miami during Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua event
- Jack Doherty claims Arlovski kicked him unprovoked while he was simply walking by with his camera crew
- Doherty appears on livestream behind his bodyguard as Arlovski exchanges punches with multiple members of his entourage
- Doherty openly admits he was not trying to start a fight, citing his pending legal troubles as motivation to stay out of altercations
The Backstage Encounter at Jake Paul Event
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The brawl unfolded Friday night when Doherty’s livestream crew crossed paths with the legendary UFC heavyweight champion backstage at Miami’s Kaseya Center. Arlovski, 46, was attending the boxing event where Anthony Joshua knocked out Jake Paul in a shocking upset performance.
Multiple videos captured the chaos as punches were thrown between Arlovski and Doherty’s entourage. Doherty remained behind his security guard while his friends stepped in to confront the former champion, who had no intention of backing down from the confrontation.
Jack Doherty’s Defense: ‘That Guy Started the Whole Thing’
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In a video statement posted to social media on Sunday, Doherty disputed all blame for the incident. He claimed he was simply walking through the backstage area when Arlovski kicked him for absolutely no reason. “I was literally just walking by and this guy goes, ‘Boom,’ and then a little karate kick,” Doherty explained.
The 22-year-old YouTuber emphasized his innocence repeatedly throughout the statement. He pointed out that he’s currently out on bond from a November arrest for amphetamine possession and resisting arrest, making it counterproductive for him to instigate fights. “I’m not trying to instigate a fight. I’m trying to stay out of trouble. I’m out on bond right now,” Doherty stated in his defense video.
Timeline Comparison: Conflicting Accounts
| Perspective | Who Initiated? | Key Claims |
| Jack Doherty | Arlovski | Arlovski kicked unprovoked while walking by |
| Andrei Arlovski | Doherty’s crew | Doherty bumped into him looking for content |
| Eyewitness Reports | Doherty’s crew | One of Doherty’s friends threw first punch |
Arlovski’s Perspective: Defending Family and Self
Arlovski responded with his own Instagram statement on Sunday, claiming he was merely protecting himself and his family. The former UFC heavyweight said he wasn’t beating anyone up but rather “stopping the threat” when Doherty’s group became aggressive.
According to Arlovski’s version, Doherty bumped into him deliberately, trying to spark the kind of conflict content that made the influencer famous. “I guess because they were looking for content for their website,” Arlovski suggested, implying the encounter was orchestrated for views on Doherty’s platform.
The Core Issue: Who Really Threw the First Punch?
The central disagreement hinges on who initiated physical contact. Video evidence shows that one of Doherty’s friends threw the first punch, though it apparently missed Arlovski. However, Doherty claims Arlovski kicked him first, which prompted his crew to defend him.
Doherty emphasized he was “trying to deescalate the fight” rather than participate in it. His livestream was lagging at the critical moment, making it impossible to see exact details of how the altercation began. Multiple media outlets, including Barstool Sports, noted that visible evidence suggests someone in Doherty’s crew threw the opening punch, not Arlovski.
What’s Next for Both Parties After the Miami Incident?
As of late December 2025, no legal charges have been filed related to the backstage brawl. Arlovski even offered to fight Doherty’s bodyguard in an official bout if Jake Paul or another promoter arranged it. The UFC legend previously transitioned to other fighting promotions after his 24-year UFC career, including bare-knuckle boxing.
Doherty remains on bond and seems eager to distance himself from further altercations. The influencer built his brand around confrontational “pranks” involving bumping into strangers, but this encounter with an experienced combat veteran clearly didn’t go as expected. Both parties have made their positions clear, leaving the incident’s true cause open to interpretation.
Sources
- MMA Junkie/USA Today – Jack Doherty’s full response video and statement analysis
- Yahoo Sports/SB Nation – Andrei Arlovski’s Instagram statement and side of the story
- Bloody Elbow – Detailed video breakdown and eyewitness account of the backstage brawl
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.