What was meant to be a routine appearance at a major boxing card turned tense for former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski.
Arlovski attended the Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua event in Miami when a brief confrontation unfolded behind the scenes involving online streamer Jack Doherty and members of his group. Several videos later surfaced showing parts of the incident, quickly spreading across social media.
How the incident unfolded
According to Arlovski, the situation escalated unexpectedly while he was walking through a backstage area with his family and friends nearby. He explained that the encounter did not start as a physical confrontation but changed quickly after words were exchanged.
“First of all, I didn’t beat anyone, I just stopped the threat,” Arlovski said. “They were threatening me, my wife, my kid and I have another friend who was there. I did what I was supposed to do, what every man is supposed to do. Stop the threat. I didn’t beat them. I just stopped the threat.”
Footage shows multiple individuals approaching Arlovski, with one person appearing to throw a punch. The former champion reacted immediately, defending himself until security and staff stepped in.
Arlovski explains his reaction
Arlovski suggested the encounter may have been driven by content creation rather than a genuine dispute. He believes he was targeted because of his public profile and the presence of recording equipment.
“I guess because they were looking for content for their website and I guess I was the victim,” Arlovski said. “They thought maybe it was going to be easy content for YouTube. Maybe that’s why. Maybe I’m old. Maybe because it was three idiots and a big bodyguard.”
He also acknowledged that he needs to be more alert in crowded public settings.
“Actually it’s kind of weird because I saw him walking but I didn’t pay attention,” Arlovski added. “He kind of landed one punch. I have to be more alert and pay attention to people that come around. That’s the lesson.”
The altercation lasted less than a minute before venue security separated everyone involved. Arlovski was escorted away from the area, while Doherty and his group remained behind. No injuries were reported, and the event itself continued without interruption.
Arlovski credited his wife for helping calm the situation, admitting emotions were running high.
“She actually calmed me down,” he said. “Because I was about to snap.”
Andrei Arlovski is asked about Jack Doherty and his bodyguard. pic.twitter.com/3xw72ADDXe
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) December 22, 2025
While Arlovski admitted he was struck once during the exchange, he made it clear he felt justified in how he responded.
“That guy he was sneaky,” Arlovski said. “He sucker punched me and I didn’t accept this punch, to be honest with you. They just tried to film some content I guess. Jack Doherty was successful at hiding behind his bodyguard’s back and ran away.” via MMAFighting
Arlovski has continued competing across several combat sports since leaving the UFC, including bare knuckle boxing, and remains active despite nearing the end of his professional fighting career.
