Former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski and a member of Jack Doherty’s security team have agreed to fight after a chaotic backstage altercation went viral at the Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua card.
Clips circulating on social media show Arlovski swinging and throwing kicks as tensions boiled over near Doherty’s group. Doherty later claimed the Belarusian-American fighter tried to kick him “for no reason” while walking past.
“I was just walking by, and he tries to kick me… I didn’t say or do anything to him,” Doherty wrote on X, adding that he was being painted as the villain regardless.
Arlovski disputed that version of events. He said someone threatened him, his wife, and his child, accused Doherty of chasing “content,” and claimed he was sucker-punched during the scuffle.
Andrei Arlovski accepts Jack Doherty’s fight offer involving his bodyguards
The situation escalated further on December 23, when Doherty issued a series of public challenges. One proposal involved a 3-on-1 scenario with Doherty flanked by two bodyguards, openly admitting he would stay behind them.
That quickly shifted into a more straightforward offer. Doherty revealed one of his bodyguards wanted to face Arlovski in a sanctioned bout, promising it would be the guard’s “highest paid fight ever.”
“Let’s do it the right way,” Doherty said, pitching massive paydays for everyone involved and insisting he wouldn’t be sidelined from the promotion.
According to MMA Fighting, Arlovski’s manager Abe Kawa of First Round Management confirmed they’re on board.
“We absolutely accept,” Kawa told the outlet, adding that Arlovski is “100 percent in” and that they’re actively trying to connect with Doherty to get the fight finalized.
The timing is notable. Arlovski is already booked to face Ben Rothwell for the BKFC heavyweight title at KnuckleMania 6 in February, which could complicate scheduling.
Outside the ring, Doherty is also dealing with legal trouble. The influencer is currently facing charges in Florida, including resisting arrest and possession of a controlled substance, stemming from an incident where he allegedly refused to leave a roadway while filming.
If convicted on all counts and given maximum penalties, Doherty could face up to seven years in jail.
For now, the internet-fueled feud appears headed toward a real fight, assuming contracts, calendars, and courtrooms don’t get in the way first.
