Jack Doherty claims innocence in a physical altercation with UFC legend Andrei Arlovski, asserting that Arlovski initiated the conflict, while footage and Doherty’s reputation as an instigator complicate the narrative.
Jack Doherty is proclaiming his innocence after a scuffle with a UFC legend.
Andrei Arlovski unexpectedly found himself in the limelight over the weekend. The brawl with Doherty and his crew erupted in the halls of Kaseya Center in Miami during the Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul boxing event. Arlovski accused Doherty of instigating the altercation, possibly for social media content, alleging threats to himself, his family, and a friend.
On Sunday, Doherty shared his perspective, pointing fingers at Arlovski.
“Everyone’s talking about that Andrei whatever UFC fight we had at the Jake Paul fight,” Doherty said. “I did not start that, and I don’t know why everyone’s blaming me. ‘Oh, you’re hiding behind your security guard.’ Duh. This guy walks by, bumps my cameraman, and throws a kick at us for no reason. My friend stepped in, and then everything else happened. Bro, I’m not trying to fight this guy. I’m not instigating anything. I’m on bond right now; you think we’re trying to start fights? Hell nah.”
“That guy started the whole thing, you can see it, it’s all on video. I was literally just walking by, and this guy goes boom and then a little karate kick… you can see I did nothing to start the fight.”
The footage shows Doherty and Arlovski briefly bumping shoulders. It’s unclear if Arlovski responded with a “karate kick” as Doherty claims. One of Doherty’s associates is seen throwing a punch at Arlovski, escalating the situation.
Doherty’s known for stirring the pot, a key part of his online persona that’s attracted millions of followers. Recently, he was arrested in Miami Beach for possession of amphetamine and marijuana, and resisting an officer without violence, among other charges. The 22-year-old was arrested after allegedly blocking traffic and refusing to move his vehicle.
Due to this recent legal trouble, Doherty insists he didn’t start the backstage brawl at the Jake vs. Joshua fight.
“All I tried to do was deescalate the fight and get everyone to stop fricking fighting because I’m like, yo, we can’t be fighting, I’ve got to stay out of trouble,” Doherty said.
Watch Doherty’s statement below.