Misfits MMA responded to its inaugural championship bout with a significant rule modification. Following Dillon Danis’ 15-second guillotine choke submission of Warren Spencer to capture the promotion’s first light heavyweight title, founder Mams Taylor announced that future events will implement a time restriction on ground exchanges.
The regulatory change comes after Danis’ performance at Manchester’s AO Arena during Misfits Boxing 22 sparked widespread debate about the legitimacy of the promotion’s mixed martial arts offerings.
The jiu-jitsu black belt made short work of Spencer, immediately taking the contest to the mat and transitioning from mount position into a fight-ending submission before most spectators had settled into their seats.
According to Taylor on the Ariel Helwani Show, the new ruleset will enforce a time limit on how long competitors can remain on the ground before being required to return to their feet. This modification aligns with the promotion’s stated philosophy of prioritizing continuous action for viewers.
Taylor said during the interview: “I guess a lot of people will be excited about and a lot of people will hate, is that there will be a time limit on remaining on the ground. So you’re going to have to get up after a certain set time, and the referee will ensure that you stand.”
He continued: “If the timer runs out and you’re in a rear naked choke, you get stood up, it doesn’t matter.”
Sherdog, long considered the definitive resource for professional MMA records, has declined to recognize Danis’ victory in their Fight Finder database.
For the 32-year-old Danis, the controversial victory marks his first competitive appearance since 2019, when he earned his second consecutive first-round submission under the Bellator banner. His career trajectory has been unconventional, with his reputation built largely through his association with former UFC champion Conor McGregor as a training partner rather than through extensive cage experience.
The evening concluded with immediate callouts and challenges. English strongman Eddie Hall entered the cage to discuss a potential matchup, offering to reduce his considerable frame for the opportunity. “I’ll get under 300 pounds for you,” Hall said.
Danis additionally targeted UFC pound-for-pound icon Islam Makhachev and British content creator KSI after his win.
