Marvin Vettori has been caught on camera punching rapper and professional boxer Omar Nguale Ilunga at a boxing event in Italy.
The UFC middleweight contender was in attendance at the event in Milan to watch Ivan Zucco and Germaine Brown headline DAZN’s latest show when his friend got into an altercation.
According to MMA reporter Al Zullino, Vettori’s Italian rapper pal, Tony Effe, was arguing with Ilunga, also known as Ion Real Deal, before Vettori intervened and a mass brawl broke out.
‘The Italian Dream’ seemingly delivers the most significant blows of the fight when he hits Ilunga with two hammerfists before the 23-2 professional boxer falls to the floor.
Just last week, Vettori was in London competing against Roman Dolidze on the undercard of Leon Edwards vs Kamaru Usman 3 at UFC 286.
The 29-year-old impressed with his striking ability before he walked away with a unanimous decision win courtesy of 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28 scorecards from the cageside judges.
Post-fight, he called out three of the best UFC middleweights.
Vettori said: “First time, my mum came and watched me in the UFC.
“I couldn’t lose in front of her. Back in the win column. Don’t forget about me. I keep improving my game and I’m proud of all my kicking tonight.
“I’m around. [Jared] Cannonier, [Alex] Pereira, [Israel] Adesanya, line them up.”
Vettori’s place in the 185lb title remains unclear because he recently lost to former champion Robert Whittaker and has twice fallen short in fights against Adesanya.
‘The Last Stylebender’ will look to win back his middleweight belt when he rematches his old kickboxing rival Alex Pereira at UFC 287 next month.
If Adesanya is victorious, it seems unlikely the UFC would book a third fight with Vettori. However, a win for Pereira could put the 19-6-1 fighter back in contention.
Either way, it appears that Vettori will need at least one more win to earn a second title shot and Cannonier could be the man he squares off against next.
Last night during a DAZN Boxing event in Milan, Italy, Italian rapper Tony Effe started a brawl with Italian rapper and pro boxer Ion.
Tony’s good friend and UFC middleweight Marvin Vettori stepped in and hammer punched Ion knocking him down.
Definitely not a good look for him. pic.twitter.com/CjuPb0DDx6
— Al Zullino (@phre) March 25, 2023
