Never.
I had several ways to get out of having to hitting anyone.
Wind them up with sarcasm until they flipped and lost control. This usually ended up with them being off balance and venerable to hitting the deck with a little aid.
Or doormen would have time to see it coming and step in.
I’ve often taken a few hits before walking away disinterested. That usual lead to the top method to.
As back up i was a county sprinter and got the hell out of there. Rarely an option when mates were also involved.
Like TJ, i mostly broke them up or prevented thing developing into a fight.
Eventually got a rep for being too calm and controlled during such times and people became a little more cautious of me.