Yeah, there is a golden rule in any scenario if someone appears to be ready for trouble. Do not let them get within the bubble of swinging distance. The best defense if they are trying to get close is to punch first and hard. Especially if outnumbered. because 75% of the time they are trying to edge inside your guard to sucker punch you or tie you up. Sometimes it is obvious, but Its often an act of subterfuge.
its almost textbook for guys to try to get within grabbing and swinging distance, even through pretending to not be trying to and pretend like they are de-escalating. If you let them get within distance to touch you, you have to strike first. The law might not agree, but closing the distance is an act of a threat to me. If you want to de-escalate, you do it from 6 feet away and stay backed up from me. if you close the distance, its an active threat
At lot of folks think hitting first is a bad thing, but its really depending on if they are trying to get close.
In this case, it looks like a bunch of dorks having a fight over nothing