Former UFC Champion Merab Dvalishvili Attacked in Abu Dhabi Hotel
Former UFC champion Merab Dvalishvili accused Usman and Umar Nurmagomedov of physically attacking him in an Abu Dhabi hotel lobby, prompting widespread condemnation.
Former UFC champion Merab Dvalishvili accused Usman and Umar Nurmagomedov of physically attacking him alongside a large group of associates in an Abu Dhabi hotel lobby. The Georgian fighter leveled serious allegations on social media, claiming that roughly 20 individuals were involved in the altercation.
Dvalishvili is currently in Abu Dhabi ahead of a grappling match against Marlon Moraes, but the sporting event was overshadowed by the hotel lobby incident. According to the Georgian fighter, the attackers approached him and his friend from behind and rushed them without warning.
"Usman Nurmagomedov and his crew approached us from behind and started striking. Security guards held me while they kicked us on the floor," Dvalishvili claimed.
He added that Umar also participated in the entire assault, labeling their actions cowardly due to the overwhelming numerical advantage. Dvalishvili addressed the Nurmagomedov brothers, stating that if they wish to fight, they should do so in an orderly, athletic manner. The tension between Dvalishvili and the Nurmagomedov camp has persisted for a long time, peaking in January 2025 when the Georgian defeated Umar by unanimous decision at UFC 311 to defend his bantamweight championship belt.
Footage and Reactions
Georgian-Spanish fighter Ilia Topuria, who commented on the incident, stated that Usman and his associates were reportedly arrested in Abu Dhabi. Topuria sharply criticized the group on social media, condemning their behavior as disgraceful and lacking basic values of respect and modesty.
No official response has been issued yet by Usman or Umar Nurmagomedov regarding the allegations. Dvalishvili himself noted that his physical condition is good and that the incident will not affect his scheduled match against Moraes on Saturday.
