Sports · Combat Sports · 17 mins ago
Dvalishvili accuses Nurmagomedov group of Abu Dhabi hotel attack
Merab Dvalishvili says he and a friend were attacked at a hotel in Abu Dhabi during an event for Real American Freestyle, a wrestling promotion.
He accused Usman Nurmagomedov, Umar Nurmagomedov and several others of coming up behind them and striking them.
Video posted online showed Dvalishvili and his friend bloodied, and Dvalishvili said they were kicked while down.
Former UFC champion Ilia Topuria claimed Usman and teammates were detained by police, but that claim has not been confirmed.
The confrontation comes after a long-running tension between Dvalishvili and Umar, whom Dvalishvili defeated in a UFC title fight in January 2025.
Dvalishvili is scheduled to wrestle Marlon Moraes on Nov.
14 at RAF Abu Dhabi, but it is unclear whether the match will go ahead.
Merab Dvalishvili accused Usman Nurmagomedov and others of attacking him and a friend during a wrestling promotion event in Abu Dhabi.
Dvalishvili said the group approached them from behind while he was being interviewed and that people struck them as they were held down.
A video posted by Ilia Topuria appears to show Nurmagomedov approach Dvalishvili from behind and slap him, followed by a multi-person brawl.
Dvalishvili said he was fine after the incident and described his friend as a 21-year-old wrestler from Georgia.
The reports do not include a response from Usman Nurmagomedov.
- Who
- Merab Dvalishvili accused Usman Nurmagomedov and others of attacking him and his friend.
- What
- Dvalishvili said they were assaulted during a media event; video posted by Ilia Topuria appears to show a confrontation followed by a brawl.
- When
- Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
- Where
- At a hotel lobby during a Real American Freestyle event in Abu Dhabi, according to Dvalishvili.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Dvalishvili successfully defended his UFC bantamweight title against Umar Nurmagomedov by unanimous decision.
Dvalishvili said he and his friend were attacked during an interview at a Real American Freestyle event in Abu Dhabi.
Ilia Topuria posted video footage of the incident.
- Location
- Abu Dhabi
- Accused
- Usman Nurmagomedov and others
- Friend
- 21-year-old wrestler from Georgia
- Video poster
- Ilia Topuria
- Previous fight
- Dvalishvili defeated Umar Nurmagomedov by unanimous decision in January 2025
7 sources
Conor McGregor reacts to Usman Nurmagomedov attacking Merab Dvalishvili with Ilia Topuria revenge hint
Merab Dvalishvili accuses Usman & Umar Nurmagomedov of hotel attack
Video shows Merab Dvalishvili attacked by Usman Nurmagomedov and others at RAF event in Abu Dhabi
What people are saying
What a sneaky way, guys. Just two of us, me and my friend, came here in Abu Dhabi, and Usman Nurmagomedov and his friends came like snakes from behind
I'm fine, guys, all my friends and family, I'm fine
My young friend, he’s only a 21-year-old wrestler from Georgia, and he was with me. And he fought okay. He fought for both brothers. Usman and Umar, and he only had this face [hurt]. Nothing else, bro
You're a bunch of cowards, and you'll be held accountable for what you've done