Usman Nurmagomedov Involved in Violent Hotel Altercation with Merab Dvalishvili in Abu Dhabi

A disturbing video has emerged showing Usman Nurmagomedov attacking former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili during a hotel brawl in Abu Dhabi. The footage was initially shared by former two-division UFC champion Ilia Topuria, seemingly confirming claims made by Dvalishvili earlier on the incident.

Details of the Attack

Dvalishvili appeared heavily injured in the video, with blood covering his face and his left eye almost swollen shut. He was receiving medical attention alongside a friend who also had visible bruises. According to Dvalishvili, he and his companion were ambushed by the Nurmagomedov brothers, Usman and Umar Nurmagomedov, accompanied by several others, in a hotel lobby.

Ilia Topuria posted a clip of the altercation, which included a moment where Usman confronts and slaps Dvalishvili, speaking to him in Russian. The original post was later deleted, but it contained a message calling the attackers "cowards" who would be held accountable.

Background and Context

Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov are both in Abu Dhabi for the RAF freestyle wrestling event scheduled for Saturday, where they are set to compete in separate matches. Their rivalry dates back to January 2025 when Dvalishvili defended his UFC bantamweight title by beating Umar via unanimous decision at UFC 311. Since then, tensions have remained high.

Usman Nurmagomedov, younger brother of Umar, is a former Bellator and PFL lightweight champion currently without an MMA contract.

Dvalishvili Speaks Out

"Just two of us, me and my friend, came here to Abu Dhabi, and Usman Nurmagomedov and his friends attacked us from behind like snakes. What kind of fighters do you think you are? What kind of men does this? If you want to talk or fight, let's do it straight up. Instead, you came prepared with a group because there were just two of us. This shows your character — you are not real men."

"We bleed, we fight, we war, but you guys act sneakily. Even when we were down, you kept kicking us. There were about 20 of you against two of us. I'm fine, my friends and family don't worry, but this reveals what kind of people you really are."

Reactions and Consequences

Islam Makhachev, UFC welterweight champion and longtime ally of the Nurmagomedov family, defended Usman's actions on Instagram, claiming that the incident was provoked by Dvalishvili. The future participation of Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov in the upcoming RAF Abu Dhabi matches remains uncertain. Dvalishvili is slated to face Marlon Moraes, while Umar is expected to take on UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber.

Ilia Topuria later updated that Usman Nurmagomedov and some associates involved in the altercation were reportedly detained, though this has not been confirmed independently. Topuria condemned their behavior as hypocritical and cowardly:

"These are the same people preaching humility and respect? A disgrace. I always thought they were mediocre individuals, now every doubt is removed. Honor, respect, and humility aren’t just words you say—they’re values you live by. They showed none of these."