Tensions within the upper echelons of the combat sports world have seemingly boiled over outside the cage, as former Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight titleholder Merab Dvalishvili has come forward with serious allegations of a physical altercation. According to Dvalishvili, he and an associate were targeted and ambushed in a hotel lobby in Abu Dhabi by fellow high-profile fighters Usman Nurmagomedov and Umar Nurmagomedov, alongside a large contingent of their associates.
The incident, which has quickly sent shockwaves through the mixed martial arts community, reportedly occurred ahead of Dvalishvili’s scheduled appearance and wrestling match at the upcoming Real Against Fighters (RAF) event in Abu Dhabi. Full footage of the ensuing scuffle has since surfaced on social media platforms, sparking widespread discussion, speculation, and concern among fans and industry insiders alike.
The alarming confrontation came to light when Dvalishvili took to social media to share his side of the story, posting a video message accompanied by visible injuries. In the video footage, Dvalishvili is seen with blood on his face, while a young companion who was with him during the incident also appears to have sustained injuries. The visual evidence immediately drew significant attention, painting a chaotic picture of an unexpected clash unfolding far away from sanctioned competition grounds.
Merab Dvalishvili Alleges He and a Friend Were Attacked in Abu Dhabi Ahead of RAF
According to Dvalishvili’s account, the episode began quite unexpectedly while he was in the middle of fulfilling media obligations. The former UFC champion stated that he was actively participating in an interview for the RAF event inside a hotel lobby when the situation drastically deteriorated. Rather than a face-to-face confrontation or a verbal exchange, Dvalishvili claims that a large group—estimated by the fighter to include approximately 20 individuals—approached him and his companion from behind without warning.
"Was doing an interview for RAF in hotel lobby and Usman and his buddies came up from behind and started punching me and my young friend," Dvalishvili wrote in the emotional and direct caption accompanying his video post. He further alleged that venue security attempted to intervene by holding him, during which time members of the opposing group continued to deliver kicks while he and his friend were vulnerable on the ground, describing the actions of the group in harsh terms.
Expanding on his frustrations in the video itself, Dvalishvili expressed deep indignation over the manner in which the alleged altercation was initiated. He questioned the integrity and sportsmanship of the individuals involved, emphasizing the numerical disparity between the two sides.
"What a sneaky way, just two of us, me and my friend came here in Abu Dhabi, and Usman Nurmagomedov and his friends came like snakes from behind," Dvalishvili stated in the video message. "What kind of fighters you guys are? What kind of man does this? If you want to talk and fight, let’s do it the real way."
The allegations did not stop with Usman Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili explicitly pointed the finger at Umar Nurmagomedov as well, claiming that both high-profile fighters were actively involved in the coordinated ambush.
"I just came here in Abu Dhabi and then Usman, Umar, and his friends came in a sneaky way and tried to beat us. So many guys," Dvalishvili continued, emphasizing the overwhelming odds he and his single companion faced during the chaotic moments in the lobby.
This unexpected flashpoint adds yet another layer of intense rivalry to a pre-existing competitive history between the parties. Notably, Dvalishvili previously squared off against Umar Nurmagomedov inside the Octagon at UFC 311, which took place in January 2025. In that high-stakes bantamweight championship encounter, Dvalishvili successfully defended his standing, ultimately securing a victory by way of a unanimous decision after a grueling battle. That high-level sporting familiarity appears to have translated into lingering animosity, which has now seemingly spilled over into a volatile public confrontation thousands of miles away from the UFC arena.
Despite the shocking nature of the allegations and the visible marks left by the scuffle, Dvalishvili was quick to project resilience and reassurance regarding his physical well-being. Addressing his supporters, friends, and family directly through his digital channels, the veteran competitor made it clear that the incident would not break his resolve or derail his upcoming professional commitments.
"I’m fine," Dvalishvili stated firmly. "All my friends and family, I’m f***ing fine, I’m a fighter. This is nothing for me. Again, it shows what kind of people you guys are."
True to his word, Dvalishvili’s athletic schedule remains active. The former UFC bantamweight champion is slated to return to competition imminently, scheduled to face veteran fighter Marlon Moraes in a high-profile wrestling match at the RAF Abu Dhabi event. The bout is set to take place on November 14 at the Etihad Arena, bringing elite grappling talent to the forefront as part of the weekend’s combat sports festivities in the region.
As footage of the lobby scuffle continues to circulate online and regulatory bodies, event organizers, and fans process the unfolding fallout from Dvalishvili’s allegations, the combat sports world watches closely to see how the situation will develop ahead of the upcoming Etihad Arena card.
