Former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili and his friend Saba Lazishvili have been released from a detention center in the United Arab Emirates following a tumultuous week in Abu Dhabi. The pair had been held by local authorities since Wednesday after becoming embroiled in a chaotic physical altercation at a hotel alongside PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov and members of his training team.
According to reports initially shared by combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani, the release of Dvalishvili and Lazishvili came after nearly 48 hours of intense behind-the-scenes negotiations and legal maneuvering. Chad Bronstein, the CEO and co-founder of the Global Fighting Championship and related organizations, reportedly stepped in immediately to assist. Bronstein worked tirelessly alongside local law enforcement and legal representatives to secure their freedom, ultimately being present at the detention facility when the two men were finally released.
The incident stems from a wild hotel brawl that abruptly disrupted the combat sports community in Abu Dhabi earlier in the week. The melee involved multiple high-profile athletes and their associates, drawing immediate and severe attention from law enforcement in the UAE, a jurisdiction known for taking strict stances on public disturbances and physical violence.
Following their release, Dvalishvili’s immediate athletic future remained a subject of intense speculation due to both the detention and potential injuries sustained during the violent encounter. However, updates from event organizers quickly provided clarity. Dvalishvili is scheduled to return to competition this weekend under the RAF banner, where he is booked to face former UFC rival Marlon Moraes. While initial reports questioned whether "The Machine" would be physically or mentally fit to step onto the mats so soon after the incident, subsequent updates from outlets like Home of Fight confirmed that the high-profile grappling and combat matchup between Dvalishvili and Moraes is still moving forward as planned.
Merab Dvalishvili and Saba Fined AED 50,000 Each, Usman Nurmagomedov and Seven Others Sentenced to Six Months in Prison
While Dvalishvili and Lazishvili have successfully secured their release and avoided incarceration, the legal fallout for the opposing side has been swift and severe. Reports indicate that PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, five additional members of his team, and two individuals who recorded and filmed the brawl have been handed harsh judicial sentences.
The court in Abu Dhabi sentenced Nurmagomedov and the involved members of his team to six months in prison. Furthermore, the individuals from Nurmagomedov’s camp have been hit with heavy financial penalties, ordered to pay fines of AED 300,000 each—equivalent to approximately $81,700 USD—and will face mandatory deportation from the United Arab Emirates immediately upon the completion of their prison terms.
In contrast, Merab Dvalishvili and Saba Lazishvili avoided prison time entirely, though they were not cleared without penalty. Both men were issued a judicial fine of AED 50,000 each for their roles in the altercation, specifically cited for "disturbing public security and assaulting others." As part of the resolution facilitated during their release, RAF leadership has agreed to cover the financial fines assessed against Dvalishvili and Lazishvili.
The rapid escalation and stern legal consequences highlight the zero-tolerance policy maintained by authorities in Abu Dhabi regarding public altercations, particularly those involving prominent public figures and international athletes. With the legal proceedings resolved for Dvalishvili and his companion, the focus for the former UFC champion shifts back to athletic competition as he prepares to face Marlon Moraes in Abu Dhabi.
