Usman Nurmagomedov and Merab Dvalishvili Clash in Abu Dhabi Hotel Brawl

“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,” said Merab Dvalishvili, former UFC bantamweight champion, after a physical altercation unfolded on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.

The clash occurred in an Abu Dhabi hotel lobby ahead of the upcoming Real American Freestyle event.

The scuffle involves PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, who approaches Dvalishvili from behind on video and strikes him in the face. Dvalishvili posts an Instagram video displaying his bloodied face and stating that security held him while he was repeatedly kicked. The confrontation traces back to an ongoing rivalry ignited when Dvalishvili defeated Usman’s older brother, Umar Nurmagomedov, by unanimous decision at UFC 311 in January 2025.

Tensions between the two camps previously boiled over during a brief altercation in July in Georgia at a prior RAF event, according to BBC Sport. Both Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov remain scheduled to compete at Saturday’s RAF event in Abu Dhabi, where Dvalishvili faces Marlon Moraes and Umar is booked to wrestle Urijah Faber.

UFC champion Islam Makhachev, a close friend and training partner of the Nurmagomedov family, offers a contrasting perspective on the origins of the feud. Makhachev questions why onlookers remained silent when Dvalishvili allegedly hit a Dagestani wrestler and insulted his mother in his homeland.

Other prominent fighters weigh in online regarding the physical altercation. Two-weight UFC champion Ilia Topuria shares video footage of the incident on X and condemns the actions of Usman’s camp.

“Usman has reportedly been detained, along with the cowards who were with him. What a disgrace. A bunch of absolute cowards,” said Ilia Topuria, former UFC lightweight champion.

Despite the hotel lobby brawl, Dvalishvili asserts that he is physically fine and intends to fulfill his scheduled match against Moraes. Meanwhile, Usman Nurmagomedov continues to manage his status as a free agent following his stint with the PFL, with industry speculation linking him to a potential move to the UFC.

Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.