Former UFC champion Merab Dvalishvili will proceed with his scheduled match against Marlon Moraes in Abu Dhabi this weekend, despite enduring a physical altercation involving PFL champion Usman Nurmagomedov and his entourage, Delfi reported.
Dvalishvili and a companion were ambushed in a hotel lobby while giving an interview.
The violent clash follows a prolonged feud between Dvalishvili and the Nurmagomedov family. Tension intensified prior to January 2025, when the Georgian fighter secured a unanimous decision victory over Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 to defend his championship belt, as detailed by Sportas.lt.
Sportas.lt said that the recent incident featured Usman Nurmagomedov alongside his brother Umaras. Following the altercation, footage circulated widely on social media platforms via accounts such as Red Corner MMA and Championship Rounds.
Fellow fighter Ilia Topuria publicly condemned the attack, stating, “And it is these same people who dare to talk about humility and respect? Shame. A bunch of true cowards,” as reported by Sportas.lt. Topuria initially shared video footage of the clash before removing the post.
Despite sustaining visible injuries and enduring a reported 48-hour detention following the chaos, Dvalishvili opted against withdrawing from his upcoming commitments, according to tv3.lt. Addressing his supporters regarding his physical status, Dvalishvili stated, “I’m fine. My friends and family, don’t worry—I am a fighter. This means nothing to me,” as quoted by Sportas.lt.
| Athlete | Role / Affiliation | Event Status |
|---|---|---|
| Merab Dvalishvili | Former UFC Champion (Georgia) | Competing vs. Marlon Moraes |
| Usman Nurmagomedov | PFL Champion | Involved in lobby incident |
| S. Lazišvilis | Replacement Competitor (Age 21) | Facing U. Faber |
Reports from local outlets confirm that members of the attacking contingent faced legal consequences following the altercation. Dana White addressed the situation, remarking, “Now they are all sitting in jail. This is not the place where you can fool around like that,” as reported by Sportas.lt.
- Delfi: Skandalingas kovotojų muštynes Abu Dabyje sukėlę ruso komandos nariai sės į kalėjimą
- Sportas.lt: „20 vyrų prisėlino iš nugaros kaip gyvatės“: Dvališvilis prabilo apie „Nurmagomedovo gaujos“ išpuolį
- tv3.lt: Po žiauraus užpuolimo – netikėtas Dvališvilio sprendimas: kartvelas vis tiek stos į kovą
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational and journalistic purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any questions regarding physical trauma or medical evaluation.
