Former UFC champion Dvalishvili bloodied in Abu Dhabi hotel lobby brawl with Nurmagomedov group

Former UFC champion Merab Dvalishvili was left bloodied after a brawl in a hotel lobby in Abu Dhabi on November 11. The incident broke out while he was giving an interview for Real American Freestyle ahead of its November 14 event at Etihad Arena.

Footage shows Usman Nurmagomedov approaching Dvalishvili, saying “I have a question for you” in Russian, then slapping him. A group brawl followed, with several other men joining the altercation. Dvalishvili and his friend, Georgian fighter Saba Lazishvili, fought back and both were left bloodied.

“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 said Usman and about 20 associates attacked him and Lazishvili from behind, leaving them heavily outnumbered. He posted a treatment video and called the assault sneaky, challenging his attackers to fight the real way.

Ilia Topuria shared footage of the confrontation before deleting his upload. Clips also circulated through MMA accounts such as Championship Rounds and Red Corner MMA.

Dvalishvili had previously handed Umar Nurmagomedov his first professional defeat, and their rivalry had already spilled over at RAF Georgia before the Abu Dhabi incident.

Dvalishvili said he came to Abu Dhabi with only his friend and was jumped by Usman, Umar, and their friends in a sneaky way. He insisted he is a real fighter who talks straight and wants a fair fight.