Merab Dvalishvili Bloodied in Group Attack Led by Usman Nurmagomedov in Abu Dhabi

Former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili was attacked from behind and left bloodied by a group led by Usman Nurmagomedov in an Abu Dhabi hotel lobby on Wednesday, The National reported.

The physical altercation occurred while Dvalishvili was giving an interview ahead of the weekend’s Real American Freestyle event at Etihad Arena. Video footage circulated online showing Nurmagomedov approaching Dvalishvili from behind before striking him in the face, triggering a chaotic melee involving multiple members from both camps, according to ESPN.

More footage emerged early Thursday morning showing Nurmagomedov say something to Dvalishvili before slapping him across the face, after which a visibly upset Dvalishvili rushed the group and was thrown to the ground where he was punched and kicked.

Following the scuffle, Dvalishvili posted a video on his social media channels while receiving medical attention for at least one head cut that left his face 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 wrote in a caption reported by Bleacher Report, adding that “Security was holding me – they kept kicking us when we were down like losers.”

“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 said in his Instagram video, adding, “What kind of fighters you guys are? What kind of man does this? What the f–k?”

“We bleed, we fight, we war, but you guys are just sneaky guys,” Dvalishvili also said. “You guys aren’t real men. What the f–k, guys? If you want to fight, fight. Let’s f–king fight. We are fighters. I don’t know how many guys you was. All your friends, waiting for us in a sneaky way. Wow, bro. Wow. I knew what kind of guys you are. So many guys.”

Dvalishvili and the Nurmagomedov Camp Clash over Years of Rivalry

The rivalry between Dvalishvili and the Nurmagomedov camp spans several years. Dvalishvili defeated Usman’s older brother, Umar Nurmagomedov, via unanimous decision at UFC 311 to defend his bantamweight title, Yahoo Sports noted.

Before his win over Umar, Dvalishvili referred to Umar as “spoiled” and accused the Dagestani of being disrespectful. Tensions flared further in July when Dvalishvili was involved in an altercation with a Nurmagomedov associate ahead of an RAF event in Georgia.

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev defended the attack on Wednesday via Instagram. Makhachev questioned critics by asking why they remained silent when Dvalishvili previously slapped a member of the Nurmagomedov clan and insulted his honor, Yahoo Sports reported.

“That man approached him with no ill intent, just to talk,” Makhachev wrote, as translated by Kristina Avsarkisova and reported by Yahoo Sports. “Whatever happened today, was started by Merab when he allowed himself to slap and cuss out a guest in his homeland.”

“Those who are judging Usman and the guys and insulting them right now, why were you silent when Merab slapped the Dagestani fighter and insulted his honor?” Makhachev said.

Fight Card Status

Both Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov are scheduled to compete on Saturday’s RAF card in Abu Dhabi. Dvalishvili is matched against Marlon Moraes, while Umar is scheduled to face UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber, The National reported.

It remains unclear whether Dvalishvili’s injuries will prevent him from wrestling at Etihad Arena, or if either fighter will remain on the match card. Real American Freestyle representatives stated they would address the incident at Thursday’s pre-match press conference.

“I’m fine,” Dvalishvili said.