Undefeated PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov is at the center of a violent hotel brawl in Abu Dhabi that left former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili bloodied, triggered ten arrests, and cast fresh doubt over the Russian star's widely anticipated move to the UFC. Footage circulating online shows Nurmagomedov approaching Dvalishvili mid-interview in a Yas Island hotel lobby, slapping him, and igniting a chaotic melee involving several other men before security could intervene.
The Slap That Sparked the Brawl
The confrontation unfolded Wednesday as Dvalishvili, the Georgian former UFC bantamweight champion, was conducting a media interview ahead of this weekend's RAF Abu Dhabi event. According to multiple reports, Nurmagomedov walked up to Dvalishvili with a group of men and struck him, sparking a mass brawl that left Dvalishvili and a companion bloodied and bruised.
Dvalishvili later accused Nurmagomedov, his older brother Umar Nurmagomedov, and several associates of jumping him. The former champion described the encounter as an ambush, and graphic images he shared online showed a bloodied face. The BBC reported that Nurmagomedov's slap sparked the wider melee, while outlets including ESPN and CBS Sports confirmed the two MMA stars were at the center of the confrontation.
Police Confirm 10 Arrests
The fallout escalated quickly. On Thursday, Abu Dhabi Police confirmed that ten people were arrested following the altercation at the Yas Island hotel, according to Reuters and UAE-based outlet The National. Reports from the Times of India indicated the arrests included two individuals who filmed the viral footage of the attack.
Authorities issued a statement detailing the incident, which has become a major talking point across the combat sports world. Former UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, a close friend of Dvalishvili, shared video of the encounter on his social channels, further amplifying the story's reach.
A Family Feud Years in the Making
The animosity between Dvalishvili and the Nurmagomedov camp traces back to January 2025, when Dvalishvili defeated Umar Nurmagomedov by unanimous decision at UFC 311 to retain his bantamweight title. That grueling five-round victory handed the Nurmagomedov family one of its most prominent setbacks and has lingered as a source of tension ever since.
The timing of this week's clash is hardly coincidental. Both Umar Nurmagomedov and Dvalishvili are booked to compete at RAF (Real American Freestyle) Abu Dhabi on November 14 at Etihad Arena, headlined by Khamzat Chimaev against Colby Covington. Umar is set to make his RAF debut against Urijah Faber, while Dvalishvili is scheduled for a rematch with Marlon Moraes, placing the two rivals in the same city and on the same card at the same time.
Who Is Usman Nurmagomedov?
Born April 17, 1998, in Kizilyurt, Dagestan, Nurmagomedov is the younger brother of UFC contender Umar Nurmagomedov and the first cousin of retired UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov. A product of the same Dagestani wrestling system that produced his famous relatives, he has compiled a perfect 22-0 professional record across Bellator and the PFL.
Nurmagomedov currently reigns as the PFL lightweight champion and has ranked among the promotion's pound-for-pound best. Before this week, his name was most frequently attached to speculation about a blockbuster move to the UFC rather than a legal incident.
Makhachev Defends His Teammate
UFC champion Islam Makhachev, a longtime teammate and close friend of Usman Nurmagomedov, has publicly defended his training partner. Makhachev claimed Dvalishvili "started" the feud and accused the MMA world of hypocrisy in its reaction to the attack, arguing that the roots of the altercation extend well beyond Abu Dhabi.
His comments have divided fans and fighters alike. Critics point to the footage as evidence of an unprovoked ambush, while Makhachev's supporters argue that longstanding disrespect toward the Nurmagomedov family created the conditions for the confrontation.
What the Brawl Means for His UFC Future
Beyond the immediate legal trouble, the incident threatens to complicate Nurmagomedov's career trajectory. The 28-year-old has spent recent months weighing his future as his PFL contract nears its end. He reportedly turned down a $2 million-per-fight offer to remain with the promotion, and UFC president Dana White has publicly signaled interest in signing him once he becomes a free agent.
A high-profile arrest and legal entanglement in Abu Dhabi could throw those plans into question. Nurmagomedov's free agency was already a delicate negotiation before this week, and the brawl adds a layer of risk that could cool the UFC's interest or complicate any disciplinary and visa reviews.
What Happens Next
All eyes now turn to the November 14 RAF Abu Dhabi card, where both Umar Nurmagomedov and Dvalishvili are still scheduled to compete. Whether the event proceeds without further incident, and whether Usman Nurmagomedov faces additional legal or promotional consequences, remains to be seen.
For Dvalishvili, the focus will be on recovering physically and preparing for his bout against Moraes. For Nurmagomedov, the coming weeks could determine whether the most consequential chapter of his career unfolds inside the cage or out of it.
The Bottom Line: Key Points to Remember
- Usman Nurmagomedov slapped Merab Dvalishvili during a hotel interview in Abu Dhabi, sparking a mass brawl.
- Abu Dhabi Police arrested ten people, including two who filmed the footage, according to reports.
- The bad blood dates to Dvalishvili's decision win over Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 in January 2025.
- Nurmagomedov is 22-0 and weighing a UFC move after reportedly turning down a $2 million PFL offer.
- Both Umar Nurmagomedov and Dvalishvili are booked for RAF Abu Dhabi on November 14.
