Usman Nurmagomedov faces the risk of imprisonment for the fight with Dvalishvili.
In Abu Dhabi, MMA fighter from Dagestan Usman Nurmagomedov and other participants of the fight with former UFC champion Merab Dvalishvili have been detained. According to UAE laws, Nurmagomedov faces up to a year in prison.
As reported by "Caucasian Knot", in February, MMA fighter from Dagestan Usman Nurmagomedov defeated British fighter Alfie Davis at the Professional Fighters League (PFL) tournament and defended his lightweight champion title for the fifth time.
Usman Nurmagomedov and the participants of the fight with former holder of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) belt in the bantamweight category Merab Dvalishvili are in custody in Abu Dhabi, TASS reports today citing its source.
The source noted that a lawyer has already visited the detainees, the agency writes.
Earlier, Dvalishvili accused Nurmagomedov and his companions of attacking him in the hotel lobby in Abu Dhabi during an interview before the RAF wrestling league tournament, RBC reports.
According to the publication, in July 2026, before the RAF tournament in Tbilisi, Merab Dvalishvili punched wrestler Ahmed Gadzhimagomedov after he asked why Dvalishvili had previously made a rude remark about Umar Nurmagomedov.
In January 2025, Dvalishvili won against Umar Nurmagomedov, Usman's brother, and defended his championship title. After that, Merab Dvalishvili had a conflict with Umar Nurmagomedov, the publication informs.
At least eight people participated in the fight
Usman Nurmagomedov arrived in Abu Dhabi with his brother Umar, the fight occurred on November 11 at the "Hilton" hotel, "Sport-Express" writes today.
According to the publication, Usman Nurmagomedov first took a photo with fans, then saw Merab, approached him, said "I have a question for you," turned him around and slapped him. The hit was strong, and Merab grabbed his head.
After that, a fight broke out, in which, according to the publication, Usman Nurmagomedov, UFC fighter Tagir Ulanbekov, PFL fighter Amru Magomedov, and their friend participated on one side, and Dvalishvili and 21-year-old wrestler Saba Lazishvili on the other. Then two more people joined the fight, grabbing the retreating Dvalishvili.
Nurmagomedov faces up to a year in prison
Usman Nurmagomedov may face up to a year in prison or a fine of about $2,700, according to Article 390 of the UAE Federal Law on Crimes and Punishments, "Championship" reports today.
Committing an attack by a group of three or more people is considered an aggravating circumstance. Moreover, for the application of Article 390, a statement from Merab Dvalishvili is not required, the publication writes.
The incident sparked mixed reactions from athletes
UFC champion from Dagestan Islam Makhachev, commenting on Usman Nurmagomedov's fight with Merab Dvalishvili, defended his compatriot. "To those who are now condemning Usman and the guys, writing insults towards them: why were you silent when Merab hit the Dagestani wrestler for no reason and insulted his honor? The man approached him to talk without malicious intent. What happened today (November 11), Merab started in his homeland, allowing himself to hit a guest and insult his mother," Makhachev is quoted by Sport24 today.
In turn, UFC fighter from Brazil Paulo Costa criticized the participants of the attack.
"I've seen something like this before. Men do not attack one or two people as a whole group. If you always walk surrounded by other men, it says a lot about you. A real man walks alone or with a girl. Such people never settle things one-on-one. And attacking as a group is the most cowardly thing you can do," the publication quotes him.
Veteran mixed martial artist Jeff Monson expressed a less categorical opinion. "I think it shouldn't be taken seriously. They are both opponents. Both want to win, both want to show their aggression. I believe there's nothing more to it," Monson's words are quoted by "Match TV".
Recall that Usman Nurmagomedov is a cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov. In November 2023, he was suspended from fights by the California State Athletic Commission after a fight with American Brent Primus. Usman Nurmagomedov was found to have a prescription for a banned substance, but he did not apply for a therapeutic exemption. Nurmagomedov was accused of violating anti-doping rules, and the result of his fight with Primus was nullified.
The temporary disqualification and cancellation of the results of the fight in which Usman Nurmagomedov defended his championship title will not lead to the loss of his championship title, the management of the Bellator sports organization assured afterwards.
In September 2024, Usman Nurmagomedov, after temporary disqualification, defeated Alexander Shabliy and defended the Bellator lightweight championship title.