The altercation erupted at a hotel entrance when footage showed Usman Nurmagomedov and several associates confronting Merab Dvalishvili during an interview. Nurmagomedov appeared to strike Dvalishvili across the face, which quickly escalated into a larger brawl between both entourages. Following the clash, Abu Dhabi police detained 10 individuals on Thursday, revealing the dispute stemmed from previous tensions. Despite the incident, promotion officials confirm Dvalishvili traveled for the Saturday event and they remain hopeful he can still take part.
Key points
Real American Freestyle is actively working with local law enforcement to keep Merab Dval…: Real American Freestyle is actively working with local law enforcement to keep Merab Dvalishvili on Saturday's fight card.
Promotion co-founder Chad Bronstein confirmed that Usman Nurmagomedov will not be appeari…: Promotion co-founder Chad Bronstein confirmed that Usman Nurmagomedov will not be appearing at the Abu Dhabi event.
Police officials stated that the physical altercation between the two groups stemmed from…: Police officials stated that the physical altercation between the two groups stemmed from previous ongoing disputes.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Nov 12 : Real American Freestyle hopes Merab Dvalishvili will compete at its event in Abu Dhabi on Saturday despite his involvement in a hotel brawl, co-founder Chad Bronstein said, adding that the promotion was working with local authorities.
Abu Dhabi police said they arrested 10 people on Thursday after a fight at the entrance to a hotel. Media reports and footage circulating online linked the incident to former Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight champion Dvalishvili and Professional Fighters League lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov.
Reuters has contacted Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov for comment.
"Obviously, Usman will not be attending our event on Saturday night... We're hoping Merab is competing. He flew down here, he's been an unbelievable competitor at the RAF," Bronstein told reporters on Thursday.
Footage widely shared on social media appeared to show Dvalishvili giving an interview in a hotel lobby when Nurmagomedov and several others approached him from behind.
Nurmagomedov appeared to strike Dvalishvili across the face, triggering a brawl between the two groups.
"Abu Dhabi Police arrested eight individuals involved in a fight that occurred at the entrance…
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