The altercation escalated rapidly after Nurmagomedov approached Dvalishvili from behind during an interview, initiating a wider melee among their respective camps. Dvalishvili alleged that hotel security held him down while Nurmagomedov's associates continued to strike and kick him on the ground. Both Dvalishvili and Usman's brother, Umar Nurmagomedov, are currently in Abu Dhabi preparing to compete on Saturday's Real American Freestyle event. The public clash marks the latest confrontation in an ongoing dispute that previously saw both camps clash in Georgia last July.
Key points
Merab Dvalishvili claimed security restrained him while members of the Nurmagomedov camp…: Merab Dvalishvili claimed security restrained him while members of the Nurmagomedov camp kicked and punched him on the floor.
Both camps previously engaged in another physical altercation at an event held in Georgia…: Both camps previously engaged in another physical altercation at an event held in Georgia in July.
The violent incident occurred just days before Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov compete…: The violent incident occurred just days before Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov compete in Saturday's Real American Freestyle matches.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili and PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov were involved in a physical altercation in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, with videos of the incident circulating on social media.
The incident took place at a hotel lobby ahead of an MMA event scheduled in Abu Dhabi this weekend. Usman, the younger brother of Dvalishvili's former opponent Umar Nurmagomedov, was seen approaching the Georgian fighter from behind before slapping him across the face.
Dvalishvili is in Abu Dhabi to compete at Saturday's Real American Freestyle (RAF) event. He later posted a video on Instagram showing his bloodied face after the incident.
Several videos of the confrontation were shared online, including one by former UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, who is friends with Dvalishvili. After the initial slap, Dvalishvili attempted to go after Usman, leading to a fight involving members of both fighters' camps. At least six people were involved in the altercation.
Dvalishvili alleged that he and a young friend were attacked while he was giving an interview in the hotel lobby.
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