Abdelaziz Apologises After Nurmagomedov Attacks Dvalishvili

Ali Abdelaziz has issued a public apology following Usman Nurmagomedov's attack on Merab Dvalishvili in an Abu Dhabi hotel lobby this week.

The undefeated Russian lightweight struck the former UFC bantamweight champion from behind on Wednesday while Dvalishvili recorded video. Dvalishvili and a friend defended themselves against multiple members of Nurmagomedov's camp, according to Sherdog.

Manager Calls Incident Embarrassing

Abdelaziz, who represents Nurmagomedov, told MMA Junkie he feels ashamed by his client's conduct. "I'm truly sorry, and it's embarrassing what happened," he said. The manager directed his apology primarily at Abu Dhabi officials and residents.

Abdelaziz said fighters under his management must do better. He described the altercation as completely unacceptable and expressed hope that Nurmagomedov takes a lesson from the consequences.

Law enforcement in Abu Dhabi has detained Nurmagomedov and banned him from Saturday's Real American Freestyle card. Dvalishvili's status for his scheduled bout with Marlon Moraes at that event is unclear.

Photo: Sgt. Christian Brown / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Original reporting:

• sherdog.com — ‘It’s embarrassing’: Ali Abdelaziz reacts to Usman Nurmagomedov’s attack