Abu Dhabi Police Confirm Eight Arrests After Merab Brawl

Abu Dhabi authorities arrested eight people following the hotel lobby brawl involving former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili and PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov earlier this week.

Police issued a statement on Facebook confirming the arrests after the altercation at a hotel entrance. Dvalishvili remains in custody ahead of his scheduled Real American Freestyle wrestling match on Saturday. "The Abu Dhabi General Police were able to arrest eight individuals involved in a fight that occurred at the entrance of one of the hotels, following previous disputes between them," the statement read, per MMA Mania.

Police Also Detained Two Cameramen

Authorities also arrested two individuals who recorded the incident. The statement noted that specialized teams responded immediately and took legal action against those involved, referring all parties to the Public Prosecution.

Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov have feuded for years. Their previous clash erupted at RAF Georgia in July when the Georgian fighter confronted a member of Nurmagomedov's team. Neither UFC nor RAF officials have commented on how the arrests might affect Dvalishvili's wrestling appearance this weekend.

The eight individuals arrested face legal proceedings under Abu Dhabi law. Prosecutors will determine charges in the coming days.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Abu Dhabi police issue statement on Merab-Usman brawl, confirm eight arrests