Dana White Rips RAF's Security After Nurmagomedov Attack

Dana White called out RAF's failure to control violence at its events after Usman Nurmagomedov and his team attacked Merab Dvalishvili this week in Abu Dhabi.

The PFL lightweight champion threw the opening punch while the former UFC bantamweight champion sat for an interview, setting off a brawl that left Dvalishvili and his teammate bloodied. The incident resulted in six-month jail sentences for Nurmagomedov and seven others, MMA Fighting reported.

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White Questions RAF's Ability To Prevent Fighter Brawls

Speaking to EuroSport ahead of UFC 334 in New York City, the promotion boss said RAF has allowed too many incidents despite repeated warnings. White rejected the idea that such chaos benefits his business. "No, it's never good," he said, per the outlet.

The UFC CEO cited a string of violent episodes at RAF shows this year involving UFC athletes competing in wrestling matches. Arman Tsarukyan has brawled twice in 2026 with Georgio Poullas and Dillon Danis. Khamzat Chimaev sparked another fight with Danis following their RAF 10 bout in June. Belal Muhammad jumped Colby Covington during a July press conference at RAF 11.

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White admitted his own security lapse during the Khabib Nurmagomedov-Conor McGregor aftermath. He took personal responsibility for a previous brawl involving Danis and members of Khabib's team, saying he knew the provocateur was present but failed to act on that knowledge.

White emphasized the danger of such incidents happening in the Middle East, where consequences for fighters can be severe. UFC 334 takes place this weekend.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Dana White rips RAF’s security protocols following Usman Nurmagomedov’s attack on Merab Dvalishvili