Dvalishvili Claims Usman Nurmagomedov Jumped Him In Abu Dhabi

UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili says he was jumped by Usman Nurmagomedov and a group of associates in an Abu Dhabi hotel lobby days before his scheduled RAF Wrestling appearance.

Dvalishvili posted video footage to social media showing blood on his face and shirt after what he described as a sneak attack. "Was doing an interview for RAF in hotel lobby and Usman and his buddies came up from behind and started punching me and my young friend," he wrote, per MMA Fighting. He claimed security restrained him while the attackers continued the assault.

Dvalishvili's Feud With Nurmagomedov Family Escalates

The incident marks the latest flare-up in Dvalishvili's ongoing rivalry with the Nurmagomedov camp. He defeated Umar Nurmagomedov by unanimous decision at UFC 311 in January 2025 to defend his bantamweight title after months of heated buildup. The two camps clashed again ahead of UFC Georgia earlier this year, trading insults in the media.

Now Umar's younger brother Usman, a former PFL champion currently a free agent, is reportedly involved. Dvalishvili accused both brothers of being present during the alleged ambush. "What kind of fighters you guys are?" he said in the video footage. "You guys came from behind. I don't know how many guys you was. All your friends, waiting for us in a sneaky way."

Neither Usman nor Umar Nurmagomedov has addressed the accusation. Dvalishvili said he suffered no serious injury and remains scheduled to wrestle Marlon Moraes on Saturday at RAF Abu Dhabi.

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• MMA Fighting — Bloody Merab Dvalishvili claims ‘sneaky’ Usman Nurmagomedov and friends jumped him ahead of RAF Abu Dhabi