Lazishvili Replaces Umar At RAF Abu Dhabi After Brawl

Saba Lazishvili will replace Umar Nurmagomedov on the Real American Freestyle Abu Dhabi fight card after rushing to defend Merab Dvalishvili during this week's hotel brawl.

The 21-year-old training partner of Dvalishvili earned the spot against former UFC champion Urijah Faber on the Nov. 14 card at Etihad Arena after helping turn back members of the Nurmagomedov team who jumped Dvalishvili during a pre-fight interview, MMA Mania reports. The incident led to eight arrests, with Usman Nurmagomedov and several associates still in custody facing potential six-month sentences.

Dvalishvili Cleared To Fight Moraes

Dvalishvili himself was released from jail Thursday and will now face UFC veteran Marlon Moraes in the FOX Nation portion of the card. The former UFC bantamweight champion had been detained following his role in the altercation with PFL champion Usman Nurmagomedov.

The promotion is moving forward with the revised lineup despite the legal fallout from the brawl. Lazishvili steps into the matchup with Faber after what RAF apparently views as a loyalty test passed under fire.

The RAF Abu Dhabi card streams Saturday night on FOX Nation.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Merab sidekick who wasted Usman goon squad replaces Umar in RAF Abu Dhabi shakeup