Makhachev Defends Nurmagomedov After Dvalishvili Attack

Islam Makhachev backed Usman Nurmagomedov after video emerged showing the Bellator champion slapping Merab Dvalishvili at a wrestling event in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

The lightweight champion broke his silence on Instagram following widespread criticism of the incident, which unfolded during an interview at the RAF wrestling event. MMA Fighting reported that footage captured Nurmagomedov approaching Dvalishvili and striking him almost immediately, setting off a brawl between both camps.

Makhachev Points to Previous Dvalishvili Incident

Makhachev, a longtime training partner of Nurmagomedov at American Kickboxing Academy, questioned why critics stayed quiet when Dvalishvili allegedly struck a Dagestani wrestler previously. "To those who are now condemning Usman and the guys, why were you silent when Merab hit a Dagestani wrestler for nothing and hurt his honor?" he wrote, according to the report. "Merab started what happened today in his homeland by allowing himself to hit a guest and insulting his mother."

Nurmagomedov has not addressed the altercation publicly. His brother Umar Nurmagomedov was also reportedly involved in the scuffle ahead of his scheduled wrestling match with Urijah Faber.

RAF officials have not commented on whether Dvalishvili will still compete Saturday against Marlon Moraes as planned.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Islam Makhachev defends Usman Nurmagomedov, condemns Merab Dvalishvili’s past behavior