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Usman Nurmagomedov is at the center of a tense MMA story after former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili alleged that he and a friend were attacked in a hotel lobby in Abu Dhabi. Dvalishvili said he was left bloodied after what he described as a sneak attack involving the PFL champion and several other people.
The alleged incident took place on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, while Dvalishvili was conducting an interview ahead of RAF Abu Dhabi. MMA Junkie reported the confrontation and shared details from a video Dvalishvili posted on Instagram. The footage showed Dvalishvili being tended to while delivering an angry response directly to the camera.
Shocking Allegations Involving Usman Nurmagomedov
According to Dvalishvili, the confrontation began when Nurmagomedov and a group of associates approached from behind. He characterized the incident as an ambush and questioned why the group did not confront him openly.
“Usman Nurmagomedov and his friends came like snakes from behind!” Dvalishvili said in the video. “What kind of fighters you guys are?! What kind of man does this?! If you want to fight, let’s do like real way, bro!”
Dvalishvili also claimed that he and his friend were outnumbered and that the group appeared prepared for the confrontation. His comments suggested that the incident was not viewed as a spontaneous disagreement but as a planned attack.
- Merab Dvalishvili said he and a friend were bloodied.
- The alleged confrontation happened in a hotel lobby in Abu Dhabi.
- Dvalishvili said Usman Nurmagomedov and several associates were involved.
- The incident occurred ahead of RAF Abu Dhabi.
- No response from Nurmagomedov or his representatives was included in the report.
Merab Dvalishvili Demands a Fair Fight
The former UFC champion’s reaction was immediate and forceful. Rather than backing away from the conflict, Dvalishvili challenged those involved to settle the matter directly and under proper fighting conditions.
“If you want to fight, let’s fight!” he said. Dvalishvili argued that the alleged attack reflected poorly on the character of those involved, particularly because he believed the group acted while he and his friend were at a numerical disadvantage.
The comments add a dramatic layer to an already busy combat sports week in Abu Dhabi. RAF Abu Dhabi is scheduled to feature several recognizable names from the MMA and grappling worlds, creating an intense environment for fighters, teams and promoters. A physical confrontation outside competition could now draw additional attention to the event.
Why the Abu Dhabi Incident Matters
Allegations of an attack involving active professional fighters can have serious consequences. Fighter safety, event security and accountability are likely to become key points of discussion if more information emerges. Hotel lobbies and media areas are often used by athletes during fight week, making security an important responsibility for event organizers.
The situation also carries competitive implications. Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov are prominent figures in the sport, and any public dispute between them could fuel speculation about future rivalries. However, there is currently no confirmation that the incident will lead to a sanctioned bout or an official disciplinary action.
It is important to distinguish between the available claims and confirmed facts. The account currently comes from Dvalishvili’s public video and the report from MMA Junkie. Further statements from Nurmagomedov, his team, event officials or local authorities would be needed to establish a complete picture of what happened.
What Happens Next for Nurmagomedov and Dvalishvili?
Attention will now turn to whether Nurmagomedov addresses the allegations and whether RAF Abu Dhabi officials release a statement. Any additional video, eyewitness account or security review could provide more context about the confrontation.
For Dvalishvili, the message was clear: he believes the disagreement should be resolved through a fair fight rather than a backstage or hotel confrontation. For Nurmagomedov, the allegations create unwanted scrutiny as he continues building his reputation as one of the leading fighters associated with the PFL.
Until more information becomes available, the incident remains a developing story. Fans should be cautious about unverified claims circulating online and rely on statements from the fighters, their representatives and credible combat sports reporters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened involving Usman Nurmagomedov?
Merab Dvalishvili alleged that Usman Nurmagomedov and several associates attacked him and a friend in a hotel lobby in Abu Dhabi. Dvalishvili said they were bloodied during the incident.
When did the alleged incident occur?
The confrontation was reported on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, while Dvalishvili was in Abu Dhabi ahead of RAF Abu Dhabi.
What did Merab Dvalishvili say afterward?
Dvalishvili called the alleged attackers “snakes from behind” and demanded that any fight take place fairly and directly.
Has Usman Nurmagomedov responded?
The report provided for this article did not include a response from Nurmagomedov or his representatives.
Is a fight between the two athletes scheduled?
No official fight between Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov was confirmed in the available report. Any future matchup would depend on the fighters, promoters and relevant athletic authorities.
