Abu Dhabi Police have confirmed the arrest of 10 people following a high-profile brawl involving Usman Nurmagomedov, former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili and members of their respective camps. The confrontation erupted in a hotel lobby on Thursday, just two days before Real American Freestyle (RAF) stages its first-ever event in Abu Dhabi and its Middle East debut on November 14. The arrests have raised questions over the fighters’ participation in the historic card and the potential legal consequences for those involved.
Usman Nurmagomedov approaches Dvalishvili during hotel interview
The incident took place on Thursday, November 11, at the Yas Hilton hotel in Abu Dhabi, where former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili was giving an interview ahead of his appearance at RAF Abu Dhabi. The Georgian was speaking with Saba Lazishvili in the hotel lobby when Usman Nurmagomedov approached with members of his entourage.Footage shared widely on social media shows Nurmagomedov walking towards Dvalishvili from behind before exchanging words with him and slapping him across the face. A fight then broke out between the two groups, with Nurmagomedov and his associates on one side and Dvalishvili and Lazishvili on the other.Dvalishvili later posted videos showing his bloodied face and receiving medical treatment for a cut. He alleged that he and his younger friend had been attacked by a much larger group, and said hotel security had prevented him from responding while the other group continued the assault.“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,” Dvalishvili wrote in a social media caption. “Security was holding me – they kept kicking us when we were down like losers.”The Georgian also described the confrontation as a “sneaky” attack, claiming that he and a friend had faced approximately 20 people. The footage and his posts showed the aftermath, including the injuries to his face.
Abu Dhabi Police confirm arrests
Abu Dhabi Police confirmed on Thursday evening that 10 people had been arrested in connection with the incident. Eight were identified as individuals involved in the fight, while two others were arrested for filming it. All were referred to the Public Prosecution for further legal proceedings.In its official statement, the force said:“The Abu Dhabi General Police were able to arrest 8 individuals involved in a fight that occurred at the entrance of one of the hotels, following previous disputes between them. They also managed to arrest two individuals who filmed the incident and took the necessary legal action against them, referring them to the Public Prosecution to complete the procedures in accordance with the applicable laws.The details of the incident revolve around a fight that occurred at the entrance of one of the hotels, following previous disputes between several individuals. Immediately, the specialized teams in Abu Dhabi Police began their procedures to deal with the incident, and were able to arrest those involved, in addition to arresting the two individuals who filmed the fight, and taking the necessary legal action against them.The Abu Dhabi Police emphasized their commitment to maintaining security and public order, and dealing firmly with behaviors that may disrupt security or endanger the safety of others, stressing the importance of adhering to laws and regulations and adopting civilized and responsible behavior.”The National reported that Dvalishvili was not the person pressing charges, with police alerted because the incident occurred in public and was captured on camera. Authorities confirmed the arrests but had not identified those detained at the time of writing, leaving it unclear whether Usman Nurmagomedov, Umar Nurmagomedov or Merab Dvalishvili were among those arrested.The arrests followed reports that Nurmagomedov and members of his group had been detained and questioned. MMA journalist Ariel Helwani wrote on X: “As of this writing, everyone involved in the hotel brawl is still being detained by the local authorities, I’m told.”UFC fighter Ilia Topuria, a close friend of Dvalishvili, also claimed that Nurmagomedov had been detained, posting: “has reportedly been detained, along with the cowards who were with him.”“I always thought you were a bunch of mediocre individuals. Now you’ve removed every last doubt. Honor, respect, and humility aren’t words you preach. They’re values you live by. And you’ve shown none of them.”
Why the two camps have a history of hostility
The confrontation was not an isolated disagreement between fighters meeting in a hotel. It followed a series of disputes involving Dvalishvili and members of the Nurmagomedov camp, with tensions dating back to their UFC rivalry in January 2025.Dvalishvili defeated Umar Nurmagomedov, Usman’s older brother, by unanimous decision at UFC 311 on January 18, 2025, retaining his bantamweight championship. It was the first successful defence of his title and the first professional defeat of Umar’s career. The contest was also named Fight of the Night.The hostility had developed before they entered the octagon. Dvalishvili publicly called Umar “spoiled” and accused him of disrespect, remarks that contributed to an increasingly bitter exchange between the two camps. The rivalry did not end with the Georgian’s victory, and subsequent encounters outside the UFC intensified the personal nature of the dispute.Tensions resurfaced at a Real American Freestyle event in Georgia later in July 2025. Dvalishvili was involved in a backstage altercation with an associate of Umar’s, during which he slapped one of the Dagestani fighter’s friends. The incident prompted further exchanges between the camps.UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev later claimed that the confrontation was retaliation for Dvalishvili striking a Dagestani wrestler and insulting his mother.The Abu Dhabi incident now brings Usman Nurmagomedov directly into the confrontation. Unlike Umar, he has not fought Dvalishvili in the UFC, but his involvement in the hotel altercation has drawn attention because of his relationship with the former bantamweight champion’s previous opponent and the history between their respective groups.
Why Usman Nurmagomedov was in Abu Dhabi
Nurmagomedov, 28, was in Abu Dhabi to support his older brother Umar, rather than compete on the RAF card. Umar is scheduled to face former UFC champion Urijah Faber on Saturday, November 14, at the Etihad Arena, as part of the organisation’s first event in the Middle East.Dvalishvili is also scheduled to compete on the card, facing Marlon Moraes in a catchweight crossover match.The 28-year-old Russian is one of the most prominent lightweight fighters outside the UFC and is currently a free agent after completing his contract with the Professional Fighters League. He has won 22 of his 23 professional contests, with the remaining bout recorded as a no contest.
Khabib Nurmagomedov and Usman Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov previously won and defended the Bellator lightweight championship twice before capturing the vacant PFL lightweight title in a rematch against Paul Hughes. He subsequently stopped Alfie Davis and Archie Colgan in title defences, with his most recent appearance producing a first-round knockout of Colgan in July.His contract situation had already made him one of the most closely watched names in the sport. Nurmagomedov reportedly turned down a $2 million offer to re-sign with the PFL, and the organisation’s 90-day exclusive negotiating period expired on October 29. He is consequently expected to attract interest from the UFC as he considers his next move.UFC president Dana White acknowledged the organisation’s interest when asked about the possibility of signing him last month. “We’re interested,” White told The National.The hotel incident now comes at a sensitive point in Nurmagomedov’s career, with his free-agent status and potential move to the UFC already attracting attention. His participation in the altercation, and the police action that followed, could become another factor surrounding his next professional move.
RAF faces questions ahead of Saturday’s event
The timing of the brawl could hardly be worse for RAF, which is preparing to stage its first event in Abu Dhabi and its Middle East debut on November 14. Dvalishvili is scheduled to face Marlon Moraes, while Umar Nurmagomedov is set to wrestle Urijah Faber. However, the arrests and ongoing police proceedings have left the availability of the two fighters an immediate concern ahead of Saturday’s card.The RAF is expected to address the incident at Thursday’s pre-event press conference, with its officials set to provide the organisation’s response ahead of Saturday’s card. The event marks the promotion’s first in the Middle East, with Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov both scheduled to compete. It remains unclear whether the confrontation or subsequent police proceedings will affect their participation.