Video Footage Shows Former UFC Champion Merab Dvalishvili Attacked in Abu Dhabi

A video has surfaced showing former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili being attacked by Usman Nurmagomedov and others at a Real American Freestyle (RAF) media event in Abu Dhabi.

The footage was shared on social media by Ilia Topuria, the former two-division UFC champion. In his caption, Topuria accused the attackers of being cowards and vowed that they would be held accountable for their actions.

A tweet posted by RedCorner_MMA included a clip from the video showing Usman Nurmagomedov allegedly slapping Dvalishvili before the altercation escalated into a full-blown brawl. The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many expressing shock and disappointment at the behavior of the attackers.

According to reports, all parties involved in the brawl, including Dvalishvili and his friend, are being detained by local authorities as investigations continue. It is unclear what led to the altercation or whether any charges will be filed against those responsible for the violence.

Dvalishvili himself posted a video on social media while receiving medical attention, claiming that he and his friend were ambushed by Usman Nurmagomedov's team while promoting Real American Freestyle in Abu Dhabi.

A video has emerged showing a group of men attacking Merab Dvalishvili and his friend in Abu Dhabi, where they were promoting Real American Freestyle at an event. The footage appears to show multiple individuals surrounding them before launching a physical assault.

According to the victim's own account, he was ambushed while in the middle of an interview for RAF in the hotel lobby. Dvalishvili claimed that Usman Nurmagomedov and his associates attacked from behind, punching him and his companion with little provocation.

The security team on hand responded by holding Dvalishvili down, allowing others to continue striking them even after they were subdued. Witnesses have described the scene as chaotic, with several individuals involved in the altercation.

Dvalishvili has since taken to social media to express his outrage over the incident, accusing his attackers of cowardice and poor sportsmanship.

The video footage appears to show a heated altercation between Merab Dvalishvili and Usman Nurmagomedov at a recent event in Abu Dhabi. The confrontation has sparked outrage among fans and observers, who are condemning the behavior of those involved.

Dvalishvili's comments on social media suggest that he is still shaken by the incident, but adamant about his own bravery and sportsmanship. He had previously been involved in a tense lead-up to a fight with Umar Nurmagomedov, which Dvalishvili won via unanimous decision in January 2025.

The Nurmagomedov brothers' behavior has raised questions about their values and conduct both inside and outside the Octagon, echoing controversies surrounding Khabib Nurmagomedov's past actions.