Abu Dhabi police arrest 10 after the Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Merab Dvalishvili hotel brawl
Abu Dhabi police have arrested 10 people following a hotel brawl involving Usman Nurmagomedov and former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili ahead of RAF Abu Dhabi.
According to The National, eight people were arrested for fighting, while two others were detained for filming the incident. Authorities have referred the case to prosecutors.
The confrontation reportedly involved Nurmagomedov slapping Dvalishvili inside a hotel lobby. Dvalishvili also required medical treatment for a cut to his face.
Abu Dhabi Police Confirm 10 Arrests After Hotel Brawl
Police have not publicly identified those arrested, meaning there is no confirmation that either Nurmagomedov or Dvalishvili was among the individuals detained.
The incident has drawn reactions from several prominent UFC fighters.
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev defended the Nurmagomedov family following the altercation, while Ilia Topuria criticized those involved, calling them “cowards.”
The confrontation comes amid an existing rivalry between Dvalishvili and the Nurmagomedov camp.
Dvalishvili previously defeated Usman’s brother, Umar Nurmagomedov, by unanimous decision at UFC 311 in January 2025 to retain the bantamweight championship.
Could the Incident Affect Usman Nurmagomedov’s UFC Future?
The timing of the incident raises questions about Nurmagomedov’s future as one of MMA’s most sought-after free agents.
Nurmagomedov reportedly rejected a $2 million offer from the PFL, fueling speculation about a potential move to the UFC.
However, there has been no official indication that the altercation will affect his negotiations with the promotion.
Dvalishvili was also scheduled to face Marlon Moraes at RAF Abu Dhabi, although his reported facial injury has raised questions about his participation. His status should not be considered changed without confirmation from the promotion.
With the case referred to prosecutors, any legal consequences remain uncertain. Neither the UFC nor authorities have publicly confirmed that Nurmagomedov’s potential move to the promotion is in jeopardy.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the MMA section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.