Merab Dvalishvili left bloodied after attack led by Usman Nurmagomedov during interview

Show caption: Merab Dvalishvili during the pre-fight weigh-ins ahead of UF…

Footage shows Russian approaching Georgian from behind before striking him in a hotel lobby ahead of RAF Abu Dhabi

Merab Dvalishvili was attacked by a group led by Usman Nurmagomedov while giving an interview in a hotel lobby ahead of this weekend's RAF Abu Dhabi.

The Georgian is set to face Marlon Moraes on Saturday night as part of the RAF's first card in the Middle East.

A video posted by UFC fighter Ilia Topuria, since deleted, showed Dvalishvili talking to the camera when he is approached from behind by a group led by Nurmagomedov. The footage showed Dvalishvili turning to face the Russian, who struck him before a melee ensued.

Dvalishvili then posted an expletive-filled video on his social media channels after the incident while medics attended to his wounds.

“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 caption. “Security was holding me - They kept kicking us when we were down like losers.”

It remains to be seen whether his injuries will prevent him from wrestling at Etihad Arena on Saturday. The RAF has been contacted by The National for comment on the incident.

Dvalishvili, 35, has history with the Nurmagomedovs. In 2005, he beat Usman's older brother, Umar, at UFC 311 via unanimous decision to defend the UFC bantamweight title.

The rivalry has flared up again in recent months. Dvalishvili was involved in a scuffle with an associate of Umar’s ahead of UFC Georgia, leading to the two trading insults in the media.

Umar is also set to wrestle on Saturday's RAF Abu Dhabi card against Urijah Faber.

Usman, 28, is not on the card but frequently attends his brother's MMA and wrestling bouts.

Formerly a lightweight champion with the PFL, the Russian is now a free agent and is widely expected to sign with the UFC.

Dvalishvili returns to Abu Dhabi just weeks after fighting Petr Yan in the co-main event at UFC 333.

The Georgian lost by unanimous decision as Yan retained the bantamwieght title.

Updated:

November 11, 2026, 5:51 PM