Video shows Merab Dvalishvili attacked by Usman Nurmagomedov, others in Abu Dhabi
CBS Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- Former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili accused Usman Nurmagomedov and his associates of assaulting him and a friend during a Real American Freestyle (RAF) media event in Abu Dhabi, sharing videos showing them bloodied and bruised.
- Dvalishvili described the attack as a cowardly ambush, claiming they were jumped from behind and repeatedly kicked while down, condemning the attackers for not fighting honorably.
- Ilia Topuria, former two-division UFC champion, posted footage of the incident and criticized Nurmagomedov's team, calling them cowards who would be held accountable.
- The tension between Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov has been ongoing since their January 2025 fight, where Dvalishvili defended his bantamweight title; Usman Nurmagomedov is currently a free agent affiliated with the Professional Fighters League.
- Dvalishvili reassured fans that he is unharmed despite the altercation and emphasized his identity as a fighter who prefers honorable competition over sneak attacks.
