Merab Dvalishvili says he was assaulted in Abu Dhabi hotel lobby

Former UFC bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili says he was assaulted in a hotel lobby in Abu Dhabi on November 11, 2026, and posted video showing him receiving medical attention for head injuries. Dvalishvili identified the attacker as Usman Nurmagomedov, a cousin of former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Footage, injuries and an exchanged confrontation

The Georgian fighter published video on social media that shows him being treated for wounds to the head; a companion who appears to have been injured is also visible in the footage. Dvalishvili said the incident happened unexpectedly while he was taking part in a media appearance and that Usman’s group attacked him from behind.

In a post describing the episode Dvalishvili wrote: "While I was giving an interview, Usman and his crew came from behind and started hitting me and my friend. The security guards held me down and they continued to strike us, even when we were on the floor."

A short clip of the scuffle circulated online and was shared by combat-sports accounts. One post accompanying the full footage read: "🚨 Full footage of the scuffle between Usman Nurmagomedov and Merab Dvalishvili" — Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA).

Dvalishvili also related that his 21-year-old wrestler friend fought back against both Usman and Umar Nurmagomedov during the altercation and has since said he intends to try MMA. In an update posted online the fighter quoted his companion: "My young friend, he’s only a 21-year-old wrestler from Georgia, and he was with me. He fought both brothers, Usman and Umar. He said, 'I’m moving to MMA if two guys can only do this to me.'"

The episode appears to have deepened tensions between the camps: Dvalishvili pointed to his past rivalry with Umar Nurmagomedov, whom he defeated inside the UFC octagon in January 2025, as background to the confrontation.

Photo: press material from the event