Merab Dvalishvili has accused Usman Nurmagomedov and his associates of attacking him during RAF Abu Dhabi media obligations, leaving the former UFC bantamweight champion bloodied and visibly injured.
The Georgian fighter shared a video on social media on Wednesday, alleging that he was ambushed by Nurmagomedov and several others while conducting an interview.
“The Machine” appeared to have sustained significant damage to his nose and left eye, raising concerns about his scheduled wrestling match against Marlon Moraes this Saturday.
The alleged altercation comes amid Dvalishvili’s ongoing rivalry with the Nurmagomedov camp, particularly Umar Nurmagomedov, his former UFC bantamweight title challenger.
Merab Dvalishvili Accuses Usman Nurmagomedov of Attacking Him
Dvalishvili took to social media following the alleged incident, expressing outrage over what he described as a coordinated attack by Nurmagomedov and his associates. “The Machine” claimed that he and his companion were outnumbered during the confrontation.
What a sneaky way, guys. Just two of us came here in Abu Dhabi, and Usman Nurmagomedov and his friends came like snakes from behind. What kind of fighters are you? What kind of men are you?” Dvalishvili said while receiving medical attention.
The Georgian continued to criticize the alleged attackers, insisting that the confrontation was unfair and challenging them to face him directly.
If you want to fight, let’s fight. We are fighters, bro. You guys came from behind, all of your friends waiting for us in a sneaky way. I knew what kind of guys you are,” he added.
“The Machine” also claimed that approximately 20 individuals were involved against just two people from his side, describing himself and his companion as warriors.
The severity of Dvalishvili’s apparent injuries has raised questions about whether he will be able to compete at RAF Abu Dhabi this weekend.
The former UFC 135-pound titleholder is scheduled to face Marlon Moraes in a wrestling match on Saturday. However, the damage visible around his left eye, which appeared nearly swollen shut, could potentially jeopardize his participation.
Meanwhile, Umar Nurmagomedov is also scheduled to compete at the event against Urijah Faber. The presence of both fighters in Abu Dhabi has added further tension to the ongoing feud between Dvalishvili and the Nurmagomedov camp.
