The Usman attack on Merab Dvalishvili has sparked a major controversy in the MMA world after the former UFC bantamweight champion accused Usman Nurmagomedov and members of his team of attacking him in Abu Dhabi. The incident reportedly happened on November 11, 2026, while the Georgian fighter was carrying out media duties ahead of RAF Abu Dhabi.

Dvalishvili shared a bloodied video showing injuries to his face, including bleeding around his nose and significant swelling around his left eye. The footage quickly circulated across social media, with former UFC champion Ilia Topuria also sharing a video of the alleged confrontation.

The Merab Dvalishvili Abu Dhabi attack has raised questions about fighter safety, the rivalry between the two camps and whether the Georgian will be able to compete in his scheduled wrestling match against Marlon Moraes on November 14.

The incident has also brought renewed attention to the relationship between Dvalishvili and the Nurmagomedov camp, which has been involved in several heated exchanges in recent years.

Usman Nurmagomedov attacks Merab Dvalishvili: What happened in Abu Dhabi?

According to Dvalishvili, he was recording an interview in a hotel lobby when Usman Nurmagomedov and several members of his group approached him and his companion from behind.

The former UFC champion alleged that the group attacked them while they were carrying out their media responsibilities. He also claimed that the confrontation involved approximately 20 people.

Sharing his account on social media, Dvalishvili said:

“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.”

The Georgian was visibly angry while speaking about the incident. In another video recorded while receiving medical treatment, he questioned the conduct of the people involved.

“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,” Dvalishvili said.

He also challenged the group to settle their differences in a fair fight rather than attacking him when he was outnumbered.

The Merab Dvalishvili bloodied video quickly became a major talking point among MMA fans. His left eye appeared heavily swollen, while blood could be seen around his nose and face.

However, the full circumstances of the confrontation, including the actions of each individual involved, have not been independently established.

Ilia Topuria shares Merab attack video as controversy grows

The situation attracted even more attention after Ilia Topuria shared footage that appeared to show the beginning of the altercation.

The Ilia Topuria shares Merab attack video development pushed the incident into the spotlight across the international MMA community.

The footage appeared to show Dvalishvili participating in a media interview before several individuals approached him and a physical confrontation broke out.

Topuria strongly criticised those involved and suggested that the people responsible should face consequences.

“You’re a bunch of cowards, and you’ll be held accountable for what you’ve done. You’re anything but real men,” Topuria wrote while sharing the footage.

The former UFC champion’s post was subsequently deleted, but the video had already attracted widespread attention.

Usman Nurmagomedov detention news: What is known?

The Usman Nurmagomedov detention news became another major development following the confrontation.

Russian news agency TASS reported, citing a source, that Usman and other participants had been detained for questioning after the incident in Abu Dhabi.

However, it is important to distinguish between reported detention for questioning and formal criminal charges. No independently verified official police statement confirming charges or establishing guilt was available at the time of writing.

The incident therefore remains a developing story, with further clarification expected from the relevant authorities and the people involved.

Neither the alleged involvement of every person present nor the complete sequence of events has been independently confirmed.

Umar Nurmagomedov and Merab Dvalishvili rivalry adds another dimension

The latest incident has also revived the long-running Umar Nurmagomedov Merab Dvalishvili rivalry.

The two fighters previously faced each other at UFC 311 in January 2025, when Dvalishvili successfully defended his bantamweight championship with a unanimous decision victory.

It was a significant result for the Georgian, who had to deal with Umar’s wrestling ability and striking throughout the contest.

Their rivalry subsequently continued through public exchanges and tensions involving people associated with both camps.

Usman Nurmagomedov is Umar’s younger brother and a cousin of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. His presence in Abu Dhabi reportedly coincided with Umar’s preparations for RAF’s wrestling event.

Umar is scheduled to face former UFC fighter Urijah Faber on the same card as Dvalishvili.

The history between the fighters has therefore become an important part of the latest controversy.

Islam Makhachev defends Usman Nurmagomedov

The incident also attracted a response from former UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

In his reaction, Islam Makhachev defends Usman Nurmagomedov by questioning why critics were focusing only on the latest confrontation without considering previous tensions involving Dvalishvili and members of the Dagestani wrestling community.

Makhachev referred to allegations involving Dvalishvili’s previous conduct towards a Dagestani wrestler and suggested that the background to the disagreement should also be considered.

His comments added another layer to the controversy, with fans debating the history between the two groups.

However, previous disagreements do not establish what happened during the Abu Dhabi confrontation. The allegations surrounding the latest incident must be assessed separately.

Merab Dvalishvili vs Marlon Moraes: Will the RAF fight happen?

The biggest sporting question following the incident concerns the scheduled Merab Dvalishvili vs Marlon Moraes contest.

Dvalishvili is expected to face Moraes in a wrestling matchup at RAF Abu Dhabi on November 14, 2026, at Etihad Arena.

The two fighters previously met at UFC 266 in September 2021. Dvalishvili won that encounter by second-round technical knockout.

Their upcoming meeting will be different because it is a wrestling contest rather than an MMA bout.

The RAF Abu Dhabi November 14 2026 event is expected to feature several high-profile names from the combat sports world. Umar Nurmagomedov is also scheduled to face Urijah Faber, while Arman Tsarukyan is booked against Neiman Gracie.

Khamzat Chimaev and Chris Weidman were also listed for the event’s headline matchup following Colby Covington’s withdrawal.

Dvalishvili’s visible injuries have naturally raised doubts about his participation. Although he has appeared determined to continue, his medical condition and clearance to compete remain important factors.

As of November 12, no confirmed withdrawal from the Moraes contest had been established in the reporting reviewed.

For RAF, the situation has become an unwanted distraction during an important fight week. The promotion will be hoping the controversy does not overshadow the sporting action scheduled for Saturday.

The Usman attack on Merab Dvalishvili has now become one of the most discussed MMA stories ahead of RAF Abu Dhabi. With footage circulating, competing reactions emerging and the detention reports still requiring official clarification, the situation remains far from settled.

Fans will be watching closely for statements from Usman Nurmagomedov, Umar Nurmagomedov, Merab Dvalishvili and the relevant authorities.

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