A physical altercation between prominent Russian fighter Usman Nurmagomedov and former Georgian UFC champion Merab Dvalishvili at an Abu Dhabi hotel left Dvalishvili injured and prompted police intervention. The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, ahead of an international wrestling event in the UAE capital, with reports that those involved were detained and questioned.

According to The National, the altercation began in the lobby of the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, where Dvalishvili was giving a pre-event interview. Footage shows Nurmagomedov approaching him from behind with a group of people before slapping him in the face after a brief confrontation. The incident escalated into a wider brawl between members of both groups, prompting hotel security staff and bystanders to intervene.

Dvalishvili later posted a video showing his face covered in blood as a medical staff member treated a head injury. He alleged that Nurmagomedov and his entourage, including his brother Umar Nurmagomedov, attacked him and his friend Saba Laziashvili, continuing to beat them even after they fell to the ground. Dvalishvili nevertheless said he was in good condition.

Russian news agency TASS reported on Wednesday, citing an informed source, that Usman Nurmagomedov and others involved in the Abu Dhabi altercation had been detained. The source said they were taken into custody to establish the circumstances of the incident and question those involved.

Prominent combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani also reported that everyone involved, including Nurmagomedov, Dvalishvili and Dvalishvili’s friend, had been taken to a police station. According to Helwani, Dvalishvili did not personally seek legal action, but security authorities intervened because the altercation occurred in a public place and was captured on video.

Despite these reports, Abu Dhabi Police had not issued a public statement on the legal status of those involved at the time of publication. It remains unclear whether they are still being held or whether any formal charges have been filed.

The incident follows a long-running dispute between Dvalishvili and the Nurmagomedov family. At UFC 311 in January 2025, Dvalishvili defeated Usman’s older brother, Umar Nurmagomedov, by unanimous decision to retain his championship title. Tensions between the two sides have continued in recent months, with both verbal and physical confrontations.

Dvalishvili is scheduled to face Marlon Moraes on Saturday, November 14, at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi as part of the Real American Freestyle wrestling event. Umar Nurmagomedov is also due to compete, while Usman Nurmagomedov is not listed among the participants.

Event organisers said they would answer questions about the incident at a news conference on Thursday. Dvalishvili’s bout has not been cancelled.