Dvalishvili Alleges Attack by Nurmagomedov’s Group in Abu Dhabi

What was reported

November 11, 2026, 3:40 p.m. Central time.

Former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili says Usman Nurmagomedov and others attacked him and a companion during a media event in Abu Dhabi ahead of a Real American Freestyle wrestling card.

CBS Sports reported that video of the confrontation circulated and that Dvalishvili later appeared in a video while receiving medical attention. CBS said he and his companion appeared bloodied and bruised; the extent of any injuries was not independently established.

The account and the video

Dvalishvili said the group approached from behind as he was giving an interview. The National, reporting from the region, described footage of an altercation at a hotel lobby.

The circumstances leading to the confrontation remain unclear. Pugna MMA reported that it had not seen a response from Nurmagomedov’s side as of its reporting. Newstro did not independently review the original X videos or contact the parties.

Fight-week context

The event came ahead of a scheduled Real American Freestyle card in Abu Dhabi. Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov have previously competed against one another in the UFC; Usman and Umar are brothers, The National reported.

Reports have not established a full account of what preceded the confrontation. Whether it will affect Dvalishvili’s scheduled appearance remains unclear, MMA Junkie reported.

Timeline

November 11, 2026: Dvalishvili described the confrontation and news outlets reported video. November 14: The Abu Dhabi wrestling card was scheduled, according to The National.

Where

The star marks the approximate Abu Dhabi area, not a specific hotel.

Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.

Sources and visual credits

CBS Sports: account and video · The National: Abu Dhabi reporting · Pugna MMA: response status

Hero and thumbnail: conceptual editorial illustration, not a photograph.