Islam Makhachev Defends Usman Nurmagomedov After Abu Dhabi Attack Bloodies 2
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Nov 11
Islam Makhachev Defends Usman Nurmagomedov After Abu Dhabi Attack Bloodies 2
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Nov 11
Summary
Islam Makhachev said on Instagram that Merab Dvalishvili "started" the Abu Dhabi hotel-lobby melee, defending Usman Nurmagomedov after video showed Dvalishvili and a friend bloodied.
Makhachev tied the attack to July's backstage clash in Tbilisi, where Dvalishvili slapped Ahmed Gadzhimagomedov and, he said, insulted a Dagestani guest in his homeland.
The brawl capped a longer feud between Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov dating to UFC 311 in January 2025, when Dvalishvili beat Umar by unanimous decision.
Saturday's RAF wrestling card in Abu Dhabi could still be affected: Dvalishvili is set to face Marlon Moraes, while Umar Nurmagomedov is expected to meet Urijah Faber.